Our December MCDB Alumni Spotlight is highlighting Emily Nordquist! Dr. Nordquist is a project manager in the Transformation Management Office at Solventum. She graduated from MCDB in 2021.
We asked Dr. Nordquist some questions about her time in MCDB, as well as her career after graduating.
What is your current job and what does that entail?
I'm currently a Project Manager in the Transformation Management Office (TMO) at Solventum. Solventum was previously 3M Healthcare and recently spun off to be a standalone public company that innovates and produces medical devices like negative pressure wound therapies, orthodontics, and health information systems software. In the TMO, my role focuses on leading enterprise-wide initiatives that improve the efficiency of the company and help execute on the major strategic priorities.
How does your work relate to your time in the MCDB program? How did your time in MCDB prepare you for this job?
While Solventum as a company does do R&D and innovate new products, the work I'm in now is a little bit removed from technical science and the biology I learned during my PhD. However, project management is an essential skill during a PhD that definitely applies to the role I'm in now and probably applies to 90% of the jobs out there. As a PhD, you are in charge of your full project end to end. That requires a lot of planning, thinking, coordination, collaboration, sequencing, etc., and that level of project management is not something many people get such detailed experience in. I also think my time in MCDB helped me learn how to quickly intake a lot of information and quickly distill the most important points for my work, and that is something I do every day in my current job.
Are there any specific accomplishments that you're proud of since graduating that you would like to highlight?
My first job since graduating MCDB was in management consulting at a large firm, focused on healthcare projects. It was a fantastic learning experience and I would highly recommend it, but ultimately it wasn't the right career for me long-term. Even though it was hard to leave a secure, stable job, I'm proud of the decision I made to create a new path into the type of role that is a better fit for me. Career choices often feel super critical when we make them, but you can always pivot - just make the best decision you can with the information you have at the time!
What is your favorite memory that you have of MCDB?
The best moments were all the little ones with MCDB friends between classes, studying, tailgating, grabbing coffee. But my favorite specific memory was traveling to London with my lab for a conference and then spending a few extra days exploring the city. I know it's not a part of the question but I just have to say, my least favorite memory is mouse work...
What is one piece of advice that you have for current MCDB students? (This can be related to finding a job outside of the program, lab work, something about campus, etc.)
Plan with intention, but adapt as needed, especially when it comes to career. It's super helpful to make a 1 year, 3 year, 5 year plan to help focus on what's important, but new opportunities might come up along the way that shift your whole perspective. Don't be afraid to experiment and trust yourself to know what's best for you at any given fork in the road.
What's something fun or interesting that you've done recently?
I recently adopted a dog with my husband! We've been wanting a dog for a long time, but when I was in the MCDB program and for a few years after when I was in a more intense job and traveling a lot for work, it wasn't the right time. But we finally got to a point in our lives where it made sense, so we went for it! His name is Armadillo and he is in the photo I shared, keeping me company while I work!
Is there anywhere online where students can learn more about your work or connect with you?
Yes! On LinkedIn (linkedin.com/emily-nordquist/) or email (emily.m.nordquist@gmail.com). Would be happy to connect on chat about my specific career or career advice in general.