Aetna CEO talks life and career with WSU business students
Mark Bertolini, chairman and CEO of the health insurance company Aetna, spoke with Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business students about how his career has transformed over the years. Bertolini (B.A. ’82) is an alumnus and was also the recipient of the business school’s 2010 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Like many Wayne State students, Bertolini didn’t follow a “traditional” path to his undergraduate degree.
He worked full time and was also a full-time student. His photographic memory helped him become an "A" student in high school, but when he entered Wayne State he found that this gift would be less of an asset in college. He struggled through his undergraduate experience until he learned that he would have to change his study habits in order to earn his degree.
While it took Bertolini eight years to complete his degree, he said it was well worth the wait.
"The education I received at Wayne State University is probably the single most important factor in my success as an executive," Bertolini said upon receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Photos from Bertolini’s visit with Ilitch School students can be found HERE.
