December 2013 by Bline Magazine

December 2013 Issue 20

Wisconsin school of business magazine

Featured article: Drowning in a Sea of Choices (p.8)

Fed by Ianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza

E H T T MEE

Executive Board

b.Liners Design

Marketing

Writing

Funding

Brianna Witte Kerry Blake Kristin Hagen Laurel Ruesch Lisa Erlauer Megan Theodoro Miranda Tushaus Sophie Greensite

Abby Pillsburry Alexis Rubenstein Alice Rocha Andrea Wenman Amelia Porco Andrea Wenman Becky Lin Cortney Houdek Emily Engman Erica Sloan

Amanda Maenner Carolina Orr Erica Engstrand Kaitlyn Tierney Mark Cage Mikaela Lodahl Samantha Stubitz Syaza Noor Azmi

Alberto Navarro Amy Walsh Annie Thul Catherine Alpeter Emily Maiorana Hyo Im Jessica Smith Keely Murphy Kelsey Keller Nicole Rosenwasser Nicole Sarquis Oliver Whiting

Erin Barbeau Gretta Hellmuth Jacob James Jenna Mueller Lauren Bren Lindsey Nowicki Mckensie Barmore Meghan Kelly Natalie Asher Rylee Moder

Amy Walsh Funding

Audrey McKenzie Membership

Brianna Witte

Design

Kaitlyn Tierney

Writing

Jessica Wardlow President

Mckensie Barmore

Marketing

A Letter from the b.Line President Dear Readers, We, at b.Line, thank you for your continued readership. This year we have been working really hard on this issue. Our group has been meeting each other through activities in our meetings and socials. If you are interested in getting involved for second semester, please email blinemembership@gmail.com. We’d love to have you! Need more b.Line? Check out our website at blineonline. org. While you’re on our website, be sure to click on the “E-Subscribe” tab, which allows you to receive new issues of b.Line straight to your inbox. Add blineonline.org to your bookmarks page and check the online blog weekly for interesting, relevant business news. Good luck on finals and congratulations on another great semester. We are so proud of this issue of b.Line and hope you like it! On Wisconsin! Jessica Wardlow

b.Line President

Table of Contents In every issue 4

Student Advice: Dear Bea Line

Student Org Highlight: health care management student association

Top ten: Ten things new students should do

For your entertainment

Cover Story: Drowning in a Sea of Choices

Featured Articles

Safety Badger

networking with alumni

Drowning in a sea of choices

all about compass

Safety badger

Alumni memories

bLineonline.org

Dear Bea Line Student Advice Column by: Amanda Maenner

Dear Bea Line, I cannot figure out the composting situation in the Grainger Café. What goes where? What actually happens with our trash? Why is this important? And for Peet’s sake (pun intended)…can I recycle a coffee cup?! Sincerely yours, Composted & Confused

Dear Composted & Confused, I am so glad you asked! The Capital Café’s compositing initiative stems from the Wisconsin Idea, which is “the principle that the university should improve people’s lives beyond the classroom.” The We Conserve student group supports the project and helps with education and implementation. While the process and perplexing number of trash bins seem daunting, the operation is really simple, and revolutionary! One bin is for vegetables and paper napkins, another for meat and dairy, and a few more to dispose of mixed paper, cans and bottles, and plastic cups. The idea is to create biodegradable organic materials and reduce overall waste produced by Grainger Hall diners. Did you know that food accounts for 1/3 of the trash that Americans throw away, and that it usually ends up in landfills? Composting helps eliminate the environmental impact of food compost by reducing the period of time that food can release methane, a process called decomposition. Along with clearing up some space in the already crowded landfills, composting creates a lot of positive effects. Compost can produce economical organic material that we can add to soil. It also enables us to be less dependent on fertilizer treatments and instead keep it natural! According to my resources, twice a week our food scraps are collected and taken to the West Madison Agricultural Research Station for composting! As for your cup of Joe, my research tells me that at this point in time, you cannot recycle your Peet’s or Starbuck’s coffee cups. Starbucks’ goal is to make 100% of their cups recyclable or reusable by 2015. So for now, sit tight, and bring your own mug or thermos and the two cafes will fill it up for you! Remember Composted & Confused, much of the success of green initiatives ultimately depend on the actions of the consumer – so wake up, smell the compost, and do your part by being educated and intentional! Yours truly, Bea Line

