As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2023, Travis Burke, MBA candidate with concentrations in finance and business analytics from Newark, Delaware, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience during his time at UD.
In this profile, Burke 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?
Burke: During my time in the MBA program I have matured as a person and student. I have become a more confident leader and have learned to quickly take the initiative when things need to get done.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Burke: Time management was constantly on my mind as I juggled family and school. As I progressed through the program, I found myself getting burned out at times. However, keeping my focus on the end goal kept me moving forward. It became a matter of pride to avoid the easy road by settling for a passing grade, and instead continually pushed myself to perform at my highest potential.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Burke: I enjoyed attending Ag Day every year with my family. Each time we pass the ice rink my children tell us that’s where Ag Day is and ask “when can we go again?”
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Burke: Learning is a lifelong process, and UD has given me an unparalleled opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding of the world—with a positive impact on both my professional life and my personal life.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Burke: Learning is an opportunity to grow and become better. An education is far more than just grades—it is about being able to apply the concepts to new problems and scenarios. C’s get degrees but true knowledge and understanding are invaluable.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Burke: There are two professors that stand out during my MBA journey: Dr. John Stocker and Dr. Michal Herzenstein. Dr. Stocker’s financial modeling class was one of my more challenging courses, but I enjoy a good challenge! He consistently urged me to critically think about my questions and potential solutions, which helped me learn far more than if he had just given me answers. Dr. Herzenstein’s marketing management class was the best marking class I have ever taken, and was a far cry from my dismal marketing experience during undergrad. Her focus on application instead of testing—along using real scenarios and processing huge amounts of data—resulted in an eye opening experience and gave me a better appreciation of the value of good marketing.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Burke: I am at a crossroads where I need to decide whether I will continue to stay at home with my family or return to the workforce. Either decision will allow me to apply my newly acquired skills, whether helping raise my children to be better citizens and people or providing value to a company.