Julia Lin

What strategies did you find most effective in ensuring your success during your first quarter in the MCiM program?

With high opportunity costs for my one year at Stanford, I wanted to focus on critical bets that would set me up for greater impact in my career. I pondered, “When I look back in 10 years, what would a year well-spent look like?” I decided to concentrate on one bet in each of three key areas: personal growth, professional development, and unique opportunities available due to being at Stanford. This focused approach enables me to avoid unnecessary distractions.

Additionally, this approach provides me with the opportunity to thoroughly explore various possibilities within each category. I started by expanding my network and investing time in building personal connections with my MCiM classmates, other Stanford students, and the broader Bay Area community.

Being an active part of Stanford's community can greatly enhance your academic experience. Can you share some ways you've been getting involved, building connections with your fellow classmates, and managing your studies? 

I value building a community and creating a sense of belonging in new groups. Unofficially nominating myself as social chair, I started planning a series of trips for my MCiM classmates over the summer, like a trip to Napa and Yosemite (with upcoming plans for Tahoe and Utah). 

In addition to social activities, I have gotten to know my MCiM classmates professionally through working in small groups that change every quarter. The MCiM curriculum is challenging and has already pushed me to think differently. I have appreciated learning from the diverse perspectives of my classmates during discussions in and out of class.

As someone who navigated through the application process, what advice would you offer prospective students who are considering applying to our program? Are there any insights you wish you had known when you were in their shoes? 

I approached the application process by crafting a compelling narrative that incorporated my past experiences, current knowledge, and future goals, all within the context of increasing my impact in healthcare throughout my career.

While applying, I wish I had known that there are many examples on the website of how MCiM students and mentors navigated career changes and found themselves at the intersection of healthcare, leadership, and technology.