Luai Amoorah, native of Newark, Del., is a Strategy Analyst – Student Loan Pricing with Sallie Mae and earned his MBA in business analytics from Lerner in Spring 2023. Amoorah shared why his chose Lerner for his grad studies and his future plans.
Lerner: Why did you go back to pursue your graduate degree? Why did you choose the Lerner College for your studies?
Amoorah: As an Industrial Engineer with five years of experience in Jordan, I decided it was the time pursue my MBA degree to further enhance my knowledge and skills in the field and opening new career opportunities. I chose the Lerner College for its reputable business analytics program, experienced faculty, and the potential for networking and professional growth.
Lerner: What did you learn through this opportunity that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
Amoorah: Through my MBA program at Lerner College, I gained access to cutting-edge techniques and real-world case studies that provided practical insights into business analytics. The combination of academic learning and industry experience enriched my understanding in a way that wouldn’t have been possible elsewhere.
Lerner: Please share an example of a course or concept that you were able to apply directly to your life and/or career.
Amoorah: One course that significantly impacted my career was Database Design (ACCT 604). I directly applied the concepts and skills learned in this course to improve data management and analysis at my job at Sallie Mae, leading to more efficient decision-making processes.
Lerner: Describe an important connection you have made through your graduate program (personal, professional, peers, mentors, professors, etc.)
Amoorah: During my graduate assistantship with the Lerner College, I had the opportunity to work closely with a professor who became my mentor. His guidance and support helped me navigate challenges and make informed career decisions, making this connection invaluable to my personal and professional growth. He is still an important mentor to me even after graduation.
Lerner: If you were to describe your classmates in one word, what would that be and why?
Amoorah: Diverse. The varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of my classmates enriched class discussions and group projects, creating a dynamic learning environment.
Lerner: How did you balance your career with your studies?
Amoorah: Balancing my graduate assistantship and later my internship with Sallie Mae with my studies required careful time management, prioritization, and dedication. I made use of weekends and evenings to study, and my workplace’s supportive culture allowed for some flexibility when needed.
Lerner: Fill in this sentence: “My graduate program helped me become…”
Amoorah: My graduate program helped me become a well-rounded business analytics professional equipped with practical expertise and strategic thinking, able to tackle complex challenges in the business world.
Lerner: What was the most impactful hands-on project or case competition that you were able to participate in?
Amoorah: The most impactful hands-on project I participated in was the Business Analytics Capstone Project. It allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge learnt throughout my MBA to solve a business problem, enhancing my problem-solving abilities and presentation skills.
Lerner: What are your plans or next steps for the future?
Amoorah: My next steps for the future involve continuing my career at Sallie Mae, advancing my expertise in business analytics and hopefully reaching higher-level roles and increased responsibilities within the company.