November was a busy month for the Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) Class of 2025, offering students valuable opportunities to explore Wisconsin-based companies across diverse industries. Each trip included around 15 students accompanied by a few staff, with approximately 60 students participating in the visits all together. Jay Page, Director of Experiential Learning for the MSBA program, who led the fall immersion day initiative, expressed enthusiasm for the students’ engagement. “I saw confidence building in the students, especially with the amount of executive interaction from each organization,” he shared. “The companies were excited to host us, and each experience excelled in hitting the intended goals for the trip.”
Second Harvest Food Bank
The first immersion trip of the year to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin was both inspiring and impactful. The day began with a hands-on volunteer session where students and staff sorted and packaged pasta that will feed 1,500 families. Janet Simon, the VP of Strategy and Development, led an exclusive tour of the distribution center, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the essential operations that drive this nonprofit organization.
Students also engaged with professionals from key departments—strategy, finance, HR, and operations—gaining valuable insights into the complexities of the nonprofit sector. It was clear that the Second Harvest team lives by their core values: Innovation, Equity, Humility, Trust, Inclusion, and Integrity. Their mission to “address hunger today and food insecurity long term” is evidenced by the 22 million pounds of food they distribute annually.
The afternoon featured a data-driven challenge, where student teams evaluated and provided recommendations on Second Harvest’s current grouping and tiering system. These presentations not only offered valuable feedback for the nonprofit but also gave students a taste of the real-world consulting projects they’ll tackle in the spring semester’s Graduate Consulting Capstone. The entire day embodied the core values of our MSBA program: skill-building through applied learning, ethical leadership, community engagement, resilience, adaptability, and effective communication.
Fetch Rewards
Students and staff explored the innovative world of Fetch Rewards, a mobile app that rewards users for everyday purchases. Founded in 2013 by UW alumnus Wes Schroll, Fetch blends cutting-edge technology with a people-first culture. The visit kicked off with a tour of Fetch’s office led by Paloma Delgadillo, Director of Data Analytics. Students experienced the collaborative workspaces and employee-focused environment that fuels the company’s innovation.
A panel featuring Fetch team members, including MSBA alum Jenny Liao, provided insights into technical skills like SQL and Python, the importance of cross-functional collaboration, and the value of strong problem-solving and communication skills. Co-founder Tyler Kennedy, who students met via Zoom, also shared Fetch’s journey to over 5.5 million active users, emphasizing a culture of experimentation and innovation.
Students analyzed Fetch’s user and revenue data, presenting actionable insights to Fetch staff. This exercise reinforced core business analytics skills and offered real-world applications of their classroom learning. The visit was a glimpse into the fast-paced world of data analytics, equipping the students with industry knowledge, career advice, and an understanding of Fetch’s cutting-edge practices.
CNH Industrial
CNH Industrial, a leading player in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, welcomed the group with an adventurous day packed with learning opportunities designed to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world applications in analytics and business strategy.
The first stop on the itinerary was a fascinating tour of the factory, where students witnessed the intricate process of building the company’s flagship machines. From the assembly of parts to rigorous training processes, students gained a behind-the-scenes look at the precision and expertise that drive CNH’s production line. A highlight of the tour was sitting in the very tractors they had just learned about. MSBA Career Coach Caitlin Hunter shared her enthusiasm: “I think the coolest part was being walked through the creation of a tractor in the warehouse from start to finish by retired CNH line workers with 40+ years of experience.”
A working lunch provided students with the chance to interact with CNH leaders, offering valuable networking opportunities and a platform for exchanging ideas. The afternoon featured a collaborative data exercise, where students worked on a CNH-specific data project. This hands-on component allowed students to apply their analytics expertise to real-world challenges. By working on live projects, networking with seasoned professionals, and experiencing the manufacturing process firsthand, students gain a deeper understanding of how analytics drives decision-making in the manufacturing and capital sectors.
Molson Coors
Visiting Molson Coors in Milwaukee provided an opportunity for students to dive into the intersection of technology, analytics, and brewing. Molson employs over 15,000 people worldwide—including teams in the U.S., Canada, and Romania—and thrives on its tech teams stationed in each brewery. After an enthusiastic welcome, students and staff were treated to a sensory session, tasting beer to differentiate between a control sample and three off-standard products. This hands-on exercise highlighted the critical role of quality control in brewing.
Molson Coors’ technology innovation team shared a fascinating presentation, detailing initiatives such as hackathons, “Shark Tank”-style pitch competitions, and their “Connected Worker” project. These projects empower employees, enhance safety, and drive AI innovation responsibly. Tools like virtual spaces and video simulations reduce travel and streamline operations, while programs like their rotational track provide professional growth opportunities.
The data science team’s presentation emphasized the transformative power of AI in the “beer value chain.” From logistics to advertising, AI has been shaping operations since the 1980s. Students learned about the importance of storytelling with data, balancing effort and value in analytics, and integrating business knowledge with technical skills. Students tackled a mini case analyzing beer brand data. Teams used AI-driven text analysis to compare reviews and determine factors influencing product page rankings. After thoughtful presentations, “Team 4” emerged victorious.
The day concluded with a tour of Molson Coors’ archives, stopping by the corporate offices and a pub visit. The Molson staff’s insights into company values and the importance of cultural fit left students with a lasting impression. This day underscored the diverse opportunities within the brewing industry and the connection between analytics and innovation. From 3D printing to smart taps, the future of brewing looks as dynamic as the talented minds shaping it.
Bridging Academia and Industry
All four immersion trips exemplify the MSBA program’s commitment to providing students with meaningful business engagements and reinforce the value of partnerships between academia and industry. For a behind-the-scenes look at the days spent at CNH Industrial and Molson Coors, check out the vlogs on the MSBA Instagram.
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