Michael Bergin

With a PhD focused in the effect of pain on human motor control, two post-docs, and healthcare management work experience on his resume, it would seem Michael Bergin had more than enough education and responsibility to advance his career. But Michael wanted to open up his future to new possibilities, and for that he needed to dig deeper into the world of business. That’s when he turned to Questrom’s Professional Evening Health Sector MBA program.

“I’m the kind of person who is interested in many different things,” says Michael. “At the moment I’m working as a lab manager, but I can see myself as an executive in a hospital administration. I’m also interested in biotech and I could see myself as a healthcare consultant.”

Exploring the business side of healthcare has provided insight after insight for Michael. “I thought that in the health sector part of the MBA program, the vast majority of students would be in the pharma or biotech sectors, but I’ve been surprised by the diversity of industries my classmates work in. Learning from the others in the healthcare sector and talking to them about what they do, has revealed career opportunities I hadn’t imagined.”

In addition to the networks he’s created with classmates and alumni mentors, Michael credits the faculty with influencing how he conducts himself at work. “Organizational Behavior with Professor Connie Hadley really changed my way of thinking and interacting with colleagues—whether direct reports or superiors—in terms of managing time, better articulating strategies and goals, how I interact with them and manage relationships, complete reviews and give feedback,” says Michael. “There are so many things I learned in that course that I have integrated into my work life already.”

As Michael looks to his future, he already sees the value of the MBA degree. “I think it will really help me get the senior position that I want in healthcare,” he says. “I could have continued to rise through the ranks with a PhD. But within management and administration in healthcare, an MBA really sets you apart, particularly with an advanced doctoral degree. Getting an MBA from Questrom will accelerate my career, hopefully allowing me to rise faster and further.”

“Learning from the others in the healthcare sector and talking to them about what they do, has revealed career opportunities I hadn’t imagined.”

– Michael Bergin