In ceremonies and celebrations throughout campus, more than 700 Business Badgers will graduate this commencement season. Before their next great adventure, six notable grads shared memorable moments, advice, and what they’ll miss most.
Program: Entrepreneurship
My future professional plans: I’ll be working on my two businesses, FWD Consulting, a digital marketing consulting company, and MarketMate, a farmers’ market app startup.
What I will miss most about WSB: The professors and mentors that I have gotten to know both personally and professionally. They have helped me grow immensely and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
My advice to future WSB students: Embrace stepping out of your comfort zone. You’ll be amazed by what you can achieve when you take that leap and try something new!
Program: Marketing; Management; Consulting and Environmental Studies Certificates
What I will miss most about WSB: I’ll miss walking into Grainger and always running into someone I know. Everyone here is so caring, passionate, and career-driven; it’s really great to be surrounded by such a collaborative community from many different backgrounds.
My advice to future WSB students: Definitely get to know your professors, chatting with them after class or stopping by their office hours. The WSB professors really care about their students and give amazing advice!
April Meehl (PhD ’24)
Program: Joint program in Economics and Finance
My future professional plans: I will be working as a research economist at the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Financial Research.
“I will miss learning from and working alongside the outstanding faculty at WSB. I am very grateful for the exceptional mentorship they have provided as I began my research career.”
—April Meehl (PhD ’24)
What I will miss most about WSB: I will miss learning from and working alongside the outstanding faculty at WSB. I am very grateful for the exceptional mentorship they have provided as I began my research career.
Antonio Mora (BBA ’24)
Program: Accounting
My future professional plans: I want to obtain the credits required to sit for the CPA exam. I would also like to obtain a master’s degree in accounting here at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. That may be further down in the future, after I have worked for a bit, but I do intend to accomplish those goals.
What I wish I knew as an incoming student: I wish I would’ve known about how valuable attending office hours can be sooner. I don’t think I ever attended office hours as a freshman or sophomore. Lately I have been attending and have found that the professors are very flexible and patient about students’ questions.
The WSB class that inspired me the most: I don’t think I could narrow it down to one class. I have had a lot of great accounting professors that seem truly passionate about the material, which motivates me and inspires me to work harder and keep going. If it wasn’t for them, I may not be studying accounting.
Karon Sims (MBA ’24)
Program: Professional MBA
My future professional plans: I am dedicated to advancing my career in banking and finance, motivated by my passion to improve the financial well-being of the communities I serve. These industries offer endless opportunities to make a meaningful impact post-graduation. My immediate goal is to immerse myself fully in banking and finance, acquiring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Pursuing an MBA is not just an educational goal; it is a crucial step towards realizing my vision of leading and innovating in the financial world and improving others’ lives.
“The unpredictability of this journey as an MBA student is where the true value lies, as every challenge and moment of uncertainty felt like an adventure that led to many opportunities for personal growth.”
— Karon Sims (MBA ’24)
My advice to future WSB students: Maximize every opportunity presented to you throughout your MBA journey. Embrace challenges and venture beyond your comfort zone, for it is through these experiences that transformational learning occurs. Remember, the effort you invest in your education directly influences the rewards you reap. Pursuing self-improvement both academically and personally will leave you with no regrets. The world is what you make it, and your schooling is no different.
What I wish I knew as an upcoming student: Reflecting on my MBA journey, I wish I had grasped the extent of transformation awaiting me over the two years. While the duration seemed long, the experience encapsulates a lifetime of learning and personal evolution. Entering with a plan is wise, yet remaining open to the unexpected shifts life may offer is equally important. The unpredictability of this journey as an MBA student is where the true value lies, as every challenge and moment of uncertainty felt like an adventure that led to many opportunities for personal growth. Looking back, these two years felt long, but as I wrap up, they feel brief as I think about the impact they have had on my life’s trajectory.
Emily Slaven (BBA ’24)
Program: Marketing; Entrepreneurship
What I will miss most about WSB: The people. There is something so special about coming to WSB and seeing your peers, friends, and mentors all in one space. It’s such an amazing experience and an honor to grow alongside your friends and watch them find their confidence and go follow their dreams. I’m so lucky to have found such great people who inspire and motivate me.
My advice to future WSB students: Focus your energy on building relationships and making an impact. Your time at WSB becomes so much more meaningful when you put time into becoming a mentor by being intentional and inclusive. The best memories I have come from helping younger students have “aha!” moments, both professionally and personally.
One of my favorite moments at WSB: I went on two trips with Women in Business to Seattle and Dallas. It was so much fun getting to visit companies like Google, Edelman, and Amazon, and getting closer to a group of such talented young women. It was truly a core memory of college, getting to explore new cities and bond with members and alumni.