What is a future Surgeon doing in a course about Finance and Banking? This contradiction causes a lot of initial confusion when I discuss the APEX program, but I’d like to explain why this has been a helpful experience for me and my career goals.

Ever since I was in middle school, I’ve had my heart set on becoming a doctor. It started with a desire to become a Pediatrician, then a Gastrointestinal Surgeon, and finally I’ve decided to pursue a career as an Orthopedic Surgeon. When signing up for an APEX course, I immediately chose the Medical strand. However, the more I thought about it, the more I worried that I would have no direction if I didn’t end up enjoying the medical field. So, I chose to explore something that I’d never experienced: Finance Banking and Investing. This class has truly opened my eyes to a whole new world of business for which I’ve found a passion.

One project that inspired such passion for me was a project I recently had the opportunity to lead. My team was assisted by advertising agency Flynn Wright in constructing a survey for Wealth Management Firm Kidder Benefits Consultants. In this project, myself and my team planned meetings and communicated with both companies to make a final product that all involved could be proud of. The unique team we worked with at Flynn Wright displayed an intense passion for what they do which helped my find my drive for this project. I was no longer sitting through lessons in school but was being taught by professionals in a hands-on experience. The project helped us provide data and conclusions to Kidder Benefits on how to improve their customer experience and communication.

This process caused me to reconsider my plans for college seriously. In the end, I have decided that I will still follow the medical path to the University of Iowa’s Med Program. My time at APEX, however, has given me a taste of the business world and taught me the importance of being thorough, professional, and goal-oriented.

 I strongly feel the experience I’ve gained in APEX will put me ahead of others not only in college but the business world and my personal life. I can not emphasize enough how beneficial the APEX program can be, it allows students to explore and find their passion and drive, it gives them direction for the future, but most of all it puts them at an advantage by giving them skills and experience to push above and beyond their peers.