"There is a real lack of outstanding general managers who have a grasp on the enormity of 'the healthcare problem' and how it may impact their business in the next 15 years. Any future executive, investor, or manager needs to have an appreciation for these critical trends now. The exposure that HBS gives to healthcare—even in the first-year required curriculum—is great for that reason." Bijan Salehizadeh, MD Senior Associate Highland Capital Partners MBA 2004

There are many reasons to recruit healthcare MBA students from Harvard Business School. Companies benefit from hiring professionals who are prepared to be leaders-at any level-and who are comfortable in the team-based learning environment that mirrors today's business world. The HBS MBA program provides students the tools and practical experiences to tackle and solve business problems. At the same time, they understand the nuances and complexities of the healthcare industry.

Hiring HBS MBA students interested in healthcare is competitive. The single best way to ensure that your company will have a wide selection of talent is to list internships, field studies, and full-time jobs as early as possible. Organizations that list summer internships and full-time jobs in January and February are much more successful at hiring HBS students than those who list in May.

• Hire a full-time MBA: HBS graduates have a great interest in working in the healthcare sector. Employers find that their MBA training and past business experience are an invaluable addition to the organization. They are knowledgeable about the healthcare industry, as well as best practices from other industries.
  
  HBS students are recruited by a wide variety of healthcare organizations, including healthcare startups, venture capital firms, consulting firms, managed health plans, hospital systems, e-health firms, pharmaceutical firms, medical device manufacturers, and biotechnology companies.
  
  Take advantage of a range of recruiting tools and activities available through our MBA Career & Professional Development office.
• Hire a summer intern: Summer internships are very valuable for both employers and students. Employers benefit most when they have a real project focused on an important business issue that requires an outside perspective as well as strong analytic and strategic training. For MBA students, the summer provides an important opportunity to apply new skills and experience firsthand the rewards and challenges of the healthcare industry. Both parties have the benefit of testing cultural and organizational "fit" in a low risk setting.

  Organizations that have hired summer interns include Abbott Laboratories, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Genentech, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, and many others. Prospective employers can take advantage of a range of recruiting tools and activities available through the MBA Career & Professional Development office.

• Host a field study team: Field studies are a great way for organizations to gain exposure to HBS students. During the second year of their MBA program, HBS students apply their skills to the real-world challenges facing companies while earning academic credit. Under faculty supervision, each team of students works on a project of strategic importance to the hosting organization, and reports its recommendations at the end of the term.

  Organizations that have recently listed healthcare-related field studies include several emerging healthcare technology companies as well as established organizations. In their field studies students have analyzed market opportunities for dental-imaging devices, medical tourism, and multiplex protein analysis techniques. They have also evaluated IT strategies, developed business plans, and analyzed production capabilities.
  
  Field studies are only relevant to students two times per year, at the beginning of each term. Deadlines for organizations to post opportunities are usually August and November. Follow the link to Propose a Field Study to learn the specific dates.