As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2026, Justin Farquhar completed an MBA with a concentration in artificial intelligence through a 4+1 program after earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in mathematics in 2025. A native of Newark, Del., he has thoroughly demonstrated his excellence and dedication during his time at UD.
Farquhar was nominated for this series by Academic Program Manager Andrea Hartman and Professor of Marketing and Interim Chairperson Michal Herzenstein who said, “Justin is one of the best students I have had in a long time. He is a mechanical engineering undergrad who is doing an MBA.”
In this profile, Farquhar 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?
Farquhar: I think I have changed for the better in so many ways since my first semester at UD, and the word I would highlight is growth. I have grown educationally, earning two degrees in two different fields through the 4+1 program; professionally, through meaningful work and internship experiences; and personally, forming lifelong friendships and relationships. Perhaps most importantly, I have grown to understand myself better, learning what I am passionate about and what I am not, which I think is one of the most valuable things a college experience can give you.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Farquhar: When I first came to UD, I was undecided and genuinely unsure not just about what to major in, but about what I wanted to do with my life. The most effective strategy I found for working through that uncertainty was leaning on the people I trusted most. I talked to my family, particularly my older brother who is a UD alumnus, as well as friends, upperclassmen and others I looked up to. Hearing their perspectives and experiences helped me figure out a path that made the most sense for me, and I am very grateful for that.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Farquhar: My favorite signature UD experience was studying abroad in Italy during the winter session of my junior year. I met other incredible students I never would have crossed paths with otherwise, got the chance to experience a completely new culture for a month and created memories I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Farquhar: My marketing professor, Dr. Herzenstein, had a big impact on my time at UD. Beyond teaching a great course, she was genuinely accessible and supportive outside of class. When I was working on an entrepreneurial side project, she offered personal guidance and connected me with others who could help, which ultimately led me to participate in “Hen Hatch,” UD’s startup competition.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Farquhar: I really like the term “Lifelong Lerner,” and I think it does a great job emphasizing the importance of continual learning. I believe that mindset has always been a valuable one, but it feels especially valuable right now as technology feels like it is advancing and changing so rapidly that the landscape may look completely different from one year to the next. So, to me, being a “Lifelong Lerner” means committing to a growth mindset in life, both professionally and personally.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Farquhar: My advice would be to get involved with as many things as possible, and to start sooner than you think you need to. Honestly, I did not take this advice early in my own college experience, and it is something I genuinely regret. It was not until later that I started saying yes to things: studying abroad in Italy, joining a consulting club, participating in the graduate student government, competing in the startup competition “Hen Hatch,” and more. Each of those experiences taught me something new, introduced me to people I would not have met otherwise, and even helped me identify what I did not want, which turned out to be just as valuable. Do not wait.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Farquhar: After graduating, I will be moving to the DC area and joining Capital One as a business analyst in their Analyst Development Program, a two-year rotational program. I am very excited about this opportunity, and I am looking forward to continuing to grow and truly become a “Lifelong Lerner.”