Shivam Raja, WH ’26, Alma, AR
This summer, I had the privilege of interning as a Business Operations and Financial Analyst at Precision Vascular Kentucky (PVK) in Louisville, KY. As a rising junior concentrating in Healthcare Management in Wharton, I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting experience to align with my academic and career aspirations.
At PVK, I was tasked with some truly impactful projects. My primary responsibility was to analyze and organize the clinic’s revenue cycle, identifying how much revenue was being generated from different procedures. I also evaluated the quality and strength of PVK’s referral network. While these were my main focuses, I eagerly took on side projects whenever the opportunity arose. Whether it was translating clinic documents into Spanish to better serve our Hispanic patients, handling prior authorizations, creating a comprehensive database of every patient since the clinic’s inception, or even tagging along to observe a minimally invasive vascular procedure, I was always ready to contribute.
The skills I developed this summer—problem-solving, data analysis, and attention to detail—are ones I’ll carry with me well into the future. Early on, I learned the importance of thoroughly understanding the data I was working with. My first presentation to my boss didn’t go as planned because I couldn’t answer all his questions about the dataset. This experience underscored the need for meticulousness in my work and pushed me to dive deeper into the data, ensuring that I could confidently back up my findings. After analyzing the data, I faced the challenge of converting it into actionable insights for decision-making. This required a comprehensive understanding of each facet of the clinic, as well as the ability to provide recommendations that would have the most significant positive impact. While this was no small task, it’s a skill I’m determined to keep honing.
Reflecting on this internship, I am incredibly grateful for how perfectly it aligned with my future goals. My passion has always been in healthcare administration, and working alongside the founder of PVK—who started the clinic just ten months ago—was an invaluable learning experience. I gained insights into what it takes not only to launch a clinic but also to keep it running smoothly. Understanding the key factors that drive decision-making and the dynamics of the healthcare supply and demand chain has given me a clearer vision for my future career.
Of course, no internship comes without its challenges. From the outset, I had to navigate unfamiliar terrain—both literally and figuratively. As a college undergrad working with seasoned professionals, I wasn’t sure how I’d fit in. It was also my first real job, and I had to figure out how I could best contribute to the team. Then there was the data itself—an entirely new landscape that I was responsible for managing. On top of that, I had to get used to a new city. There were a few missteps, like taking a wrong turn on the way home or dealing with my car breaking down in the middle of the street. But through it all, I learned to be patient, adapt, and grow from each new experience.
Thankfully, the team at PVK made the adjustment process smooth. They welcomed me with open arms and treated me like one of their own. Their support allowed me to ask questions freely and feel comfortable in the workplace. Whether it was offering guidance on data analysis or stepping in when my car broke down during my last week, their kindness was a constant throughout my internship. I couldn’t be more grateful for their generosity and the bonds we formed.
Lastly, none of this would have been possible without the funding I received from Career Services. This financial support enabled me to live in Louisville for a month, covering essentials like rent, food, and transportation. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity, which has not only boosted my confidence in navigating my future career path but also opened my eyes to my potential and provided me with a learning experience I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
