Bruce Wayne lives in Wilmington, Delaware and works as an analyst at Honda, in addition to being an MBA and master of science in international business candidate at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. Wayne, who plans to graduate in 2020, shared his experience choosing Lerner graduate programs and how this has impacted him both personally and professionally.
Q: Why did you go back to school to pursue your graduate degree? Why did you choose the Lerner College for your studies?
Wayne: I applied to graduate school to create more opportunities for furthering my career, and I was recommended to apply to Lerner College by my employer. Having attended UD for undergraduate studies in health sciences may have also influenced me to focus on and choose Lerner.
Q: What did you learn through this opportunity that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
Wayne: I learned how to formally present professional solutions and implementation processes that have the ability to change a company or organization.
Q: What is an example of a course or concept that you were able to apply directly to your life and/or career?
Wayne: Concepts from accounting, finance and operations management are a part of my everyday role as an analyst for Honda. I am hoping to be able to utilize concepts from corporate strategy and international business as I further my career.
Q: Can you describe an important connection you have made through your graduate program?
Wayne: Having the ability to meet Dean Bruce Weber, learn from Professor Jack Baroudi in an actual class, visit and receive guidance from our Program Director Amy Estey in person and receive the lessons of each and every dedicated professor in the program was memorable. The entire faculty and staff are an amazing team, and I feel lucky to have had the chance to be a part of the program with such support.
Q: If you were to describe your classmates in one word, what would that be?
Wayne: Talented. I have met so many students that come from such varied backgrounds who possess vastly different skills. I have tried to pick up many of these skills from them and I truly believe they have molded me into the person I am today.
Q: How do you balance your career with your studies?
Wayne: With the support of my lovely wife, Ileana, and my family. I would not have been able to keep that balance without such support.
Q: Fill in this sentence: “My graduate program helped me become…”
Wayne: focused, informed and capable of making a difference.
Q: What was the most impactful hands-on project or case competition that you were able to participate in?
Wayne: Every case competition has been very impactful, but the Baylor University Ethics Case Competition provided an opportunity to research the company PG&E, which was truly eye opening. I am hoping to utilize the lessons from that case to improve potential ethical pitfalls in my career.
Q: What are your plans or next steps for the future?
Wayne: I am planning to relocate for a new job opportunity after graduating in May. Thank you so much for allowing me to share my story.