MBA students learn about business and health care from alumnus Jake Regier

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Jake Regier, a 2006 MBA alumnus, spoke with Oklahoma State University MBA students about his experience while in school and how he landed in the health care industry. As the National Director of Physician Referral at Vein Clinics of America, he also shares the lessons he learned and some career advice.

Regier begins with a little information about the health care industry. It is hard to understand what is happening in health care or to know what direction it is heading. There seems to be so much uncertainty in health care.

“Any time there is uncertainty, capitalize on uncertainty,” Regier said. “This is partially due to the fact that the health care sector is second in size to the finance industry.”

Regier never really considered a career in health care because he always saw his passion in marketing. When an opportunity in hospice arose, a lightbulb went off and he immediately knew this was the career path for him.

He explains why he knew this was the correct career. First, he has great interest in science. Next, he is drawn to personal experiences because he was the primary caretaker for his grandfather. This gave him a chance to witness the health care industry first hand, and he saw the value they give to people and the value of these workers.

He learned very early that you don’t have to be a care provider to make a difference in a person or their family’s life.

“It is tough, but I love the journey and the challenge,” Regier said. “I almost enjoy the journey more than the destination.”

Regier was able to provide some additional insight into the health care industry. He explains that health care is going under technological advances.

“All health care business units require talent to tackle challenging issues,” Regier said.

There are more business units in health care than most realize. Some of those business units include finance/accounting, marketing/sales, technology, and operations. There may be an avenue in health care for some people who did not realize there were more business functions.

Regier explains some of the lessons he has learned from his career journey so far. He wants everyone to create their own story and not follow a path just because someone else thinks you should.

“While in the MBA program, Regier was talented in accounting,” said Jan Analla, MBA program coordinator. “But he knew that was not a field he enjoyed. He preferred marketing and explained to me that he wanted to pursue this path as a career.”

Regier emphasizes that you may be good at something but encourages people to pursue their interests instead.

“I have no clue where I am going to be in five years from now,” Regier said, “but I will write it how I want.”

He shares some tips to apply to your career and your everyday life. First, know what you are getting into when accepting a job. Next, build trust everyday with the people around you and those you interact with. Then, don’t try to do everything yourself, don’t be afraid to ask for help or rely on your team. Finally, understand success for your company and your team, so you can define success for yourself.

As a new perspective, he encourages those who want to be a manager to take more of a leader outlook. You should want to lead people and manage projects instead of people.

“Don’t lead through power and authority,” Regier said. “Lead by using trust and influence.”

Regier’s closing advice urges students to be the best they can be in their role, but keep learning so they can be a generalist as well.

By Taylor Mullan