Networking With Alumni

re you aware that there are past Badgers on campus every day who would love to share their experiences with you? They were in your spot at one time and are now further along in their careers. Each of them has endured the roller coaster of college and the working world and they are all excited to share their advice and suggestions. After all, spending time with

by: Mikaela Lodahl

alumni is valuable. They have experience, wisdom, and advice that we can learn from. The Wisconsin Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization that has a mission to link alumni back to the university, the university with alumni, and alumni with each other. Since 1979, this organization has been affiliated with a student organization called Wisconsin Alumni Student Board that works towards “linking students past, present, and future.” WASB is comprised of 65 passionate students who engage with Wisconsin alumni, university officials, and prospective and current students. The organization

hosts a variety of memorable events including Alumni Career Explorations, The All Campus Party, Dinners on Wisconsin, Dodge for a Cause Dodgeball Tournament, and many more. Many Wisconsin alumni feel a strong connection to their alma mater and would be delighted to meet and network with you. They can assist you in building contacts in your career of choice and gathering information and tips about the industry. Do not miss out; let WASB “help define your college experience” and apply for spring semester. Who knows, through WASB you may create long-lasting connections and discover your dreams.

bLineonline.org

STUDENT ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHT:

Health Care Management Student Association by Amanda Maenner

Established in fall 2012, the Health Care Management Student Association (HMSA) has grown to be arguably one of the most relevant and significant student organizations at the Wisconsin School of Business, and has doubled in members since last spring semester! HMSA strives to engage students interested in the health care field and equip them with the right resources, current information, and valuable networking opportunities to ensure their success. Senior President Madeline McDonnell states that their mission is “Educating and preparing students for careers in health care management.” While their mission is simple, the impact of the organization is large. With the current hot button issue of health care reform circulating the news and politics, higher demand for quality managers and people who understand health care management is undeniable. According to McDonnell, “The health care model is really unique. There is a need for people who understand how to make it lean and can communicate with cross-functional units within a hospital.” The WSOB’s Healthcare Management specialization is a perfect place to start understanding Healthcare Management and gain a unique perspective. The ties between the industry and the business world are strong. “Managing and running a hospital is like running a business, but it requires more specialized knowledge,” said McDonnell.

The health care model is really unique. There is a need for people who understand how to make it lean and can communicate with cross functional units within a hospital.

Managing and running a hospital is like running a business, but it requires more specialized knowledge. The group spends time deciphering and discussing the complexities of health care and also focuses on pre-professional and professional events with companies in the industry. Along with resume and Excel workshops, the organization covers graduate school and the GMAT preparation for those who hope to obtain their Master’s in Public Health or Health Care Administration/Management. For firsthand experience, HMSA members participate in case competitions and listen to panels. This semester the group partnered with Huron Consulting Group for a discussion panel. The motivated group also engages with the community around them through volunteering efforts and community service events, such as blood drives and the Juvenile Diabetes Run/Walk. HMSA also educates on the many different career paths one can take within the health care management realm. The health care industry is one of the few fields that, despite difficult economic times, shows rapid growth and hires at a continuous rate. From health care consulting to public education on health, the opportunities truly are limitless. McDonnell personally hopes to someday work as a public health official managing the health of a whole community and “standing up for the people who are often overlooked.” If you have any interest in the health care industry and want to get involved in anything and everything heath and health management related, reach out to McDonnell and the rest of the HMSA executive team. There is no application process at this time, just a drive to be involved and a hunger to learn more about health care management. The organization is open to all majors and backgrounds – you do not need to have a business major to join. Along with business students, the organization is composed of a variety of science majors including pre-med, pre-nursing and pre-PT. Vice President of Programming Ali Weiner said, “The HMSA is a great way to connect engaging and curious college students interested in the dynamic health care field to the professional world.”

