Some career pivots happen suddenly. Others unfold over years and are shaped by curiosity, timing, and the courage to try something new. For Wisconsin MBA student, Keenan Vanden Heuvel, the path from hospitality operations to the commercial and tech world has been a reinvention grounded in experience, exploration, and support from the Wisconsin MBA community.
Wisconsin Roots & Early Career
I grew up in Seymour, Wisconsin and started my college education at UW-Milwaukee before transferring to Arizona State University. Assuming I would eventually go to law school, as an undergrad I majored in philosophy with a business minor. After graduating in 2020, I ended up continuing to work in hospitality.
I ultimately built a ten-year career in this industry and learned a lot from senior leaders in the company. This led to me wanting to position myself in a way that would allow me to accelerate my professional growth. I saw marketing as the perfect opportunity to do so and chose to pivot from operations to a commercial based and tech focused role.
Back to My Roots: The Wisconsin MBA
My desire to pivot is what brought me back home to Wisconsin. I chose Wisconsin to pursue my marketing MBA considering I wanted a strong foundation as well as a network that could guide me through my pivot into tech. Wisconsin offered both key characteristics. Specifically, the program’s connections and network made it clear that it was the perfect place to build the skills and relationships I needed to succeed.
Starting Out at a Startup
During my first year at Wisconsin, I landed an internship at an AI startup. It was exactly the change of pace I had been looking for, providing me with experience in a way that was manageable and natural.
I immediately dove into using CRM tools, creating content, messaging and email campaigns. I learned more about what software engineers work on day-to-day, how products are built, and how marketing fits into this bigger picture.
This experience didn’t come without challenges. With this internship being fully remote, I learned that strictly working remote can be difficult when you are in a new work environment. I’ve always had roles in an in-person environment where I can collaborate with others daily. Additionally, with the CEO leaving halfway through the summer allowing the founder to return, I was exposed to two very different leadership styles, which ended up being one of the most valuable aspects of my experience.
Looking Ahead
After graduation, I plan to relocate to California and explore various roles. Whether that be at a startup or large company, I am excited about where this pivot will take me. I look forward to the future as the Wisconsin MBA program and MLI have helped me to access the tools, confidence, and network to pursue these roles.
My Advice
As you navigate a path of your own, my advice would be this: be open to trying new things. Explore your interest, even if they don’t lead to immediate opportunities. Invest in relationships with people who can support your long-term growth, not just your next internship.
My path has not been linear, but it has been nothing short of rewarding. With curiosity and the right community to support you, it is absolutely possible to reinvent your career.