Michael Hornung
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin School of Business
MBA Graduation Year: 2018
Current Job: Personal Line Operations Data and Reporting Manager, American Family Insurance, and small business owner
My Wisconsin Executive MBA education gave me a more holistic understanding of business and has already advanced my career. My expanded skills and knowledge helped me earn a promotion at American Family Insurance before even completing the program. I was able to move up to a position in operations reporting, managing the team that does reporting and metric analysis.
One of many influential courses for me in the program was Organizational Behavior taught by Alex Stajkovic. He really challenged us to think differently about confidence and how people are motivated at work. As a result, I approach staff development through a very different lens, which makes me a better manager.
I pursued an MBA to gain knowledge I was lacking professionally and to develop strategic and critical thinking. These skills had an immediate impact. I gained depth in leadership and financial understanding, which are proving very beneficial in my new job.
The amount of talent and diversity among my classroom peers was amazing. Each of us came from a different walk of life. The varied personal and career perspectives enriched the whole MBA experience. Comparing cost management and operations in industries like manufacturing to my own knowledge of insurance was quite eye opening.
We were challenged to think differently about confidence and how people are motivated at work, which has made me a better manager.
—Michael Hornung (MBA ’18)
The career counselors at the School gave me exceptional support in my pursuit of the promotion I wanted. The career services team worked closely with me to develop a strong résumé tailored to the position to help me highlight my strengths. Their professional advice made a significant difference.
The global trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking in the culture of South Africa and having opportunities to learn how local businesses operate provided a unique view of business challenges, some of which are very similar to what we face in the U.S.
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