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Michael Bethel’s MBA Journey

Interview with
Interviewed by Dean Ron Ramirez

Can you share your journey to graduate school and why you wanted to study for an MBA degree at ´ó·¢?

I have 20+ years of experience in the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Medical Device industries in various disciplines and capacities including, marketing, sales; sales management/leadership, analytics, and training. Before my tenure in the healthcare industry, I was an entrepreneur/restaurateur as a franchisee of Harold’s Chicken, a restaurant chain based out of Chicago, Illinois. I pursued my MBA at ´ó·¢ CoBA MBA program to help me achieve my future professional career aspirations and in preparation for my next entrepreneurial venture. ´ó·¢ CoBA Fully Employed MBA Program's strong academic reputation and flexibility for working professionals were a motivational fit for me. 

What have you done since the MBA degree, whether a new role or a continuation of an existing role? What experiences during your time in the ´ó·¢ degree program helped prepare you for new or existing activities?

I've taken the lead on new projects related to my current role in Biotechnology sales as a Senior Account Executive (Oncology), in the next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing marketplace for the human genome. I applied the analytical tools and strong business acumen I acquired during my MBA studies to complete several key projects for internal and business development. Moreover, and most importantly, the rigorous courses and curriculum of the CoBA FEMBA program have emboldened me to pursue and launch my next entrepreneurial venture.

Are there any specific classes or professors you took during your time at ´ó·¢ that had a significant impact on your development?

• • BA 615 – Statistics for Management (Professor Mohammad Oskoorouchi)
  • BA 611 & 621 – Financial / Managerial Accounting (Professor David DeBoskey)
  • BA 630 – Marketing Management (Professor Marcus Wardley)
  • BA 650 – Strategic Management in the Global Environment (Professor Catalin ‘Cata’ Ratiu)
  • BA 617 – Leadership and Business Ethics (Professor Rajnandini ‘Raj’ Pillai)

What is your position, and what are some of the key responsibilities and challenges you face in this position? How does your education from ´ó·¢ apply to your day-to-day work?

At Foundation Medicine, I am a Senior Oncology Account Executive in the Biotechnology sales marketplace for next-generation sequencing (NGS) in genomics and molecular diagnostic testing. From a consultative sales approach, I am responsible for driving sales volume and growth for a suite of NGS genomic assays (i.e., clinical laboratory tests) and local business development in cancer healthcare community centers, hospitals, and health systems, including academic medical centers. My MBA studies have enhanced my core competencies in strategic sales management and business planning, my ability to quickly synthesize sales strategies, my understanding of different business analytics tools, and my people leader/leadership skills and capabilities. Moreover, my MBA studies provided me with a more clear, comprehensive lens for understanding the functionalities and intricacies of all business units across the organization. 

How do you see your career evolving in the next few years, and what long-term goals do you have? Are there any skills or areas of knowledge you’re particularly focused on developing further?

Within the next few years, I am seeking to obtain a Director's level role in sales or a new role in the biotech market access landscape.  My long-term goal is to launch my next entrepreneurial venture within the next five years.  I am most interested in understanding the current start-up business environment; innovative and analytical approaches to move great ideas into an entrepreneurial venture, and pitching small business ideas to venture capitalists, private investors, and bank/financial institutions to bring my next entrepreneurial quest to fruition.

What personal experiences or values have shaped your approach to your career and life after graduation, and how do they influence the decisions you make today?

My primary focus in life now is building generation wealth for my children, being a leader, and of service in the community – particularly in the historically underrepresented and underserved, black and minority (i.e., BIPOC) communities of San Diego. Ultimately, I would like to leave a legacy that’s commendable and respected.

As a recent Alumni what advice or important messages do you have for our current students? What would you say to someone who is considering an MBA degree and why or how the MBA at ´ó·¢ is a good choice?

For current MBA students, I would advise them to completely immerse themselves in the curriculum; be a curious learner, get to know their Professors and fellow MBA student colleagues, and understand the power (and necessity) of networking. From a personal and professional standpoint, as cliche as it may sound, it's not always about what you know, it's often about who you know when it comes to opportunities. Hence, networking is key.

For anyone considering an MBA degree, don't wait just do it. Why? Challenge yourself. Don't just go looking for your next career opportunity, create it by sharpening your critical thinking and analytical skills, and business acumen through obtaining an MBA degree. For me, my MBA journey was by far the most challenging yet rewarding experience in my adulthood.

´ó·¢ CoBA MBA program's reasonably affordable tuition coupled with its prestigious AACSB accreditation, were key factors that led me to pursue my MBA at this institution. In addition, its 18-month FEMBA program's graduate curriculum and courses, and a great reputation for catering to students who are experienced and tenured working professionals were also decisive factors in choosing this program. The FEMBA learning environment with MBA students from diverse professional backgrounds created a unique academic culture highly conducive to learning from people with different business disciplines and perspectives.