Tosin Idowu-Kunlere is from Nigeria and is pursuing a dual MBA and M.S. in Business Analytics and Information Management at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. As a member of the Class of 2025, Tosin brings a strong background in data science, marketing and financial services. Prior to graduate school, she worked at Nigeria’s largest retail bank, where she focused on performance optimization, customer engagement and strategic business growth. At Lerner, she is building the advanced skills and cross-functional knowledge needed to transform data into strategic action.
Lerner: Why did you go back to pursue your graduate degree? Why did you choose the Lerner College for your studies?
Idowu-Kunlere: Working in financial services, I saw firsthand how data can inform smarter decisions. But to increase my impact, I realized I needed to deepen my capabilities in business analytics and strategic leadership. Lerner’s dual-degree program was a perfect fit. It offered the rare opportunity to build both technical and business skills in a flexible and supportive environment. I was especially drawn to Lerner’s focus on innovation, practical learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Lerner: What did you learn through this opportunity that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
Idowu-Kunlere: The program has been truly transformative. Courses like Visual Analytics and Optimization have introduced me to powerful tools and models, while classes like Corporate Strategy and Marketing pushed me creatively and helped me better understand how businesses operate. Beyond the classroom, the culture of collaboration and the mentorship I’ve received have helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.
Lerner: Please share an example of a course or concept that you were able to apply directly to your life and/or career.
Idowu-Kunlere: Participating in the Carol A. Ammon Case Competition gave me the chance to apply everything I was learning in a real-world setting. Working in teams to tackle real business problems helped strengthen both my analytical and strategic thinking skills. It was one of the most enriching parts of my Lerner experience so far.
Lerner: Describe an important connection you have made through your graduate program.
Idowu-Kunlere: Ashley Chance, my mentor through the Lerner Executive Mentoring Program, has been instrumental in helping me clarify and sharpen my professional goals. I also worked as a graduate assistant with Dr. Amanda Bullough, where I had the opportunity to research and publish case studies on African women leaders—an incredibly meaningful project for me. I’m also grateful to have worked with the amazing team at Horn Entrepreneurship, where I’ve been able to support venture development and innovation initiatives.
Lerner: If you were to describe your classmates in one word, what would that be and why?
Idowu-Kunlere: Collaborative. Everyone brings something unique to the table, and I’ve learned so much from working with classmates who have different perspectives and industry backgrounds.
Lerner: How do you balance your career with your studies?
Idowu-Kunlere: It definitely takes discipline. I try to stay ahead by planning my week and setting priorities. Some days are more demanding than others, but I’ve developed time management strategies that help me stay on track while making time for rest and reflection.
Lerner: Fill in this sentence: “My graduate program helped me become…”
Idowu-Kunlere: …a more confident and capable leader—someone who can combine data insights with strategic thinking to make a meaningful difference in business.
Lerner: What was the most impactful hands-on project or case competition that you were able to participate in?
Idowu-Kunlere: The Carol A. Ammon Case Competition stands out. It gave me the chance to work on real challenges and test my ability to think analytically, communicate effectively and collaborate under pressure.
Lerner: What are your plans or next steps for the future?
Idowu-Kunlere: I plan to apply the skills I’ve gained at Lerner to help organizations bridge the gap between data and decision-making. My goal is to continue driving business transformation through analytics and strategy—ultimately creating sustainable value in whatever space I work in.