Shay Rajavel

Redwoods Analyst 2017
Senior Analyst– Integrated Kidney Care, West Wing

I interviewed with many health care and consulting companies, but nowhere felt as warm and welcoming as DaVita; we truly are a community first. The guidance and time you are given in the program to thoughtfully reflect has allowed me to grow as a person. Not many first-year adults are given this much support in a work environment. I've had the opportunity to work cross functionally on several areas of the business with many senior leaders. This has allowed a lot of self-exploration and has set me on a long term career path I'm very passionate about. At DaVita I have received amazing constructive feedback to grow as a leader. I was trained in Lean Six Sigma and given the opportunity to really develop my analytical skills. I went from not knowing how to use Excel to creating sophisticated financial models with the support of fellow teammates who were eager to teach.

The most impactful project I'm working on is an end-of-life initiative for our patients who are transitioning to that stage. It's a hard time for them and their families, and they often are caught off guard physically and emotionally. Health care does not do well in this space and DaVita is determined to do it well for our patients. It means a lot to me knowing that we're giving our patients a fulfilling and positive end-of-life journey.

My advice to candidates is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Redwoods is the best time to explore all the avenues and truly discover the right direction forward for yourself. Have coffee, lunch and dinner with your peers and leaders, and be true to yourself!

I am a graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering, Psychology.

Fun Fact: I build metal models and my latest project is a Star Wars-style spaceship.

DaVita Journey: Redwoods Analyst > Sr. Analyst