Felisha Faulkner W'09

What did you study at Penn and when did you graduate?

I studied Healthcare Management and Policy and graduated in 2009. 

What advice do you wish you had known when you were an undergraduate?

College is a special time that you will never get back! Take the time to enjoy everything about it. It’s not always about school and getting that last point on the exam. Focus on developing important interpersonal skills that can be helpful post college. How can you be a better communicator or listener? Take the time in college to develop a multifaceted personality instead of getting stuck in a competitive bubble. Meet new people along the way, make mistakes, and embrace the journey. 

What do you do now and where are you based?

I work for a healthcare company on the business side specifically in strategy and business development. I live in Chicago but am working remotely now due to COVID. 

What has been the biggest challenge of your career?

I went into college with this predestined path. I was premed and was going to be a doctor. I finished college and decided to take a gap year before applying to med school-- I was feeling a bit burnt out. In my gap year, I got a consulting job and it went surprisingly well. I felt I was doing the work that I was meant to do. Making the decision to ultimately walk away from going to Med School and becoming a doctor was extremely difficult. It was hard to come to terms with the fact that there might be a different and potentially more fitting path for me. Though a tough one, I’m glad I made the decision that I did. 

How do you balance your personal life with your professional development?

Balancing both is tough. You need to be intentional about making time for both your personal and professional development. Life gets busy so it’s important to make a conscious effort to make time for yourself/friends/family along with school. Be organized and find a way that works for you to fit in the things you need to do and the things you enjoy doing. 

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever been?

I’d have to say New Zealand. It was so beautiful. The pace of life is slower, and you just feel like you’re transported into another universe. Another tip: travel as often as you can while you’re not working! It’s important to experience different places and cultures.

Questions for Felisha? Feel free to contact her at faulkner.felisha@gmail.com.