The Wisconsin School of Business’ Graduate Employer Relations team recently organized a career trek for MS in Business Analytics students, taking them on an insightful journey to three innovative companies: Epic Systems, American Family Insurance, and Trek Bicycle Corporation. This day-long adventure provided invaluable insights into diverse company cultures and various career avenues within the business analytics field.
Exploring the “Epic” at Epic Systems
The trek started at Epic Systems in Verona, where students convened in the Stargate room of the new SciFi building for an informative panel discussion. Analysts from the “Division Operations” team shared their unique, non-traditional paths into analytics, highlighting their use of tools from the Microsoft stack as well as Epic’s homegrown technologies. They mentioned that their work of migrating data to a cloud-based platform would be a multi-year project. Panelists spoke positively about Epic’s culture and having a work/life balance in their roles.
Epic’s company culture stands out with group outings, employee-led activities, and employee-curated art, to name a few. With around 1,000 UW alumni, the company remains rooted in the community. Panelists advised students to actively learn, network early, and remain adaptable in their technology use. They stressed that when hiring, Epic looks for sharp, curious individuals who possess the capacity to learn—highlighting the significance of problem-solving and communication skills over years of experience.
The discussion included how AI is utilized to summarize and aggregate data, with a clear message: while AI can enhance analytics, it cannot replace the human touch. After the panel, Epic employees led students on a campus tour, showcasing whimsical themes like the Wizards Academy, the Storybook campus and Deep Space. With a variety of globally inspired dining options prepared by culinary professionals, along with general stores and vibrant workspaces, Epic’s environment is truly unique.
Impact and Innovation: American Family Insurance
Next, the group traveled to the Spark building of American Family Insurance, which houses their digital transformation and venture capital divisions, as well as their community investment program, DreamBank, located in downtown Madison. An initial overview highlighted that AmFam encompasses various operational companies (OpCos). Key factors contributing to AmFam’s appeal include its focus on impact, innovation, data richness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities for career growth. AmFam’s panelists delved into the different uses of analytics across the organization. They shared insights on marketing analytics, contact center analytics, and people analytics. Although some projects take time to yield results, the impact can be significant—like using analytics to determine the most valued AmFam employee benefits and delivering on that promise.
The AmFam team encouraged students to pursue their passions, noting that diverse backgrounds can lead to success in analytics roles. They emphasized the importance of curiosity, confidence, and resilience, urging students to advocate for themselves and explore various tools in the analytics space. The organization offers internships and rotational analyst roles, providing graduates a comprehensive view of its operations. After the panel, students enjoyed lunch provided by AmFam, followed by a multi-floor tour that included scenic views from the rooftop.
Trek Bicycle Corporation: A Dynamic Conclusion
The final stop was Trek Bicycle Corporation in Waterloo, WI, where students experienced a different perspective from the marketing team. The day kicked off with a tour of Trek’s facility, immersing students in a vibrant bicycle shop atmosphere and a glimpse of customizable bike colors! They witnessed real-time performance testing analytics, reflecting Trek’s commitment to health and fitness—a core value of the company.
Trek’s culture includes an on-site gym, climbing wall, and miles of mountain biking trails for employees and their families. The day featured an interactive presentation where students participated in trivia about the company’s history, with prizes for winners. Trek’s marketing team discussed how analytics plays a crucial role in customer acquisition and retention, exemplified by the successful launch of their top-tier Madone road bike.
Reflecting on a Memorable Experience
This engaging career trek offered MSBA students’ priceless insights into three distinct company cultures and the various paths available in the business analytics field. The class of 2025 thoroughly enjoyed the experience, finding it both enlightening and inspiring. With new perspectives and valuable connections, students left energized and ready to explore their futures in the dynamic world of business analytics.
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