A native of Hyderabad, India, Mansi Gupta is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with a master’s of science in business analytics and information management.
Gupta was nominated for this series by Academic Program Coordinator Sarah Dix, who said, “Mansi is interning at Chase after fending off multiple offers – a born leader.”
In this profile, Gupta shares 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?
Gupta: When I first came to UD, I was honestly a total mommy’s girl. Even though I had helped launch a product at the world’s biggest tech showcase, CES, I didn’t know how to cook, had never lived alone, and never really had to take care of myself – my mom used to feed me with her own hands. Fast forward to now, and I’m proud to say I’ve grown into someone who can not only take care of herself, but could probably manage a team of four too — and survive just fine in a new country! I even traveled across Europe during the holidays, something I never imagined doing on my own. I used to think I wasn’t a “coding person.” But I took that as a challenge – and today at JPMorgan Chase, I literally spend my days coding in multiple languages. I’ve realized there’s nothing you can’t learn or do when you truly set your mind to it. But beyond all the skills and achievements, the relationships I’ve built here – with peers, professors, and mentors – are what I’ll cherish the most. This journey has made me stronger, braver, and more grounded. That little girl who once doubted herself? She’s now unstoppable.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Gupta: Honestly, one of the hardest things was realizing that not everyone you think is your friend will be happy when you start getting ahead. It took me a while, but I’ve learned that all you can do is give your 1000%, stay kind, and keep growing – while lifting others up too. Managing everything alone – cooking, my health, mental health – was tough, especially since I’d never lived by myself before. And applying for jobs was honestly painful at times. So many rejections. But I kept going, learned from every experience, and didn’t give up until I got there. What really pushed me through was the responsibility I feel for my family and our dreams. That’s always been bigger than any challenge. I never focused on the outcome – just on doing my absolute best every day with no regrets. And when you do that, the results somehow find their way to you.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Gupta: My favorite signature UD experiences were definitely a mix of adventure, creativity, and challenge. I absolutely loved being part of the environmental and outing clubs – we went dolphin watching, camping in the Appalachians, biking, hiking, caving, and even to the zoo! It was such a beautiful way to explore nature and connect with people outside the classroom. Another highlight was the exclusive Lerner Carol A. Ammon Case Competition – it pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow so much in such a short time. I’m really passionate about problem-solving, and this experience was intense but incredibly rewarding. And as someone who loves music and the arts, getting free student tickets to the School of Music’s concerts and The Music Schools – Players Concert Series was such a treat. Those performances were breathtaking and reminded me how much I love creativity. I’m just grateful UD gave me all of it – nature, adventure, art, and competition – all in one place.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Gupta: Yes – Sarah Dix and Andrea Everard have truly been like family to me since day one. They’ve constantly pushed me to take on new challenges, participate in everything I could, and step into leadership roles. They believed in me even when I doubted myself, and they trusted me with responsibilities that helped me grow tremendously. More than that, during some of my hardest personal moments, they were there like a pillar – always supportive, always kind. I genuinely don’t think I’d be where I am today without their incredible faith in me, their openness, and the care and opportunities they offer to students. If you ever get a chance to connect with them – do it. They’re the kind of mentors who change lives.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Gupta: To me, being a Lifelong Lerner means carrying the spirit of growth, curiosity, and resilience wherever life takes me. It’s not just about the degrees or the time spent in class — it’s about the mindset UD helped build in me: to never stop learning, unlearning, and evolving. It means staying hungry for knowledge, staying grounded in community, and lifting others as you grow. From launching a product at CES to coding full-time at JPMorgan Chase, to surviving alone in a new country – every experience has been shaped by what I’ve learned here, and how I’ve learned to keep going no matter what. Being a Lifelong Lerner means I’ll never stop challenging myself – and I’ll never forget where that journey truly began.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Gupta: Say yes to every opportunity – even the ones that scare you or the ones you think you might fail at. You never really fail, you just learn and grow. Participate in as many things as you can, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t wait for the “perfect moment” – just show up and try. Talk to people. Build genuine relationships. Network not just to get ahead, but to learn from others and uplift them too. Some of the best things in college happen when you least expect them – but only if you’re out there, giving your best and staying open to the magic. Give your 1000%, always – and trust that it’ll come back to you in ways you can’t even imagine yet.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Gupta: After graduation, I’ll be joining Sallie Mae as a senior manager, data analytics, working on making student loans more accessible. Just like one company believed in me and gave me a chance, I want to help more students access opportunities that can change their lives. On a personal note, I’m hoping to have my family visit me soon – they’ve been my biggest support system. I also want to travel the world and soak in every bit of it. Europe and the U.S. have so much to offer, and I want to explore every corner I can. It’s just the beginning of a whole new adventure!