Lindner Life Cycle: Ryan Gaffney’s Journey to Earning 3 Degrees at Lindner

From first-generation college student to earning three degrees at Lindner, Ryan Gaffney, BBA ’16, MS ’17, PhD ’21, shares how his passion for marketing and consumer behavior shaped his academic and professional journey. 

Episode highlights: 

• How Consumer Behavior with Frank Kardes changed his career path 

• Study abroad adventures in China & Dubai 

• Why he graduated early to pursue an MS in Marketing 

• Insights from the Consumer Marketing Insights Lab & PhD program 

• How Jane Sojka & James Kellaris influenced his teaching approach 
• Tips for current & future Lindner students on making the most of experiential learning

Jump to:

2:40 – Ryan's background as first-generation student & his academic journey at Lindner 

5:59 – The opportunities available at UC 

7:17 – Why Consumer Behavior with Frank Kardes changed Ryan’s path at Lindner/UC 

12:27 – Ryan’s study abroad experiences in China and Dubai 

19:06 – Why Ryan graduated early to enroll in Lindner’s MS Marketing program 

20:36 – Consumer Marketing Insights Lab + PhD studies 

24:42 – How Jane Sojka and James Kellaris changed the way he thought about teaching 

27:43 – Tips for current and prospective Lindner students

30:56 – The impact of his experiential learning experiences at Lindner 

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About the Carl H. Lindner College of Business

At Lindner⁠, we fuel professional growth through our distinctive combination of academic and hands-on experiences: our problem-solving mindset, cooperative education, flexible pathways, engaging community and vibrant, urban setting. Place, age or stage — students from a range of backgrounds become problem solvers at Lindner. ⁠Visit us today⁠!