University of Wisconsin—Madison - School of Business

While career specializations are the hallmark of the Wisconsin MBA curriculum, “the program emphasizes strong learning within a specific discipline while allowing flexibility to learn cross-functional skills.” Before beginning their studies within a specific center, students must complete the general management core curriculum, which provides a solid foundation in management essentials. Students comment that “the specified ‘center ’ does make it difficult at times to expand into other departments.” Throughout the curriculum, applied learning is an important component of the Wisconsin MBA, and students participate in live business projects for a wide range of companies. For example, students may conduct market research for leading companies, manage stock portfolios, or manage a portfolio of real estate securities.

The business school draws a team of top-notch faculty “committed to up-to-date teaching styles and topics.” Student input here is valued. “Feedback is taken from the students at the end of every semester and the recommended changes are implemented for the next incoming class,” says one MBA. “It’s a constantly evolving and improving program that is viewed as a collaborative effort between the administration and students.” On the whole, “Wisconsin represents a culture of collaboration and teamwork,” and students reassure us that “when students compete, there is a general collegiate respect for one another.” Another major perk of a Wisconsin MBA education is its public school price tag, made better by the fact that through assistantships: “The tuition is covered, benefits are covered, and you get a stipend.” A student exclaims, “You might find it hard to catch your breath, but it’s a great way to avoid loans.”

With strong ties in the region, 60 percent of students take jobs in the Midwest. However, for those looking to expand their horizons, students reassure us that “last year and the current year, we have been utilizing our alumni and board member connections to send a significant number of finance students out to New York for positions with bulge bracket firms.” Currently, the top five recruiters at UW are: Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, General Mills, State of Wisconsin Investment Board, and Cisco Systems, Inc.

At this famous university, the business school is located “in the middle of campus with the 42,000 other students, so there is a constant buzz of activity.” The consummate college town, students love Madison, “a city with a thriving arts and cultural scene, and plenty of opportunities for recreation and entertainment.” Since the business school is close to downtown, “you get the undergraduate as well as the professional demographic all with- in seven blocks.” With so many entertainment options, it’s no surprise that “most of the MBA students go out every Thursday night for a beverage—a great way to get to know everyone.”