The HMSA is a great way to connect engaging and curious college students interested in the dynamic healthcare field to the professional world. 6

President: Madeline McDonnell VP Marketing: Sarah Austin VP Programming: Ali Weiner VP Finance: Libby Biermeier-Hanson Director of Social Media: Niki Euhardy Director of Funds: Gautam Pulla Faculty Advisor: Mark Covaleski (Accounting Department with real world health care experience)

bLineonline.org

Drownin

in a

choices sea of

For new students like me, it has always been the same advice again and again and again. “You should be more open to opportunities!” “Blend in! This is college; you’re supposed to take part.” “Don’t limit your abilities. Join different clubs. Take part in different activities!” “Expand your network. Participate in new things, meet new people, learn new skills.” To be honest, I am kind of bored of it. It just feels…I don’t know…too cliché, maybe? It became somewhat of an obligation for people, students, typically, to take part in everything that they could get their hands on, leading to students not having enough time to study or do the things they wish they could do. I have to admit, the abundance of opportunities that I found as I stepped into UWMadison is too good to be true. I mean, I never had this many choices back home in Malaysia. We were not exposed to a lot of exciting opportunities, and envied those who did have the chance to go out and do something. Most of us were not lucky enough to have these options, and so, coming here to the United States, it really is a dream come true to have all these opportunities waiting for me. But somehow, things are a little bit overwhelming, and perhaps, unnecessary. I mean, of course, you should not turn down an opportunity; it might be your only chance at it. But isn’t quality better than quantity? What good would it be if I join a bunch of odd groups instead of focusing on two or three student organizations that I am really passionate about? What benefits would I get for participating in events after events and have no time to spend on my studies and my personal self?

by: Syaza Azami

With assignments, tutorials, research papers and exams piling up, students might find it hard to balance their time between academic and non-academic responsibilities. As an international student, I would definitely need more time to adjust to the system here. Add in some part-time work, the twice-a-week exercise sessions, some social events, a couple of Skype sessions with family and friends back home, a weekly grocery shopping trip and some personal time, how much time can I spend to pursue my hobbies and interests? Here’s a little tip that I received from a friend, who is currently a junior here in UW-Madison:

Only join the organizations that you know would benefit you the most. And so, the journey to find the clubs that fulfill all my needs and interests began. From the list of student organizations and opportunities available on the Wisconsin Involvement Network and the special kickoff booklet by the Daily Cardinal, I jotted down about ten to fifteen clubs that caught my attention. Then, during the fair itself, I went to all their booths, got more information and crossed some off the list. The week after that was full with kickoff and informational meetings, but it was worth it. The original list of fifteen clubs now became a list of only a few clubs that I decided to commit to. Nobody said it was an easy task, but it was worth it. Instead of spending weeks trying to balance studies over all the commitments, I find it better to spend one crazy week figuring out which commitments suit my taste. Of course, I had to cross off some clubs that I really liked, but sometimes, saying “No” is not really a bad thing. Some of the clubs have overlapping activities and events, being somewhat repetitive, while others demanded so much out of me that I might not have enough time and energy. But then again, I have four years to do all the things I love, so why would I need to rush everything in my first semester?

An inside look on the Compass Program by: Samantha Stubitz

What is Compass and what will students learn from this program? The new Compass Program that debuted last fall hopes to allow students to develop professional skills while utilizing the abundance of resources in the Wisconsin School if Business. The program contains a one-credit course (Gen Bus 365), which is facilitated by undergrad BBAs, for newly admitted business students as well as requirements that encourage students to utilize advisors and workshops in the business school.

How did the Compass Program get started? About five years ago, the associate dean of the business school came across an article about a university with a similar program and liked the idea. “At the same time, the business school was receiving a lot of feedback from students, employers, and alumni about how BBAs could be stronger applicants and interns,” said Kelly Cuene, an undergraduate career advisor. “We took the feedback and thought about what kind of skills a UW-Madison BBA should have, such as career, academic planning, BBA community, leadership, and global citizenship,” said Cuene. “The intention of Compass is to raise the bar for all BBA students and graduates.”

What does the Wisconsin School of Business hope to accomplish by creating this program? “We hope to raise the value of the BBA degree,” said Cuene. “We want students to have an awareness of their skills and continue to expand on them. By creating the program, we hope to create a balance between prescribing requirements to students and flexibility and customization with the program,” Cuene said. “It also helps students be more proactive and know their resources.” The program currently has a one-credit course that is required for all newly admitted business students, and they plan to build it over time and implement more feedback from students.

Why are peers the best leaders of the course? General Business 365, the one-credit Compass course, is taught by undergraduate BBAs that completed the program, applied, and were accepted to facilitate the course. “It is a great leadership opportunity for the facilitators, and by introducing the skills to new business students, they are practicing the skills,” said Cuene. “We have also seen studies of the benefits of peerto-peer learning. We think the dynamic of peers feels more welcoming, and they bring a unique enthusiasm. We also want to cultivate a giving-back community in Grainger,” Cuene said.

