Maren Rule, UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2028
Age: 24
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Undergraduate Institution and Major: BS in Public Health and Political Science from Santa Clara University
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Behavioral Health Counselor, Correctional Healthcare, Elmwood Correctional Facility, 1 year; Healthcare Benefits Consultant, Insurance/Employee Benefits Consulting, Aon, 1.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After a year working in correctional mental health, I saw firsthand how healthcare outcomes are shaped by decisions made far upstream from the patient. That pushed me into benefits consulting at Aon, where I spent the last year and a half on the business side of healthcare instead of the clinical side. Between the two, I’ve gotten a fuller picture of the industry from very different perspectives. For me, business school is about bridging those perspectives with more formal strategic and analytical tools to actually act on it.
Why did you choose UNC Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was initially drawn to UNC Kenan-Flagler because of how authentic their commitment to healthcare felt. I attended several sessions hosted by the school’s Center for the Business of Health and came away genuinely excited about the classes I’d have access to. Beyond that, the Research Triangle’s healthcare industry presence and the STAR program’s hands-on consulting program confirmed my decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
Having spent time in more niche healthcare spaces gives me both a differing perspective and a very open mind. My previous roles challenged assumptions I didn’t even know I had, and got me comfortable jumping into unfamiliar systems and figuring out how they work. I think that will carry over into group projects and classroom discussions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I spent about a month and a half in South America this year, traveling and working out of my company’s Santiago, Chile, office alongside a whole new set of colleagues while doing my best to pick up some Spanish along the way!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m currently interested in healthcare consulting or product roles at health-tech companies, with a longer-term focus on behavioral health. I’d love to eventually work on solutions that make mental health care more accessible!
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talking to as many students and alumni as I could. Those conversations taught me things about each program that went beyond what was on the website. It made writing essays and interviews much easier!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started writing essays earlier. It was a very tedious and time-consuming process that I wish I would have spread out a little more.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If it were possible, I would have skipped the many essay edits required to finally feel like what I had was submission ready. What helped me through was often treating myself to a fun coffee to make the process a little more fun!
What is your initial impression of the UNC Kenan-Flagler students/culture/community?
Genuinely warm, and very collaborative. Everyone I’ve met wants each other to do well, and people are ambitious without feeling like they’re constantly competing. I already feel so inspired by the people around me!
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined the Healthcare Club, Consulting Club and Carolina Women in Business. All of these clubs will help me explore my passions and are already setting me up for success during recruiting!
What is one thing you have learned about Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
One thing that has truly impressed me is how accessible my professors have been. I’ve been able to attend multiple review sessions throughout the week, and they have made themselves readily available for additional support.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to start taking UNC Kenan-Flagler’s healthcare-related coursework. Beginning next module, we start our concentrations, and I look forward to the many engaging discussions ahead.
