BEL scholars smile proudly in Dejope’s Lake Mendota room after having finished presenting in teams their solutions for the inaugural Bridge to BEL summer case competition.
I first discovered the Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Program at the Wisconsin School of Business during my sophomore year of high school. I knew early on that it was a community I wanted to be part of, so I kept the program on my radar until applications opened during the spring of my senior year. The opportunity to learn alongside driven students, develop as a leader, and gain hands-on experience before beginning college made BEL stand out to me.
Looking back, participating in Bridge to BEL during the summer before my freshman year was pivotal in laying the foundation for my success at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Over three weeks, I connected with a cohort of approximately 30 like-minded students from across the world while gradually adjusting to what life as a college student would look like.
From attending business classes and preparing for my first case competition to participating in my first corporate career trek in Chicago, Bridge to BEL introduced me to experiences that I could build upon when I came back to campus in the fall. Rather than navigating the transition to college all at once, I had the opportunity to begin developing the academic habits, professional skills, and relationships that would shape my experience at WSB.
TURNING EARLY EXPERIENCES INTO LASTING OPPORTUNITIES
One of the most influential parts of Bridge to BEL was discovering my interest in case competitions. Winning the summer BEL case competition, which challenged our team to develop a strategy to increase fan engagement for Wisconsin women’s softball, motivated me to continue pursuing similar opportunities my freshman year. I competed in three additional case competitions, ultimately placing third in the National Women’s Case Competition in Austin during the spring semester.
My first career trek with BEL that summer was equally impactful. Visiting corporate offices in Chicago gave me an early opportunity to learn how to interact with employers, ask thoughtful questions, and navigate professional environments. That experience became a foundation for future career treks to Milwaukee and, most recently, Miami, where I continued exploring industries and career paths.
Bridge to BEL also helped me develop a college mindset before beginning my first semester. The program gave me an opportunity to identify my strengths in time management and academic planning while learning how to balance coursework, exams, and extracurricular commitments. By the time fall semester arrived, I felt better equipped to manage the academic expectations of college and take ownership of my learning.
Cohort 8 BEL scholars smile in front of the Deloitte sign in the Chicago office on their Bridge to BEL career trek.
A COMMUNITY YOU CAN COUNT ON
While the experiences and skills I gained through Bridge to BEL were invaluable, the community is what has made BEL such a meaningful part of my college experience.
I entered the program knowing I wanted a cohort of students with whom I could grow throughout my four years at UW–Madison. BEL has provided exactly that, bringing together students who are invested in their own development while remaining eager to support one another. The community extends beyond individual cohorts, majors, and class years. I have even reached out to BEL scholars who graduated and I have been met with the same willingness to help and share their experiences.
The people who support BEL scholars are equally important to the community. Through individual meetings and quarterly gatherings, program staff are genuinely invested in helping each scholar reach their full potential. That intentional support has encouraged me to seek out opportunities, ask questions, and feel confident navigating the many resources available at UW–Madison.
As a student employee in the WSB admissions office, where the BEL and precollege offices are located, I am especially fortunate to see members of this community regularly. Being surrounded by people who have supported my growth from the beginning is a reminder of how much this program has shaped my experience.
A full stadium of patrons enjoy the Mallards game on a beautiful summer day in Madison, Wisconsin.
CARRYING THE BEL EXPERIENCE FORWARD
Being a BEL scholar has elevated my experience as a Business Badger by helping me feel prepared to pursue opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. The program gave me an early introduction to case competitions, corporate engagement, academic expectations, and leadership development, all while providing a community I could rely on throughout college.
My experience has also encouraged me to pursue leadership beyond BEL, including serving as a WSB student ambassador and in executive leadership roles in student organizations on campus. These positions have reinforced my drive to create meaningful professional opportunities for other students.
I attribute much of my confidence in navigating college and pursuing these experiences to the foundation I built through BEL. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have participated in Bridge to BEL, and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside this community throughout my time at Wisconsin—and beyond.
Nuha Khatri (BBA ’29) is a sophomore at the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is majoring in real estate and urban land economics with certificates in international business and architecture. On campus, she serves as professional development director for Women in Business, trip director for Women in Real Estate, and a student ambassador for WSB, where she helps prospective students learn more about the undergraduate business experience.
Instagram Handle: @nuhakhatri
Linkedin Profile Link: www.linkedin.com/in/nuha-khatri
© Copyright 2026 Poets&Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets&Quants, please submit your request HERE.
