After completing her Bachelor of Business in India with a focus in Finance and Entrepreneurship, Anadi Badkul (MBA 2026) reflects on her experience post-grad after discovering her passion for marketing. As an international student, Anadi details her journey in adjusting to a cultural shift both inside and out of the classroom. Continue reading to hear more about her learning experience as well as the cultural exchange that accompanied Anadi’s experience at the Wisconsin School of Business.
Why Wisconsin, Why Marketing
I’m originally from India where I completed my undergraduate degree with a focus on Finance and Entrepreneurship. At the time, I genuinely enjoyed studying finance, but after 5 years of experience post-undergrad, I realized I didn’t truly see myself building a lifelong career in the field. I found that what genuinely excited me was the world of marketing and understanding consumers while building brand stories.
I knew that in order to grow as a marketer, I would benefit greatly from global exposure. Not only did I want to better understand marketing in general but also gain experience at the international level of marketing. I found that the United States specifically was well regarded in marketing and began my research of postgraduate program in the United States. Throughout my research, the University of Wisconsin Madison and the Wisconsin School of Business consistently stood out to me. The marketing analytics and insights specialization, strong faculty reputation as well as positive feedback from international alumni of the program made my decision clear. I was looking for both academic challenges and international perspective and support, both of which I found in Madison.
A Significant Shift
The transition from India’s education system to that of the United States was both exciting and challenging. In India, I found that there was more guidance throughout the semester and the courses I took were strictly academic and information focused. At UW, the approach to learning is more discussion-based and practical. Students are generally left with more independence, which was also an adjustment considering a masters degree is also very complex in itself. I found that weekly quizzes, class participation and quick assignment turnarounds required me to adapt quickly and tweak my approach to learning. In addition, the exams often prompted me to think beyond what was directly covered in lectures, pushing me to think more independently and critically. While this new way of thinking came as an adjustment, I am grateful for the experiences that shifted my approach to independent and critical thinking.
Culturally, marketing added another layer of adjustment. Considering marketing is rooted in consumer behavior and culture, I found it very challenging at first to analyze U.S.-based brands, many of which I wasn’t familiar with. In India, many of our cases were centered around Asian brands and brands I had more direct experience with. However, I anticipated these challenges before coming to the U.S. and knew adaptability would be key. Over time, immersing myself in the environment helped me to better understand local consumer nuances, strengthening my overall perspective as a global marketer.
Professional Experience
My professional experiences in the U.S. have helped to bridge the gap between my learning in the classroom and real-world application. I interned as a digital marketing intern for a medical manufacturing company, where I was able to conduct market research to identify nonprofit organizations that could help us reach large patient populations.
I also worked with a Madison-based startup that connects public artists and art commissioners. There, I focused on digital strategy and analytics, helping to optimize their landing page, launching Google Ads and developing analytical frameworks to better understand consumer behavior. These hands-on experiences reinforced my interest in marketing insights and exposed me to a range of insights when it came to data-driven decision-making.
MLI, Networking, and More
The Marketing Leadership Institute has played a significant role in my growth as both a student and person. Whether it be mentorship, mock interviews, company visits, or networking events, I gained a deeper understanding and newfound confidence when it came to the hiring process in the United States. Unlike India’s more standardized campus recruitment system, the U.S. job marketplaces emphasis on networking and personal connections. Having guidance from the MLI with learning how to reach out, build relationships, and communicate my story effectively has truly been invaluable.
Professionally, my experience building global experience and strengthening my education have been commendable but feel rather incomplete without work experience. Post graduation, I hope to continue working in the U.S. for at least a couple years, finding a job in the marketing insights field. My education at UW-Madison has been transformative and I believe gaining work experience in this market will complete that journey.
If I were to give one piece of advice to other international students and students in general, it is this: anticipate your challenges, ask for help, and don’t be afraid to grow. Discomfort is often the first step toward meaningful and lasting transformation.