Sebastian Bujoi is clear about his overall goal: a career in medicine. In the fall of 2022, as a junior at Vanderbilt, he was set to work in a lab studying macular degeneration, a condition that affects the vision of many older adults. So why would he be attracted to a program like Accelerator?

“I wanted to dip my toes in the business world to see if it’s the right place for me and to explore my interests alongside medicine,” says the Albuquerque, New Mexico, native, who is pursuing a major in biochemistry. “I saw consulting for both established companies and startups—accompanied by classes that introduced me to the world of business—as an excellent opportunity.

“The business world is incredibly broad and diverse. Seeing the differences firsthand through this program makes the prospect of entering the business world a lot more welcoming, especially for someone who is exploring a niche career interest that merges healthcare and business.”

While he already had an appreciation for the caliber of Vanderbilt’s faculty, Sebastian says he was “somewhat surprised by the amount of community in the program. Both mentors and coaches are very warm and friendly and really want you to succeed. It creates a very comforting environment, and I found myself learning how to be more outgoing in the business realm because of that.”

As someone who served as a team leader in the program, spearheading a group that worked together on real-world consulting projects for clients, Sebastian also offers some advice for others who, like him, contemplate a “toe-dip” into business via Accelerator. “Keep an open mind and practice both humility and patience,” he suggests. As they brainstorm ideas as a group, “there is a high chance your ideas will be buried, shot down, or morph into something completely different. But if you keep working at it, you will have a very fulfilling experience. In the end, you will learn a lot from working with your teammates regardless. In my mind, [Accelerator] is an unparalleled experience.”

Fun Fact: In a near brush with celebrity, Sebastian once sat next to Dylan O’Brien’s stunt double on a flight to California.

I wanted to dip my toes in the business world to see if it’s the right place for me and to explore my interests alongside medicine.