A native of Bangladesh, Fardin Sabahat Khan is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with an M.S. in business analytics and information management.
Khan was nominated for this series by Academic Program Coordinator Sarah Dix, who said, “Fardin is a true scholar – he’s been published multiple times while in the program and is a superhuman being!”
In this profile, Khan 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?
Khan: When I first arrived at UD, I was driven but uncertain about how to channel my ambitions effectively. Over these transformative years, I’ve evolved into a confident leader who actively shapes our community – mentoring fellow students as a teaching assistant, steering the BAIM Graduate Student Association as VP of Operations, and representing our class across multiple academic and professional platforms. The most profound change has been internal: I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty as opportunity, take initiative when others hesitate, and trust in my ability to create meaningful impact wherever I go.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Khan: Navigating life as an international student presented significant challenges – from adapting to American academic expectations to building a sense of belonging thousands of miles from home. The initial cultural adjustment and academic pressure sometimes felt overwhelming. I overcame these obstacles by intentionally stepping outside my comfort zone – joining campus organizations, forming genuine connections with diverse peers and supportive faculty, and gradually taking on leadership roles that leveraged my unique perspective. These deliberate efforts transformed challenges into strengths, helping me build a robust support network and develop resilience that serves me in all aspects of life.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Khan: It’s impossible to choose just one – every experience at UD has shaped me in unique ways. The Lerner Mentorship Program stands out for connecting me with my mentor, John Panico, who played a pivotal role in helping me transition from academia to industry. Being actively involved in UD events, registered student organizations, and organizing and supporting BAIM GSA events gave me a platform to lead, collaborate, and grow with an inspiring community. Each experience enriched my time here and made UD feel like home.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Khan: Professor Andrea Everard and Sarah Dix had a profound impact on my journey. Andrea’s mentorship guided me through academic activities, research initiatives, and important career decisions. She believed in me when I needed it most and helped me stay grounded and focused throughout my time at UD. Sarah was truly my go-to person for everything – whether it was resolving issues, answering questions, or offering motivation during tough times. Their support shaped my entire experience and made me feel like I truly belonged.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Khan: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means embracing continuous growth beyond graduation – carrying forward the innovative mindset and ethical leadership principles from my time at UD into every professional challenge. It’s about seeing each obstacle as an opportunity to apply my education in new ways, while maintaining the curiosity and collaborative spirit that defined my university experience. For me, this identity isn’t just about what I learned, but how I continue to learn, adapt, and contribute value throughout my career journey.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Khan: Treat your comfort zone as a starting point, not a home. While many students wait for an opportunity to find them, I discovered that college rewards those who deliberately place themselves at the edges of their capabilities. The difference between a transcript and a transformative education comes from those moments when you choose the harder conversation, the unfamiliar project, or the challenging leadership role that makes your pulse quicken. Your greatest growth awaits in precisely those situations you’re tempted to avoid – so run toward the unfamiliar, build relationships with those who challenge your thinking, and remember that showing up consistently, even when it’s difficult, is the foundation of all meaningful achievement.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Khan: I’m currently deciding between two exciting paths – entering the industry to apply my skills in a real-world setting or pursuing a Ph.D. to continue my academic and research journey. Both options align with my long-term goal of driving innovation in technology and analytics, and I’m carefully considering which path will offer the best opportunity to make a meaningful impact.