Commencement season is upon us! But before four soon-to-be BBA grads step onto the stage at the Kohl Center, they’re sharing with us where they are headed next—and some words of wisdom to current (and future) Business Badgers on what it took to get there.
Natalie Orozco (BBA ’26)
Program: Marketing
Hometown: Mendota, Illinois
Employer: Medline, Chicago, Illinois
Job Title: Associate Product Manager
What she’s looking forward to: I’m excited to begin my role as an associate product manager at Medline because it will allow me to work at the intersection of strategy, product, and customer needs. I’m especially looking forward to building a stronger understanding of product development and learning how to make data-informed decisions that create real impact.
Windy City welcome: I’m really looking forward to being in Chicago because of the energy of the city and the opportunity to begin a new chapter after graduation. I’m excited to experience everything from the infinite coffee shops and neighborhoods to building my career in such a dynamic place!
Advice for fellow job seekers: I would tell other Badgers not to let rejection make them question their value. The job search can feel overwhelming, but every application, interview, and connection teaches you something and helps you grow. Stay persistent, trust your story, and know that the right opportunity will recognize what you bring!
Hailey Mehta (BBA ’26)
Program: Supply Chain Management; Marketing; Operations and Technology Management
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Employer: Diageo, Stamford, Connecticut
Job Title: Supply Leadership Development Program
What she’s looking forward to: I am excited to work in a rotational program post-grad. Programs like this allow students to have a successful transition out of college into full-time work and help us explore different pathways at the company. In my first-year rotation, I’ll be a logistics analyst, and I am looking forward to examining the legal and societal implications of alcohol distribution across North America.
Who guided her path: Jake Dean and Pete Lukszys are two changemakers in my academic journey. I first learned about supply chain management at an event hosted by Jake called Supply Chain 101. It helped me find the mix of logic and innovation that I had been looking for and inspired me to take Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management, which Jake also led. Pete leveraged international case studies in Logistics Management (OTM 422) that intersected in equity, sustainability, and culture in supply chain. Both Jake and Pete showed me how humanity in supply chains keeps the world working.
Insights from her job hunt: As a student, I have been focused on developing skills and promoting them in my interviews. I didn’t expect to find my full-time job by authentically being myself, making light-hearted jokes, and simply showing the team that I am eager to learn.
Jared Chapman (BBA ’26)
Program: Real Estate and Urban Land Economics
Hometown: Roslyn, New York
Employer: Rialto Capital, Miami, Florida
Title: Rotational Analyst (Asset Management)
What he’s looking forward to: As I prepare to move down to Miami, I am excited for the opportunity to join a rotational program that provides broad exposure across four of the firm’s core asset management teams. I look forward to gaining experience across the full lifecycle of commercial mortgage-backed security (CMBS) loans while working with a variety of asset types in markets across the country. Most of all, I am excited to build hands-on experience and learn as much as possible early on in my career.
Learning from the best: I have been fortunate to learn from professors who did more than just teach—they served as mentors and helped guide my path toward becoming a real estate professional. I am especially grateful for Bill Camp and David Gevers, both of whom played an instrumental role in helping me understand the many intricacies of the real estate industry. Most importantly, I am grateful for my mom Vicki; my dad Mark; and my two sisters Leah and Carly, for their unwavering support not only throughout the past four years, but also throughout my life.
Advice for fellow job seekers: Network as much as possible—every phone call I had, even if it did not directly lead to an opportunity, became a building block toward my ultimate goal. This is especially important in the real estate industry, which is very much relationship-driven. There are countless resources available at WSB to connect students with Wisconsin alumni. I utilized the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association (WREAA) to explore job postings and connect with former Badgers who are eager to give back.
Payton Radtke (BBA ’26)
Program: Management and Human Resources and International Business; Consulting Certificate
Hometown: Hopkins, Minnesota
Employer: McKinsey & Co., Minneapolis, Minnesota
Job Title: Business Analyst
What she’s looking forward to: I am very excited to be joining McKinsey as a business analyst! I look forward to exploring different industries, solving complex problems, and producing meaningful work. Every day looks so different in consulting, so I am eager to dive in and learn as much as possible!
Who guided her path: My mom, Colleen Thompson, used to be a consultant so when I told her I was exploring the idea of going into consulting, she was very excited. She inspired me to put myself out there and apply to opportunities that I thought were out of my reach.
Advice to fellow job seekers: Be authentically yourself throughout the process. While qualifications are important, I always made sure to be myself and find connection with others during my search, and I believe that set me apart.
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