As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2021, Erica Santos, a master of business analytics candidate from Queens, New York, has not had the typical final year or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus pandemic. Santos, and her entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
In this profile, Santos shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Santos: I have gained valuable skills that have enhanced the business education I received in my undergraduate coursework at UD. Since I started my MBA coursework, I quickly noticed a difference in how I approach challenges at work.
Lerner: What is your favorite place at UD?
Santos: My favorite spot on campus is the fountain on the South Green, where early in my MBA studies, my fiancé asked me to marry him. Later this year, we will become Double Dels!
Lerner: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Santos: I enjoyed the material covered during my Business Analytics Capstone taught by Adam Fleischhacker. It was very challenging, however, very rewarding as I was able to get hands-on experience by developing solutions with my classmates. It also became memorable because I completed the class in the Spring of 2020. While we didn’t finish the class together in person, I was impressed by the resilience of our class and professor.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Santos: As an alumna of UD (AS ’14, BE ’14), I always love Alumni Weekend. It is the perfect weekend to get together with my friends and fellow Blue Hens. As a graduate student, I was able to share my experience being back in the classroom with those thinking about starting a graduate degree.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Santos: It means that I will constantly educate myself either in or out of the classroom. As I completed each course in the MBA business analytics curriculum I found myself learning just as much during the lectures as I did with my classmates. I loved working with my classmates who have varying levels of work and educational experience.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Santos: I will continue working at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and utilize the new skills I have learned in future projects.