A bold pivot leads to an MBA in corporate finance
From an early passion for kinesiology to a flourishing career in corporate finance, Logan Hagen exemplifies the power of embracing change through learning.
As a teenager, Logan Hagen was inspired by anatomy and physiology during high school, and he entered Oregon State University with confidence and excitement to study kinesiology. Hagen’s aspiration for his undergraduate journey was to become a physical therapist. However, a pivotal realization struck about halfway through his degree studies: it wasn’t the practice of physical therapy that fueled his drive, but the idea of managing and growing a business.
“I think being a PT gave me a definable trajectory but was not ultimately my real passion,” Hagen said. “I think physical therapists are incredible, and the career could have been a fulfilling one if I had maintained that same path, but a part of me knew I would not be a better PT than others who kept hold of that innate devotion to that specific career.”
This epiphany led Hagen to add in coursework to earn a business minor, and develop the skills for a career trajectory that could include business ownership or management. But a single finance class within this minor lighted the spark for a newfound passion.
“By the second or third finance class, I was definitely hooked” he said. “I was very curious to learn more about it. I think that is what officially kickstarted my mindset change to corporate finance as a potential career path.”
Hagen earned his kinesiology degree, the business minor, and followed through with a return to OSU’s College of Business and a decisive choice to pursue an MBA immediately after graduation. Hagen wanted to cement the transition into corporate finance.
Motivated by the idea that many kinesiology students must obtain higher degrees and get into grad schools to complete their specific designations, and factoring in the notion that later in life, he may have different responsibilities, Hagen entered graduate business school.
“It felt more like a now-or-never type of decision for me,” Hagen said. “I thought the MBA would fully complete my transition to focus on a business and finance career path and would unlock a lot more opportunities.”
Hagen also leveraged a Beaver for Life scholarship from the College of Business, available to any OSU graduate, of any major, to pursue their graduate business studies, at any time in their career.
Taking the plunge, Hagen found graduate school to be an environment that matched his own drive and aspirations. His cohort included seasoned CEOs of major Oregon businesses, and industry professionals of various backgrounds, and while his business minor prepared him to some extent, he describes the MBA as a “firehose of information and general learning.”
“It felt very different than undergrad in the best way possible,” Hagen said. “My cohort literally made the experience. The instructors, the students… I just don’t know how else to put it. I have lifelong friends from that program. I think one of the most surprising aspects of graduate school for me was being surrounded by a group of peers on Day One with a very similar mindset, motivation, work ethic and career aspirations.”
Hagen noted the commitment of faculty like John Becker-Blease, (who is also the associate dean of graduate programs) who consistently went above and beyond to support students, meeting in person, answering emails, whatever it took.
“There were so many other faculty as well that had impressive backgrounds with private companies that brought some unique real-world education into the course material,” he said. “The support was definitely there.”
A standout moment of Hagen’s MBA pursuit was the capstone project centered on Biotech Pigments. Collaborating with Ph.D. scientists on groundbreaking technology — a 100% natural UV-resistant additive for paint and wood stain — Hagen put into practice OSU’s signature tenet of blending of innovation and business strategy, and still thinks about the project to this day.
“The capstone began with the typical feeling of an assignment that needed to be completed in order to graduate, but then quickly evolved to a project that could legitimately be a new and successful real-world business venture,” Hagen said. “The two primary scientists involved found a way to grow fungi and have them produce a pigment with unheard of UV resistant properties that one drop — yes, one drop — would be enough to provide those properties to an entire gallon of paint or wood stain.”
Now a thriving junior partner at Scott Wealth Management, Hagen has found the ideal balance of leveraging financial expertise and fostering meaningful human connections, a throwback to his original career aspirations in physical therapy. With nearly six years in the field, Hagen’s work involves guiding families and businesses through financial planning, an aspect reminiscent of the helping nature of a PT career.
For those considering graduate business studies, Hagen offers a key piece of advice: if you take advantage of the various opportunities, you will get much more value out of the experience.
“If your lifestyle allows make sure you fully dive in,” he said. “Don’t just do the reading to get a letter grade. Meet with professors after class hours; explore different meet-up opportunities with industry professionals. Spend time with your classmates outside of class, beyond just studying or the classroom time.”
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