Paying It Forward: Joining Harvard’s MCS Firsthand Advisors

I am excited to share that I have joined Harvard’s MCS Firsthand Advisors as an advisor to students. The program’s ethos speaks to me: “Speak with people who have been there. Get advice, insights, and prep from people who are willing to share their knowledge and make a difference.”

My time at Harvard Business School was transformative. Beyond the case method and late-night study sessions, it was the conversations with advisors, faculty, and peers that shaped my thinking and opened doors. I learned to navigate ambiguity, lead with empathy, and make better decisions under pressure. Most of all, I saw the power of a community that shares time and hard-won lessons so others can move faster and smarter.

That generosity made a real difference in my journey. Advisors took calls they did not have to take. Faculty offered guidance far beyond the classroom. Classmates shared candid perspectives that helped me see around corners. I still carry those conversations with me.

Now I want to give something back to the Harvard community. As part of MCS Firsthand Advisors, I will be available for one-on-one conversations to share practical advice. We can explore career paths, navigate recruiting, prepare for interviews, or talk through next steps when the way forward is not obvious. I do not have all the answers, but I am committed to being honest, specific, and useful.

If you are a Harvard student and any of this would help, I would love to connect through Firsthand. Bring your questions, your draft resumes, and your “I am not sure where to start” moments. Together we can turn them into a plan.

I am honored to join the advisors who once helped me, and I am looking forward to paying it forward. Here is to open conversations, real-world insight, and the compounding impact of a community that looks out for one another.

Ervin Ukaj

Ervin Ukaj is an entrepreneur and digital health executive focused on building and scaling healthcare technology ventures. He currently serves as CEO of Newel Health. Previously, he held digital health leadership roles at Novartis and co-founded Oppimi Group, a digital therapeutics company. His experience spans digital therapeutics, software as a medical device, AI-enabled health products, clinical innovation and growth strategy.

Related Post
Scroll to Top