As I wrap up my second semester as a first-year MBA student at the Wisconsin School of Business, specializing in Strategic Human Resource Management, I’ve been reflecting on one of the most impactful experiences of the semester: our Spring Trek to Chicago. This opportunity brought our HR cohort out of the classroom and into real-world conversations with HR professionals across a variety of industries. On Thursday, March 19, we visited Cisco and Molson Coors, followed by WTW, the Chicago Bulls, and McDonald’s the next morning on Friday, March 20. Across the two days, we connected with 27 HR professionals at different career stages who shared their experiences and perspectives on the evolving world of HR. These conversations reinforced how dynamic and impactful the field is. A huge thank you to our SHR Center leaders for planning such an incredible itinerary.
Our first stop was Cisco, located in the historic Old Post Office building. The workspace blended modern design with the building’s original character, creating a very welcoming environment. One of the most interesting aspects was the intentional design to support collaboration and flexibility. The office had no assigned desks, encouraging movement and interaction across teams. We also learned how Cisco tracks space usage and integrates technology into daily operations. Certain spaces were even designed to limit how long employees stayed, such as presentation areas with no outlets and limited comfort seating. A Q&A panel with Wisconsin School of Business alumni highlighted the company’s focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and global integration. Seeing these concepts applied in a real workplace made them far more tangible than discussing them solely in the classroom.
Next, we visited Molson Coors, where we were welcomed by Dave Pegorsch, Director of Organization. Dave really set the tone of this visit. The environment felt relaxed and genuine, reflecting the company’s culture. We heard from HR leaders about organizational updates, including adapting to evolving consumer preferences and the appointment of a new CEO. It was especially interesting to learn how the company is expanding into non-alcoholic options and forming new product partnerships to stay competitive. The visit concluded with time to socialize at their bar, which further reinforced the company’s collaborative culture. The open, approachable atmosphere made Molson Coors my favorite stop on the trek.
That evening, we gathered at AceBounce for a night of networking and ping-pong. It was a great opportunity to connect with my cohort in a more relaxed setting after a full day of company visits.
On Friday morning, we started the day bright and early at WTW (Willis Towers Watson) in the Willis Tower. Their presentation focused on fair pay and pay transparency, two increasingly important topics in HR. They shared that they work with 92% of Fortune 500 companies, highlighting their influence on global compensation strategies. This visit provided valuable insight into the consulting side of HR and how compensation decisions impact organizations at scale.
Our next stop was the Chicago Bulls, which I was especially excited about. Despite being such a well-known organization, I was surprised to learn that their HR function was only established about 12 years ago and remains a small team of five, known as their People & Culture team. With only around 200 corporate employees, the organization seemed personal and close-knit. The team places a strong emphasis on employee engagement, which was reflected in both their workspace and culture. One standout feature was a wall displaying the Bulls logo made from pieces of basketball court from the 1990s, showing how they incorporate their legacy into the workplace. A highlight of the visit was hearing Monica Shah’s career journey from elementary school teacher to HR Manager. Her story emphasized the importance of transferable skills like communication and relationship-building, and how diverse paths can lead to a career in HR.
Our final stop was the McDonald’s Headquarters, which offered a fascinating look into HR of a global brand. One of the most interesting takeaways was that corporate employees are expected to complete field work to stay connected to restaurant operations and customer experience. We also learned about Speedee Labs, where new innovations are tested, and Hamburger University, the company’s training center focused on employee development. These initiatives highlighted McDonald’s strong commitment to internal growth and promoting from within. The offices themself featured a “neighborhood” layout that balanced collaboration and team structure. We also got to see other unique aspects of the headquarters like a Happy Meal toy wall, an on-site gym, and dedicated networking spaces.
Overall, this trek was one of the best experiences of my first year. Visiting a diverse set of organizations, hearing different career journeys, and seeing HR in action made the experience both meaningful and inspiring. Beyond the company insights, it was also valuable to strengthen relationships with my cohort and continue to build connections. The trek reinforced my excitement for a career in HR and gave me a clearer, real-world perspective on the many paths and opportunities ahead.