Building a Career and Making Connections

Darius Lane ’25 already earned his undergraduate degree in civil engineering and had his traditional ‘college experience,’ but saw Elmhurst University as the ideal place to enhance it.

Here, he is earning his MBA to further his career, played football to extend his time as a student-athlete and is closer to where he currently lives in Joliet so he can devote more time to his relationships with family. He realized it’s possible to have the best of all his worlds within one student experience.

“I know I can hop on the road and get here in 45 minutes, be able to play the game I love and get a good education,” Lane said.

Lane is working to earn his master of business administration degree with a specialization in project management. Over the course of his studies so far, he has felt supported by faculty who are engaged as active scholars and practitioners. Their open-door policies make him feel comfortable asking questions and learning their best practices to help him succeed.

In Good Hands

During his interview for the program, MBA Program Director Lawrence Brown played an especially significant role in solidifying Lane’s decision to join the Bluejay community.

“The MBA program has been nothing but welcoming, and they push you because they want you to succeed,” Lane said. “Shoutout to Dr. Lawrence Brown—the personal interview with him as I was getting into the program was the moment I realized I was going to be in good hands.”

Lane finds value in networking. He shares a classroom with many professionals who have already established themselves in the workforce, developing connections while learning from them and their experiences to add to an already well-rounded curriculum so he is even better prepared for his future.

“I’m in class with a lot of professionals who are currently working, some for 10-plus years, so working with them and getting their insight opens up a network I never thought I’d be able to experience at this young of an age,” Lane said. “I’m always willing to learn, and the curriculum is very real-world applicable.”

Many Options

Elmhurst University offers more than 20 graduate and certificate programs. Lane will be completing his MBA as a full-time student in one academic year, but graduate programs are also offered part-time, with fully online, hybrid and all in-person options. No matter which paths students may choose, they will be met with connected learning so that they can acquire timeless knowledge, on a timeline that’s more flexible for them. This format supports work/life balance, so students can continue to grow and find success in both their studies and careers.

“There are opportunities, whether fully online or in-person, depending on your situation and what works best for you, while still getting the full experience because of the way it’s constructed,” Lane said. 

Forging Connections

Although Lane just recently started at Elmhurst, in the Fall 2024 semester, he has already formed strong connections and has taken advantage of the abundant resources available to him, such as the MBA program workshops that support professional development and career preparation. Lane also appreciates the diverse student body and how diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are at the forefront on campus so that students can feel welcome and at home.

“Seeing that there’s a Black Student Union, opportunities for Latinx students, the ELSA program, learning how the University is (a Hispanic-Serving Institution); just seeing the steps that Elmhurst took for diversity is very cool,” Lane said.

He is involved with the faith-life on campus through Athletes in Action, a Christian-based organization where he participates in a Bible study and service work with his teammates. He is also a running back on the football team, one of 21 sports at Elmhurst. Athletics and other interest-based activities encourage students to engage with their communities outside the classroom.

“The people make Elmhurst special,” Lane said. “If community is something you’re looking for, that family feeling, then Elmhurst is the place to come to.”

Ready for What’s Next

After graduating, Lane plans to pursue a career as a structural engineer. He is confident his MBA will prepare him for what’s to come, giving him a professional edge and launching him into a leadership role as a project manager on an accelerated timeline.

“As a young professional, I think it was good for me to learn and develop those skills early, and that way when I get into my field it will be a smoother transition into higher levels of leadership because I already took the initiative to get my MBA,” Lane said.

Lane plans to continue evolving and sharing his leadership skills with others. He believes mentorship is his calling and thrives in that role.

“I’m learning a lot more about leadership skills, and I want to keep advancing those skills,” Lane said. “I’m very passionate about leading and mentoring; it’s something I really love doing.”

Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step towards your future.