“

The intention of Compass is to raise the bar for all BBA students and graduates. -Kelly Cuene

photo courtesy of bus.wisc.edu

”

bLineonline.org

Each company in the Altria family is an equal opportunity employer that supports diversity in its workforce.

“I WANT TO WORK ON THE

BIGGEST BRANDS YOU’VE GOT.”

SO, WOULD FOUR OF THE

NATION’S

TOP BRANDS

WORK FOR YOU?

Philip Morris USA U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company John Middleton Altria Group Distribution Company Altria Client Services

ALTRIA

FAMILY OF COMPANIES

Safety Badger by: Erica Engstrand

It is true, my fellow Badgers, in the weeks that have passed since school began there has been a different air about campus. Students are no longer staying quite so long at the library, no one seems to walk home alone, and quite a number of women on campus have added a new key chain accessory known as pepper spray. It appears that one thing that never seemed quite possible has put us all into frenzy.

Let us test your knowledge a bit. Pretend that it is 12 am and you’re just leaving Grainger Hall with no one to walk home with. What do you do?

Our panic began one afternoon with two armed gunmen and has continued with a series of miscellaneous crimes on campus. As students, having been notified through our emails by campus police, we know that extra precautions are necessary.

Still, the purpose of knowing these things is so you will be prepared, not paranoid. We have all probably heard that the world can be a bad place, yet there is also so much good in it. I want to be clear, you should prepare yourself with the possibility that things can happen. However this is college, it is meant to be some of the best years of your life. Being a Badger just makes it twice as awesome, and taking precautions to make the campus and yourself safe will help it stay that way. I repeat, we go to one of the best schools ever; let’s try and keep that prestige.

Nevertheless, many of these crimes have persisted, leaving a trail of traumatized victims and uneasy students. Sure you could learn self-defense - I mean, who has not seen Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality (for those of you who have not, Google it). You may be a fast runner and have mace on your key chain, but that does not mean you will be prepared if it happens. If you are a freshman, you have probably learned that traveling in packs of people from your floor will most likely label you as a freshman the moment you hit the streets. Yet, your logic is brilliant and some of us upperclassmen could take a few notes.

No matter if it is going to the library, a party, or even for a slice of late night Ian’s, you should take a friend with you. Furthermore, just because you met Jimmy/Jane from this party you were just at and he/she seems like a stand up person does not mean that it is okay to walk home alone with them. In reality, a lot of perpetrators involved in these crimes are students just like us. Being with those that you know and trust will always increase your safety and your odds.

1) Walk with someone; our campus provides us with a wonderful service known as Safe Walk. 2) Their number is 262-5000. 3) Make sure you tell someone where you are going and that you will text them when you get back home safely. 4) Stay off your cell phone, you need to be aware of your surroundings. 5) Take a cab/bus. 6) You should all have a bus pass, they are provided to students at the Student Activities Center for free! 7) While you may pay money for a cab, you will thank yourself in the long run.

These are some very important numbers, so please take note! Campus Police: (608) 264-COPS Safe Walk: (608) 262-5000

bLineonline.org

by: Carolina Orr

No matter how far apart we come from, how differently we choose our future, or how we live during our college years, we will always have one thing in common: the pride in being a Badger. Tons of students that have gone through the Wisconsin experience know what it’s like to “Jump Around” on game day, struggle up Bascom in the winter, and shop along on State Street, but their most important commonality they share is the unique and individual memories they made during their years here. Over the entire map, you will find a fellow Badger more than willing to connect and share their glory days. He or she could be a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a journalist, a head of a non-profit organization, or even your neighbor down the street.

In one particular case, is Mr. Carlton Hock, a treasured math teacher at a high school in Boca Raton, FL. He is incredibly kind and soft mannered and one would never know his true wild history until “College T-shirt Day” when he dons all Wisconsin red to show off his Badger pride. This is the day his students learn what school spirit is all about as he fondly recounts his crazy stories and fun memories of the years he spent at UW-Madison. He tells them of living in the Lakeshore dorms and all of the shenanigans his buddies would get away with. For instance, stealing a boat from the Union and carrying it all the way back. He recalls “going out looking for street signs to decorate our rooms with—I think mine ended up being a 5x5 diamond shaped turn arrow!” Game days, especially, are a good subject as he says that the students were so excited it would result in body passing and crowd surfing! If only that still happened...

