While campus quieted down for winter break, students from the StartUp and Business Connect Learning Communities were anything but idle. They headed south to Austin, Texas, stepping into a city widely recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit, fast-moving tech scene, and culture of creativity.
The week centered on exploration — of industries, career paths, and possibilities. Students met with leaders at Hiebing, Whole Foods Market, Dell Technologies, and BoogieBoard.ai, gaining exposure to fields spanning branding, technology, retail, sustainability, and emerging startups. Fellow Badger alumni offered candid perspectives on their professional journeys, sharing lessons about innovation, adaptability, and building meaningful careers. Across conversations in marketing, finance, and product development, one theme stood out: impact and ingenuity go hand in hand.
A collaborative event with the Harkey Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business added another layer to the experience. Connecting with UT-Austin staff and student entrepreneurs allowed participants to compare innovation ecosystems and see how entrepreneurial communities thrive beyond Wisconsin.
Outside of scheduled visits, students immersed themselves in Austin’s unmistakable character. They sampled iconic Texas BBQ, strengthened connections at a networking event with Austin Badgers, and took in live music at one of the city’s original honky-tonks. The blend of professional discovery and cultural immersion underscored an important takeaway: education extends far beyond the classroom.
Students returned for second semester with expanded networks, fresh perspective, and renewed motivation. We have no doubt that they will all channel a little Austin boldness into whatever comes next!
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