A native of Mount Olive, N.J., Prachi Rao is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with her MBA in business analytics and master’s of science in management information systems. Rao was nominated for this series by Academic Program Manager Andrea Hartman. In this profile, Rao 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?
Rao: I have grown a lot since my first semester at UD, both in terms of who I am and what I want to do in life. Looking back, I am a completely different person now. I have developed the strength and dedication it took to push through challenges and stay focused, which helped me graduate early. That growth has shaped me into someone more confident and driven.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Rao: During grad school, one of my biggest challenges was questioning if I had made the right decision going straight from undergrad without any work experience. It was difficult not to compare myself to peers who had taken different paths, and I often struggled with how to navigate that uncertainty. Starting over in a new environment with unfamiliar faces added to the pressure, especially while trying to balance everything on my shoulders. But I stayed focused on my goals, reminded myself of the reasons I took this step, and kept pushing forward. In the end, I proved to myself what I was capable of.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Rao: One of my favorite UD experiences was during my internship at Lerner, especially working the Decision Days. I loved talking with prospective students who were so excited and eager to start their college journey. Being able to share advice, answer their questions, and help shape how they saw this next chapter was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me of how special this experience is and made me proud to be part of their first steps into something so meaningful.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Rao: Every single professor I had at UD played a part in helping me get to where I am today. They supported me in different ways, whether it was patiently helping me understand complex coding concepts or guiding me through tough accounting material. Their encouragement and willingness to see me succeed made a huge difference in my journey and helped me achieve the growth and success I am proud of today.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Rao: To me, being a Lifelong Lerner means always striving to grow, both personally and professionally. It is about carrying the values, knowledge, and experiences I gained at Lerner into everything I do, no matter where life takes me. It means staying curious, continuing to learn, and using what I have learned to make a positive impact on the people and communities around me.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Rao: My advice to incoming freshmen is to live in the moment and really soak it all in. My first semester of college was one of the best times of my life, and that only happened because I allowed myself to try new things and step out of my comfort zone. Say yes to opportunities, meet new people, and make memories – but also stay focused. College comes with a lot of freedom, but do not let that distract you from your bigger goal. Keep your eyes on the prize, work hard, and enjoy the journey along the way.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Rao: Following graduation, I will be focusing on application and product development on a project I am excited about. I am thrilled to contribute to building something from the ground up and to apply what I have learned in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.