As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2025, Rinchen Tsering, MBA graduate in business analytics who is Tibetan but was born in Nepal, has thoroughly demonstrated his excellence and dedication during his time at UD.
Tsering was nominated for this series by Academic Program Manager Andrea Hartman.
In this profile, Tsering 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?
Tsering: Since my first semester at UD, I feel that my perspective has broadened, but my mindset has shifted from broad exploration to strategic focus when it comes to academia. While I initially immersed myself in a wide range of programs and opportunities to gain exposure, I’ve since refined my approach to prioritize those that align most closely with my long-term goals. This intentionality has allowed me to optimize my productivity, deliver quality work, and contribute more meaningfully in professional settings. I’ve also grown more confident in articulating my ideas and taking initiative, which has strengthened my ability to lead, collaborate, contribute, and foster purposeful connections across diverse environments.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Tsering: One of the biggest challenges I faced in college was adjusting to life away from home. The distance presented both emotional and practical hurdles, but it ultimately helped me grow more independent. At the same time, balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal time proved overwhelming at first. Over time, I learned to prioritize effectively and develop better time management skills. Tibetan Buddhist meditation helped me maintain calm and focus, managing stress and approaching challenges with a clearer mindset. Also, I participated in the Lerner Mentorship Program and my mentor Maria has been very influential in seeing things from a broader perspective and being comfortable with authenticity.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Tsering: My favorite signature UD experience was attending the Amplify Leadership Conference. Nyle DiMarco’s keynote speech left a deep impression on me. His authenticity and strong sense of responsibility toward his community made me reflect on what kind of leader I aspire to be. I also really enjoyed attending evening basketball games at the Bob Carpenter Center, working out at the Little Bob, and taking late-night walks on Main Street. These moments, in their own way, made my time at UD memorable and personal.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Tsering: Andrea Hartman has been a steady presence throughout my time at Lerner, offering thoughtful advice that helped me navigate academic decisions and broader career goals. Professor Junbo Son brought analytics to life in his decision analytics & visualization course through a creative teaching style and a genuine effort to connect course material with students’ interests. His class not only enhanced my R programming skills but also transformed how I approach technical concepts.
Beyond the classroom, working with Garry Johnson III as an NSF I-Corps Venture Associate at Horn Entrepreneurship taught me the subtle power of entrepreneurial leadership. From observing his approach, I learned that meaningful impact often comes from listening deeply and leading with quiet confidence. In this role, I also had the privilege of working with numerous research-based academics with an entrepreneurial mindset. I supported many of them by sharing information about I-Corps programs like Propelus and Novus, and by guiding them through the early commercialization process up to their invention disclosure stage. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to collaborate with such a talented and innovative group, and I feel honored to have contributed to their journeys.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Tsering: I’ve identified as a lifelong learner since well before my time at UD, and that core identity remains unchanged. What has transformed, though, is what it now means to me. As a student at Lerner College, I’ve become a “Lifelong Lerner,” not just someone dedicated to personal and intellectual growth, but someone who belongs to a community that shares and supports that commitment for life. With broad interests and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of disciplines, I remain dedicated in exploring whatever sparks my curiosity.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Tsering: My advice to incoming freshmen is to remember that while excelling in your studies is important, building connections outside of your classroom or department is just as essential. You don’t need to dive into big networking events or extreme activities. Sometimes, simply showing up, whether at a social event or a casual study group, can open doors to meaningful relationships, new interests, and opportunities that will shape your college experience.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Tsering: Following graduation, my goal is to blend my professional aspirations with my cultural responsibilities. Having worked as an investment analyst in a private equity and venture capital firm, I’ve developed a strong interest in applying data science to the world of finance, particularly in using data-driven insights to inform investment decisions and market strategies. However, as a Tibetan, I also feel a deep sense of responsibility toward my community. Upon graduation, I plan to travel to India in hopes of receiving blessings once more from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. This journey will be an opportunity for personal growth and reflection. Ultimately, I aim to strike a balance between advancing a career at the intersection of finance and analytics and fulfilling my responsibilities toward Tibet.