As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2023, Zach Kramer, a finance and management information systems double major from Oceanport, New Jersey, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience during his time at UD.
Kramer was nominated for this series by UD Instructor of Management Information Systems and Director of Technology Projects Ryan Rodalunas, who said, “Zach is an incredibly hardworking student and young professional. I’ve had the pleasure of being both Zach’s professor for two courses and as Faculty Advisor for Delta Sigma Pi during his term as president. I first met Zach when he was a sophomore and have seen him evolve into a business leader that challenges himself to grow both personally and professionally. I look forward to seeing all of the great things Zach accomplishes in the future!”
In this profile, Kramer 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?
Kramer: I have grown a lot, personally and professionally, since my first semester at UD. When beginning at UD, I had yet to decide what I wanted to study or where I wanted to land beyond my four years here. However, I have made so many excellent connections with professors, learned how to network, and found a niche that I am incredibly excited to work in after graduation.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Kramer: One of the challenges I faced here at UD was an athletics-based injury when I was on the men’s crew team that unfortunately led to the end of my rowing career in college. I overcame this by joining other organizations on campus and getting more involved in the Lerner community.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Kramer: My favorite experience at UD was joining Delta Sigma Pi. I rushed Delta Sigma Pi my sophomore year and immediately knew I found my home within the Lerner community. It led me to develop so many close friendships and bonds and helped me grow so much professionally. It pushed me out of my comfort zone to meet new people and experience new parts of the business world that I would never have had without DSP.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Kramer: Being a Lifelong Lerner means leveraging all of the information I have learned over the last four years and creating new and exciting opportunities for myself, my peers, and future graduates of Lerner. I am so grateful for the fantastic community of students and faculty who made my Lerner experience unforgettable. I plan to stay involved as an alumnus and give back to the many professors and organizations that helped me grow at UD.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Kramer: Get involved! There are so many amazing organizations on campus that have great students and faculty running them. Getting to know the leaders of the organizations and faculty that support them based on your interest will help your college experience.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Kramer: Yes, there have been two outstanding Lerner professors that have had a profound impact on me. Dr. Rodalunas has greatly impacted me since I took his class in the first semester of my sophomore year. Since then, he has helped mentor me through my college experience and beyond. He is always offering help and guiding me from technical areas of MIS to leadership in Lerner and beyond.
Dr. Andrea Everard has also had a profound impact on my experience. Her class on leadership in management information systems was terrific. She is also a fantastic professor who truly cares about her students and is happy to take the time to help them become more impactful leaders in their organizations and communities. She has personally mentored me and helped me be a more impactful leader as the president of Delta Sigma Pi and as a leader in other organizations.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Kramer: After graduation, I am planning on traveling with my family to Europe! After that, I will be joining Stifel in New York City, as a custom credit-private bank lending analyst.