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One recent project in Professor Carson\u2019s Health Sector Consulting course allowed students to work with Questrom alumnus Michael Wijaranakula (MBA \u201920), Director of Corporate Development & Strategy at Ardelyx Inc. By returning as a client, Michael not only challenged students with a real business problem but also continued the tradition of alumni giving back to the Questrom community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Michael, participating in Action Learning was an easy decision. \u201cIt is really important for me to give back, especially since there were many people throughout my career who gave me opportunities or advice that were life changing,\u201d<\/em> he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Drawing on his experience in biotechnology, corporate strategy, and business development, Michael asked students to analyze deal-making trends across the biopharmaceutical industry. In today\u2019s rapidly changing healthcare landscape, companies are constantly evaluating partnerships, acquisitions, and licensing opportunities, leaving little time for teams to step back and assess broader industry trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese days the biopharma industry is so dynamic, and there is so much information to process, that I or my colleagues don\u2019t have the time to analyze and derive insights that could be meaningful,\u201d Michael explained. Rather than working on a hypothetical case study, students tackled a genuine business challenge with real implications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout the semester, they researched industry data, analyzed market trends, and developed strategic recommendations that could help inform future partnership decisions. Like many consulting engagements, the project evolved as new information emerged, requiring the team to adapt its approach, refine its analysis, and respond to client feedback along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Working closely with an engaged client made all the difference. Regular meetings with Michael gave students the opportunity to ask questions, test ideas, and receive constructive feedback throughout the project. His willingness to share his expertise and mentor the team created an environment where students felt empowered to think critically and develop solutions with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael was equally impressed by the students\u2019 commitment to the work. \u201cI was very impressed by the level of engagement, interest, and willingness for the students to learn and tackle the case head on,\u201d he said. He also appreciated the team\u2019s openness to feedback and the growth they demonstrated over the course of the semester. The collaboration ultimately created value for both the students and the client, providing fresh perspectives that could influence future business decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe team provided an objective analysis, insights, and recommendations into how our team should think about deal strategy. I can see our team implementing some of these recommendations as we continue to evaluate partnerships.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Michael, experiences like this demonstrate why alumni should continue to engage with Action Learning. \u201cAbsolutely. Questrom students are extremely sharp and, with the right guidance and mentoring, they can solve real-world problems for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Projects like this capture the essence of QXL and Action Learning at Questrom. By connecting students with engaged alumni and real organizations, these experiences transform classroom concepts into practical business solutions. At the same time, they strengthen the Questrom community by creating opportunities for alumni to mentor future leaders and continue the cycle of learning, collaboration, and giving back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn about Michael Wijaranakula’s time as a student and why he chose the Full-Time Health Sector Management MBA Program at BU Questrom. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n