A native of India, Sai H. Mandapaka is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with an MBA in business analytics.
Mandapaka was nominated for this series by Academic Program Manager Andrea Hartman, who said, “Sai is pursuing an MBA with a business analytics major and has a 3.845 GPA! He is the winner of the Carol Ammon Case Competition for 2024 and 2025 hosted by Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics and the outreach manager at the MBA Student Association. He has also received numerous awards like the spot award and Scaling Everest award and has been recognized by senior management for implementing ideas which removed bad actors and increased efficiency of the catalog.”
In this profile, Mandapaka 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?
Mandapaka: Since my first semester at UD, I’ve become more confident, focused, and proactive. Initially, I was adjusting to the academic workload and hesitant about networking. Over time, I learned to manage my time better, seek out leadership and learning opportunities, and build meaningful connections. I’ve grown from simply navigating grad school to actively shaping my experience and future.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Mandapaka: One of the biggest challenges I faced during my graduate experience was managing my time effectively while juggling multiple priorities – coursework, research, a part-time job, and networking for post-graduation opportunities. In the early stages, I often felt overwhelmed and found myself working late nights just to stay afloat.
To overcome this, I developed a system that helped me stay organized and focused. I began to plan ahead and stay on track to deadlines and prioritize tasks. I also learned to say “no” when necessary and to set boundaries around my time. Importantly, I leaned on my support network – professors, peers, and mentors – who offered guidance and helped me stay grounded.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Mandapaka: My best experience was when I won the Carol Ammon Case Competition twice. It was a great experience and I have learned a lot.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Mandapaka: Yes, Dr. (Jack) Baroudi and my mentor Barry Baird were amazing and taught me a lot of the real-world scenarios on how to manage a team and how teams work in real life. My mentor really should get the credit as he taught me what it means to be a manager and how to manage interpersonal relationships across the company.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Mandapaka: Being a “Lifelong Learner” means embracing curiosity and continuously seeking growth – both personally and professionally – regardless of age, achievements, or career stage. It’s about staying open to new ideas, adapting to change, and viewing every experience, success, or setback as an opportunity to improve.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Mandapaka: If I could give one piece of advice to incoming freshmen, it would to be intentional and curious. College is more than just classes – it’s a rare time to explore who you are, what you’re passionate about, and how you want to grow.
Take the time to build meaningful relationships with your professors, classmates, and mentors. These connections can open unexpected doors. Get involved in clubs, organizations, or events that challenge you or align with your interests – it’s often outside the classroom where the most personal growth happens.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Mandapaka: Following graduation, my primary goal is to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to a role where I can create meaningful impact – particularly at the intersection of business management and analytics or consulting on a project. I’m currently exploring opportunities in consulting, where I can continue learning while contributing to real-world problem solving.
Beyond a job title, I hope to keep growing as a leader and collaborator – someone who adds value not just through technical expertise but also through empathy, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. I’m also committed to remaining a lifelong learner, pursuing professional development and staying engaged in mentorship and community-building.