Fellow alumni a little closer to home in Highland Park, Illinois, are couple Michael and Abby Carney. They both met at the university, fell in love, and now have three kids, one of whom is a freshman to continue the legacy. Their fondest memory is in 1985, when Rodney Dangerfield and Robert Downey Jr. filmed the movie Back to School right here on our UW campus. They remember seeing tons of students trying out to be extras and Michael’s roommate ended up being one! Abby recalls living in Mendota Court and at 5 AM like clockwork, the rowing team would be out there and just “row, row, row, even when it was freezing.” In 1983, presidential candidates Michael Dukakis and Jessie Jackson debated on the steps of the capitol, which was surely a sight to see. Interesting as well, Abby shared a story that back in the 80’s students could actually kayak on the lake for class credit.

What I’ve learned through my experience of becoming a Badger is that just about everyone has some kind of connection to this university, whether it is your friend’s aunt and uncle, your dad’s colleague, or your own math teacher. Every where you go you will find a familiarity with a stranger and that familiarity is the lasting friendships, crazy encounters, and unbelievable stories you created while enjoying the greatest years of your life at the greatest school. I sure can’t wait for stories I will soon recount to show off the incredible spirit that is the wonderful University of Wisconsin-Madison. If only everyone could be so lucky to have said they learned how to Bucky!

by: Mark Cage

Photo by: Bryce Richter, University Communications

Did you know there are more than 40 libraries on campus? Chances are you will fall in love with at least one. College Library is often open 24 hours, and the Business Library is great if you find yourself at Grainger Hall.

Photo by: Jeff Miller, University Communications

You should already be planning for next semester. Get in early to see an advisor and have your questions answered. The pre-business advising team is located in 3150 Grainger, and you can just walk in anytime from 10-4 Monday through Friday.

Try to find something you are passionate about and get involved. There are hundreds of student orgs on campus, so chances are youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find something you enjoy. Being involved looks great on your resume and helps you to make strong campus connections.

bLineonline.org

for your entertainment Fact or Fiction

about UW-Madison

1. ___________ UW-Madison faculty have discovered 3 vitamins. 2. ___________ Babcock Hall has two flavors of lactose-free ice cream. 3. ___________The first day of classes was held in the year 1848. 4. ___________ North Hall was the first campus building built. 5. ___________The University first offered free email to all students in 1998. 6. ___________ Memorial Union was built in memory of WWI Veterans. 7. ___________ Dejope Hall is the newest residence hall on campus. It opened in Fall 2012. 14

ANSWERS on right side of following page

Intermediate

Fact or Fiction Answers: 1. Fiction, 2 2. Fact, as of November 2013 there are 2 new flavors 3. Fiction, 1849 4. Fact 5. Fiction, 1993 6. Fact 7. Fiction, Aldo Leopold Hall was opened Fall 2013 to residents, it is also home of the Greenhouse Learning Community

Sudoku

Hard

SOLUTIONS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT: bLineonline.org

Find:

buckybadger babcockhall blinemagazine bascomhill snowballfight marchingband bikes lakeshore southeast memorialunion gameday lightofthemoon siftandwinnow onwisconsin varsity abelincoln rebeccablank sunburstchair construction gamedaybibs jumparound gratefulred farmersmarket bLineonline.org

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15

b.Liners of the Semester

A lot of hard work and dedication goes into this magazine, and b.Line wanted to recognize those who did an exceptional job this semester.

Kristin Hagen

Syaza Noor Azmi

Jacob James

Keely Murphy

Year: Junior

Year: Freshman

Committee: Marketing

Committee: Funding

Committee: Design

Committee: Writing

Fun Fact: My high school mascot was a flower with muscles.

Fun Fact: I have been a blogger since 2008.

Find us on Facebook! facebook.com/ bLinemagazine

Find us on Twitter! twitter.com/ bLineWSoB

Year: Freshman

Fun Fact: I have never broken a bone.

Year: Freshman

Fun Fact: Madison was the only college I toured.

b.Line staff would like to thank the following: Wisconsin BBA Program Steve Schroeder Loren Kuzuhara Marty Blalock Cover Photo: Syaza Noor Azmi