A native of Bangladesh currently residing in Claymont, Del., Redwanul Bari graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Bari was nominated for this series by Professor of Accounting Carolyn Levine. In this profile, Bari shares his favorite UD memories, challenges he has overcome and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Bari: I think the first day at UD, starting with the orientation, was definitely intimidating, especially because I was an introvert. I came into college as an undecided in the UD’s Associate in Arts program, unsure of what major to pursue for my bachelor’s degree. Now, at this moment of this response, I know I’ve chosen a wonderful major (accounting), which will open many future doors for me. Besides academics, I have definitely built on social skills and have significantly improved from being an introvert to now an ambivert. I am more confident and have more belief in myself than ever before!
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Bari: One of the most significant challenges I faced during my time at UD was mastering time management while navigating the internal pressure/expectation I placed on my academic performance. Balancing various levels of academic classes with personal life, along with jobs in various settings, all at the same time, just seemed too hard to manage and not really have much time for myself. What made this worse is my anxiety about maintaining the standard – keeping all A’s, which I have kept on track since ninth grade. I learned to overcome these challenges with the help of my family, peers and other online videos. I also changed my mindset to short-term goals, instead of obsessing over the final grade – embracing the fact that I can’t be “Mr. Perfect” all the time. Now, I can certainly say I’m more efficient, less stressed and have a more pleasant mind.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Bari: If I had to pinpoint my signature UD experience, it wouldn’t necessarily be a single, large-scale campus event but rather the cumulative hours spent in various locations on campus. There is a distinct, vibrant energy at UD —especially when walking across The Green on a busy spring day. From attending the career fair, participating in UD’s badminton club tournament, to having conversations with the awesome UD faculty and peers, each had its own significance and signature traits – and I must say I enjoyed them all! Loved my AAP graduation event in and as Class of 2025. One recent yet special event for me would be the Lerner Honors Day 2026, where I was honored with Dean’s Distinction for Academic Excellence & Bruce Evans Memorial Award. Now – looking forward to the bigger achievement celebration – Lerner School of Business Convocation 2026 and Commencement of Class of 2026!!!
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Bari: Reflecting on my time at Lerner College of Business and Economics, it is extremely difficult for me to pick one professor or staff member who had a big impact on my UD experience. From advisor Jeff Gillespie (who’s now retired) planning my academic course sequences for a smooth track to graduation, some professors introducing accounting to me, some professors like Ahmad Rabaai, Asli Basoglu, Prof. Coffin keeping classes fun and interesting, other professors like Dr. Jenkins, Dr. McMartin, Prof. Convery, and Prof. McDougal challenging me through advanced accounting materials, to ACCT chairperson Carolyn Levine nominating me to be one of the UD’s PCAOB Scholars recipients, every faculty member I have interacted with and the ones working tirelessly behind the scenes have had a positive influence on my growth and journey. Without everyone’s support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So THANK YOU to ALL!!!
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Bari: To me, embracing the identity of a ‘Lifelong Lerner’ is not just a normal tribute to the Lerner School of Business; it is also a symbolic representation of commitment to continuous adaptation and learning. The accounting profession is so dynamic – regulations constantly shift, and the tools we rely on are always evolving. My time at UD didn’t just teach me consolidation entries or prepare me for the CPA exam; it taught me that graduation does not mean learning has come to an end. It taught me many valuable (hard and soft) skills that I wouldn’t have been able to develop without this journey. Being a Lifelong Lerner, I will continue to be curious and seek new knowledge and grow alongside the industry where I end up in the future.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Bari: As of the moment of this response, which happens to be also the last class day of my time at UD, with heart, I can say staying around the campus longer whenever possible, between, before, and after classes is something I would do if I had the chance to re-live my time at UD. This would’ve allowed me to make more memorable memories to carry with me for the rest of my life. Note: No cliche intended. This is truly what I am feeling about the college experience here at UD. One more piece of advice I would give is to find a dedicated physical outlet for resetting your mind and avoiding burnout from the course load — like packing up your portable net and shuttlecocks for a competitive game of badminton, etc. Relaxing and an enjoyable mindset is also essential, besides good academic performance (which tends to be the norm expectation).
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Bari: After graduation, my immediate focus will be on tackling the CPA exam. Besides my CPA exam preparation, I am actively pursuing early-career accounting-related job opportunities. While I prefer public accounting or my long-term aspiration to be in the airline industry, I am currently open to any industry where I can launch my career and get experience, applying what I have learned during my time here at UD.