With the stresses on the healthcare system created by COVID-19, those in the healthcare field might be feeling a lot of mental burnout. Even students might feel unsatisfied with the career options they think lie ahead.
But in Max Frausto’s case, this upcoming O’Neill and Kelley School of Business Master of Science in Healthcare Management graduate is taking what he learned in the program to a job outside of a hospital, and to a role where he can take the skills he learned and help to push the healthcare field forward.
In a Q&A with O’Neill, Frausto shared how his experience helped him grow his leadership skills and set him up for success.
O: What were you doing before you went back for your MS?
F: I was a recent graduate (May 2021) from O’Neill where I received my Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Policy. My prior experience included interning at IU Health’s Children’s Therapy Center as a data analyst. In addition, I worked for the American Red Cross, Indiana Region, as an intern for their operations department.
O: What made you want to go back for your MS?
F: I strive for continuous improvement in all aspects of my professional career. I knew that in order to accomplish my career ambitions, I would need to pursue a master’s degree. Enrolling in the MSHM program would help foster my development of leadership skills that I can transfer to the workplace. In addition, I wanted to build a strong network of aspiring professionals who I know I can rely upon in my career.
O: What made you pick the MSHM offered by O’Neill and Kelley (School of Business)?
F: What attracted me to this program was the partnership between O’Neill and Kelley. Both schools consistently earn high rankings for their graduate programs. Kelley does an excellent job of helping me develop the necessary skills to make sound business decisions within the healthcare landscape. O’Neill’s faculty are renowned for their policy expertise and learning directly from them has been an invaluable experience. Being able to access both of their alumni networks has opened numerous doors for me in my young professional career. Lastly, the opportunity to complete the degree within one year played a large influence in my decision to continue my education at Indiana University.
O: What makes the program a great launch pad for a post-grad career?
F: The MSHM program’s curriculum thoroughly prepares students for leadership positions within the healthcare industry. Students can take part in a practicum site with an organization where they are tasked with leading a team in solving today’s healthcare problems. This invaluable experience exposes students to the healthcare landscape and gives them the opportunity to interact with highly experienced professionals daily. In addition, the program offers numerous certifications through Franklin Covey that help students become effective leaders within the workplace. Employers are aware of the rigorous curriculum offered by both Kelley and O’Neill which sets us apart from other candidates during the interview process.
O: Tell us about what you’ll be doing in your new job? How has the MSHM prepared you for it?
F: I will be working for Baker Tilly US starting this August. I will be a consultant with their healthcare team at their headquarters in Chicago. As a consultant, I will be tasked with solving complex healthcare problems from clients who seek to optimize the delivery of their services. The MSHM program has thoroughly prepared me for my future role. Courses such as Operations Management, Quantitative Analysis, and Healthcare Finance have been beneficial in developing my newly acquired skill set. In addition, I am thankful for the opportunities within the program that have allowed me to collaborate with my peers. In consulting, teamwork and effective communication are an essential part of the job. I thank the MSHM program for exposing me to these aspects of project management that will help me be successful at Baker Tilly US.
O: If you were recommending the program to a friend, what would you tell them?
F: I would emphasize the amount of support I feel within the program. Faculty, staff, and your cohort want to see you succeed within this space. It is a very transparent space where we help one another accomplish our professional goals. Regardless of your academic background, the program sets you up perfectly to become a transformational healthcare leader.
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