- Hometown: Spooner, Wisconsin
- Undergraduate Degree: B.A. in International Political Economy, Management, and Finance, Carthage College
- Graduate Program: J.D./M.B.A specializing in corporate finance and Investment banking with a legal certificate in entrepreneurship
- Pre-MBA Job: Summer Legal Intern, Fiserv, Inc.
- Hobbies: Cheerleading and Water Skiing
- Fun Fact: Mariah is Miss Collegiate USA 2025
Background
Mariah Bader is originally from Spooner, Wisconsin. She earned her undergraduate degree from Carthage College in 2024, where she triple majored in International Political Economy, Management, and Finance, and completed double minors in Spanish and Economics.
Prior to joining the MBA program, Mariah completed her first year of law school at the University of Wisconsin. Mariah has held numerous leadership roles in the University of Wisconsin Law School while attending classes in the Wisconsin School of Business. These leadership roles include Co-President of the Business and Tax Law Association, Co-Treasurer of the Indigenous Law Student Association, 2L-Representative of the Trusts and Estate Planning Society, and an Academic Enhancement Program Property Law Discussion Group Leader.
In the summer leading up to the MBA program Mariah gained practical legal experience as a Summer Legal Intern at Fiserv, where she developed a strong foundation at the intersection of business, law, and finance.
JD/MBA Experience & Career Goals
Mariah was motivated to pursue an MBA as she prepares to become the fifth-generation owner of her family business, The Bader’s Sport Center, established in 1888. With more than a century of history behind the business, she recognized the importance of being fully equipped to lead it successfully in a modern and competitive landscape. An MBA offered the financial, strategic, and leadership training necessary to complement her legal education and ensure the business’s continued success.
As a current law student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the MBA program through the Wisconsin School of Business was a natural choice. It was the only MBA program she seriously considered, given the seamless integration with her JD studies. She was particularly drawn to the school’s specialized focus areas and the opportunity to strengthen her finance skills.
Mariah is extremely happy with her decision to add on the MBA program. Beyond strengthening her finance skills Mariah affirms the program has provided enormous amounts of career preparation resources, networking opportunities, support, and long-lasting friendships.
Looking ahead, Mariah is excited for her upcoming Investor Relations MBA Internship at Oshkosh Corporation this summer. Next semester, Mariah will be staying busy as a Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic Student Associate, Enterprise Development Fellow, MBA Ambassador, Co-President of the Business and Tax Law Association, and 3L representative for the Trusts and Estate Planning Association.
Advice for Prospective Students
Advice from Mariah: Apply early and attend as many events as you can—the program truly flies by. While you won’t be in the MBA program forever, the memories you make will stay with you long after it ends. I met some of my best friends through the UW MBA program, and the collaborative culture and genuine Midwestern kindness create an exceptional learning environment. My biggest piece of advice is to apply early. I waited until the final application cycle and missed out on “On Wisconsin Weekend” and several other great events. My only regret is not applying sooner.
Rapid Fire
Favorite Spot in Madison: Law School Library
Productivity Hack: Surround yourself with extremely productive people in a silent atmosphere
One Word to Describe MBA Experience: Teamwork