As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2023, David Hoffman, an MBA candidate with a concentration in finance from Hockessin, Delaware, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience during his time at UD.
Hoffman was nominated for this series by the UD Graduate Programs Department, which said, “We would like to recognize the efforts of David Hoffman who has worked hard to maintain a 4.0 GPA while balancing work and life.”
In his profile, Hoffman shares his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Hoffman: I started the online MBA program one year into COVID and at that point in your twenties when you question everything that’s led you to that point as well as everything in front of you. The combination of these two monumental moments pushed me to grow intellectually, professionally, and emotionally to better myself in nearly all aspects of my life.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Hoffman: I had to juggle working full-time and coordinating around the busy schedules of my fellow classmates who were all in the same situation.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Hoffman: My favorite UD experience was building a community within my cohort and getting to know them beyond what they’re like in a group project. This sense of togetherness, despite only being on Zoom, was one of the driving forces that kept me on track and connected to the program beyond what is normally seen with online courses. However, doing multiple group projects on Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos has to be a close second.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Hoffman: It means accepting that you will never know everything, and that is okay. As long as you continue to push forward and try your best, you will always see growth.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Hoffman: Professors Fei Xie and John Stocker were incredibly influential in my UD experience. They made their finance classes approachable and all about learning, and not about the test. They always made time for assistance and put their students first.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Hoffman: I will continue to work in the medical device space as a health economist.