Business Scholars Spotlight: Michael Martinez, Class of 2019

1. Tell me a little about yourself.

Hello! My name is Michael Martinez, and I’m a UIC Business Scholar. I’m pursuing a dual-degree at UIC: a BS in finance from UIC Business and a BS in biological sciences. As a dual degree student, I’m very passionate about my studies, and I’m always trying to expand the scope of my education. I’m a member of three UIC programs: the President’s Award Program, the UIC Business Scholars, and the Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions for medicine (GPPA for medicine). The first two are academic scholarship programs; the President’s Award Program is through the UIC Honors College, and UIC Business Scholars is a program of UIC Business. After finishing undergrad, I plan to pursue an MD-MBA. I’m interested in the intersections of business and healthcare, such as business practices that improve healthcare. I feel fortunate to be working toward a graduate program that brings the two fields together.

Outside of school, I’m a big basketball fan. I work at Buffalo Wild Wings (if you’ve been, you know how hard it is to miss a Bulls game there); this helps me afford season tickets at United Center, which is just a few blocks from UIC’s medical campus.

I’m also involved in extra-curricular opportunities related to healthcare. This semester, I’ll be working as a research assistant on the Hospital Initiative, a project of NORC at The University of Chicago.
2. What are Your Career Goals?

Although I’m a business student, I also have a strong interest in science and medicine. I plan to be a physician and eventually move into the administrative side of healthcare. I hope to one day either own my own private practice or be in charge of running a hospital.

3. How has the Business Scholars Program helped you, and what do you like about the Business Scholars Program?

The Business Scholars Program is wonderful for professional development and networking. The skills that I am learning in this program already provide me with confidence. Thanks to UIC Business Scholars, I know that whatever my career path may be, I will possess a strong professional presence.

4. What organizations are you involved with on Campus?

I am involved in three fantastic organizations here on campus. At the Collegiate Association of Business Scholars (CABS), I am head of the recruitment committee. I joined this committee because I want to make sure that high school students know how much they’ll be able to achieve at UIC Business. The committee now has 14 members, and we will be doing a wide variety of events to attract new scholars. In Peer Health Exchange, I teach students about mental health. And in the Society of Future Physicians, I am on the fundraising committee.

5. Which class has been your favorite so far, and why?

My favorite class so far has been the class I have taken through the Honors College: Sentiment in Fiction (Honors 142). This class is challenging. It teaches students how to critically analyze literature. I am a huge fan of novels, but I always make excuses for why I’m too busy to read; with Honors 142, I am constantly exposed to fantastic literature that I would not have pursued otherwise.

6. What is your biggest motivation?

My biggest motivation is to make my parent’s hard work meaningful. My father grew up in Chicago, and his family had close to nothing when he was a kid. He worked hard; from managing four jobs at one time to starting his own business, my mother and father have worked in tandem to provide me and my siblings with an upbringing that we are incredibly lucky to have. I want to show them that all of their hard work is going to pay off.

7. What current internships/jobs do you have?

Currently, I have two jobs: I am a research assistant at the University of Chicago, and I am a server at Buffalo Wild Wings. Over winter break, I’ll return to Alden to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Over the spring, I’ll maintain my position as a research assistant, and will begin an internship with the Center for Healthcare Innovation.

8. What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

Have fun; meet new people through organizations; most importantly, start your first semester off with a strong GPA!