Mansi Gupta is pursuing her master of science in business analytics & information management and is expected to graduate in May, 2025. Gupta, originally from India, shared why she chose to continue her studies at Lerner, and all of the opportunities the program has provided for her so far.
Gupta said, “I chose UD Lerner for its STEM-focused business programs, career opportunities, and global community. Through on-campus part-time jobs, GA roles, scholarships, a JPMC internship, and alumni mentorship, I gained real-world experience while building a diverse network. Lerner’s career services and leadership opportunities helped shape my success. Studying here has been truly transformative, and I’m proud to be a Blue Hen!”
Lerner: Why did you go back to pursue your graduate degree? Why did you choose Lerner College for your studies?
Gupta: Being the first in my family to study abroad was a dream come true – not just for me, but for my parents, who always encouraged me to aim high. Despite getting into higher-ranked universities with instant scholarships, I chose UD Lerner because of its unique mix of on-campus opportunities, financial support, and vibrant community. A current student assured me that GA positions, part-time jobs, and networking events made Lerner a place where students could truly grow – and that decision changed my life.
Lerner: What opportunities have you gained through Lerner that you wouldn’t have had access to anywhere else?
Gupta: Shortly after arriving, I landed a part-time job at the Lerner Dean’s Office, where I helped develop the Sedona system for faculty to track their accomplishments. This role not only provided solid hourly pay, which helped me manage my rent, but also gave me hands-on experience in a professional environment. Sarah Dix and Dr. Andrea Everard were incredibly supportive, guiding me toward a graduate assistantship (GA) that offered a 50% tuition waiver and health insurance subsidy. That moment was life-changing – I remember calling my parents with happy tears.
Lerner: Please describe your experience with UD Lerner’s Career Services department.
Gupta: One of the most valuable aspects of my Lerner experience was the Career Services team. Unlike many universities where job placements are uncertain, Lerner connected us directly with top companies like JPMorgan Chase, Barclays, and ChristianaCare. Thanks to the Graduate Internship Program (GIP), I received three offers and chose a one-year internship at JPMorgan Chase, which gave me unparalleled exposure to the financial industry.
Lerner also supports students beyond job placements. The Lerner Professional Attire Fund provides $200 in financial support to help students purchase business attire for interviews, internships, and leadership roles.
Additionally, the Lerner Mentorship Program paired me with an industry expert, a director of project management, who has mentored me for over a year and even helped me secure an internship. Through the Lerner Edge Program, I had the opportunity to meet the VP of Amazon Logistics, gaining insights into global supply chain operations.
Lerner: Please describe any leadership experience you have had during your time at Lerner.
Gupta: As President of the Business Analytics and Information Management (BAIM) Graduate Student Association, I organized networking events with alumni, connecting students to industry leaders. Lerner alumni love our department and what it has done for them—they are always willing to give back whenever we reach out.
One of my most memorable experiences was leading Phillies Sports Analytics Night, where I worked with students from diverse backgrounds—Africans, Pakistanis, Indians, Chinese, and Americans—creating a truly global learning environment. Together, we explored Python, SQL, and real-world analytics applications in sports, while also learning about each other’s cultures, perspectives, and professional experiences.
Lerner: Please share your favorite classes from your time at Lerner.
Gupta: Coming from a non-technical background, I carefully selected courses that would develop my analytical skills while also enhancing my business acumen. Here are my top courses at UD Lerner:
- SQL and Database Design (Dr. Mark Serva) – A game-changer in building data management and SQL skills. The hands-on learning experience made it one of the most valuable courses I’ve taken.
- Fundamentals of Business Analytics (Dr. Hemant Kher) – Helped bridge the gap between statistics, probability, and real-world analytics, making it an excellent course for transitioning into analytics.
- Big Data Technologies (Dr. Guido Geerts) – Focused on Power BI and problem-solving with big data, teaching how to extract business insights, not just use tools.
- Dashboard Design and Storytelling (Anatoliy Anguelov) – Introduced Alteryx for data preparation and visualization, emphasizing creating compelling data narratives—a crucial skill in analytics.
- Information Technology and Organizational Effectiveness (Dr. Andrea Everard) – A perfect balance of technical and business acumen, highlighting cross-department collaboration, structured communication, and leadership in tech-driven environments.
- AI in Higher Education (Dr. Mark Serva) – Explored how AI is shaping education and led to a seminar with faculty and students on AI’s role in the classroom.
Lerner: Fill in this sentence: “Lerner provided me with…”
Gupta: Lerner provided me with a career, a community, and a lifelong support system. The guidance from faculty, career services, and alumni shaped my journey, and I’m incredibly proud to be a Lerner Blue Hen.