Alumni are carving new paths to improve healthcare.

When Kristi Olsen, MS ’14, graduated, she pivoted her career into physician recruitment. After 10 years of a succession of promotions, she chose another route. She co-founded Beginly, an app-based product to help physicians find their best fit and promote transparency in the job search and hiring process. She said, “I created the app I wish I had when I was a recruiter.” She’s using knowledge and skills learned in the program in new ways and continues to draw on the connections with classmates and faculty. She advises students to hold onto what they are learning now; it may be useful in unexpected ways in the future. Also, being in school brings people in contact who would unlikely otherwise meet. These are opportunities to expand possibilities and your networks.  

Erik Goodfriend, MBA ’16, is familiar with making significant career changes. When Erik started the MBA, he wanted to move from his profession as an architect designing healthcare spaces to working within the healthcare delivery system. This led him to a business and product strategy role with a regional health plan integrated into a larger delivery system. Through this experience, he developed highly specialized knowledge about how healthcare is paid for and the financial incentives available (it is complex and complicated). He has parlayed that knowledge into his next phase of life as a consultant. He started 2itive consulting in early 2024. His strengths, unique insights, and what he wanted his life to look like helped shape this new adventure. He is also learning some new things like how to set up a business and run a blog. Erik was surprised at how supportive the entrepreneurial community has been in helping him learn. He advises current students not to limit themselves: Talk with everyone, say “yes”, and clearly share your ideas.  

Both Kristi and Erik have embarked on careers that neither planned when they started their degrees. However, by developing their expertise and connections, they have crafted futures for themselves that use their strengths and interests to help improve healthcare.