Alison “Ali” Heimert
University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin School of Business
MBA Graduation Year: 2019
Specialization: Marketing Analytics and Insights
Hometown: Libertyville, Illinois
Internship: General Mills; Minneapolis, MN
Wisconsin was an easy choice. I researched other programs and quickly saw that pairing marketing research with an MBA would broaden my career options. Also, I love the city of Madison, so that helped with my decision. Now that I’m here, I am finding an amazing culture. It is clear that everyone, from staff to alumni to my student peers, wants to contribute to my success.
The very first applied learning we had for marketing research was with Dr Pepper Snapple Group. The company wanted consumer insights about their new Snapple Straight Up Tea. Beginning during the very first week of school, we interviewed consumers in grocery stores and later delivered findings to the partner. It was such an exceptional experience and advantage getting the immediate hands-on experience.
Everyone comes into the MBA program with a different background. It was extremely beneficial in our many year-one group projects to learn different problem-solving perspectives from my peers. One of the best things I learned my first year was how to tell a story using data. That skill really helped me in my internship with General Mills. And because of my Wisconsin MBA, I am excited to say I am starting at General Mills after graduation—in the exact career I envisioned.
After I received my internship offer from General Mills, my inbox was flooded with congratulatory emails from alumni who work there. That speaks a lot to the culture at Wisconsin and how supportive and intimately connected the alumni are.
One of the best things I learned my first year was how to tell a story using data. That skill really helped me in my internship. And my internship led to a position with General Mills after graduation.
—Ali Heimert
The nonacademic opportunities with the Wisconsin MBA Program allow me to blend my passion for volunteering and my MBA program. I had the opportunity to lead the team for the Polar Plunge event that raises funds for Special Olympics. Our team jumped into Lake Mendota in the dead of winter for a great cause. Although it probably sounds miserable to outsiders, the event built a lot of camaraderie for our class. I also loved my position with the Graduate Business Association. I was the community service chair working as the liaison between community service events in Madison and the student body. These opportunities allowed me to test the leadership skills the program is instilling in us.