As part of the Leadership at Lambeau experience, students participate in small-group discussions with industry professionals, gaining insights that strengthen their leadership and collaboration skills.
From my first semester, it was clear that the Wisconsin School of Business made it easy to get involved and connect with others. The undergraduate business program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison encourages every student to take learning beyond the classroom—whether that’s joining a student organization, attending leadership workshops, or connecting with alumni and industry mentors.
UW–Madison offers countless opportunities to explore your interests, develop professional skills, and build lifelong relationships. Two student organizations that have shaped my journey are the Risk Management and Insurance Society (RMIS) and the Undergraduate Business Council (UBC). Alongside these orgs, leadership development programs, such as Leadership at Lambeau, gave me the confidence to grow into the kind of leader I always aspired to be.
THE CICA EXPERIENCE
One of the first milestones in my journey at WSB was in my sophomore year, participating in the 2024-25 Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) Student Essay Contest, where my teammate and I won first place and became published authors in Captive Insurance Times. (Read our essay.)
Competing at the national level and seeing our work pay off was humbling and empowering, serving as proof that what we were learning in our classes was applicable beyond campus.
That experience built the foundation for everything that followed. It gave me my first taste of professional collaboration, mentorship from RMIS advisors, and the realization that UW–Madison’s focus on experiential learning is what sets it apart. Here, you’re not just studying business, you’re practicing it daily.
Ella Pernsteiner (middle right) and her partner, Rachel Gibson (middle left), proudly accept first place in the 2024-25 CICA Student Essay Contest, representing the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
LEADERSHIP AT LAMBEAU
Following my sophomore year, I was selected to participate in a three-day, immersive leadership development program at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, with a group of driven business students.
During Leadership at Lambeau, we reflected on personal values, leadership styles, and how to lead with authenticity. We met with Packers executives, toured behind the scenes of Lambeau, and participated in small-group discussions with business and industry leaders who shared insights about teamwork, resilience, and organizational culture.
Standing in one of Wisconsin’s most iconic venues, surrounded by peers who shared the same drive to learn and grow, I realized leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about purpose. This experience challenged me to think critically about who I am as a leader and how I can make a lasting impact on campus. It gave me the confidence to take on greater responsibilities and apply what I learned in meaningful ways, ultimately inspiring me to pursue my next role.
BUILDING CONNECTION AND CULTURE
Now in my junior year, that next opportunity came when I was elected President of the UBC, an organization that represents every single WSB student.
Leading UBC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. I stepped into the role wanting to strengthen communication, collaboration, and community among student leaders. Our executive board placed an emphasis on collaboration with other orgs, served as a resource for administration when they sought feedback, and strengthened our culture internally.
These changes helped transform UBC into a true network of collaboration and support. Through it, I’ve learned that leadership is empowering others to succeed, fostering trust, and making sure every student voice is heard.
Serving as president has also shown me the incredible depth of resources and community we have at WSB. Every initiative, from our internal mentorship program to cross-club partnerships to alumni support to industry partnerships, reminds me how dedicated this university is to helping students grow personally and professionally.
The 2025-26 Undergraduate Business Council Executive Board, representing student leadership and collaboration across the Wisconsin School of Business.
WELCOMING THE NEXT GENERATION OF BUSINESS BADGERS
Right before the beginning of my junior year, I had the honor of speaking to the Class of 2029 at the Wisconsin School of Business welcome event. Standing on stage and sharing my journey with new students reminded me of how far I’ve come. I was in their place, eager to find my path, and I had the privilege of welcoming them into the community that shaped me.
I told them what I’ve learned firsthand: Being a Business Badger means having endless opportunities to get involved, build your skills, and find your purpose. Whether it’s through student organizations, case competitions, or leadership programs, UW–Madison gives every student the chance to turn potential into progress.
Getting to share that message was a reminder of how special this university truly is because it doesn’t just prepare you for the professional world, but helps you find who you want to be in it.
As part of the Wisconsin School of Business Welcome Day, Ella Pernsteiner addresses incoming students, reflecting on leadership, involvement, and growth at UW–Madison.
LIFELONG TAKEAWAYS AND FUTURE VISION
Every step of my journey has built upon the last. Each experience has strengthened my confidence, sharpened my communication skills, and deepened my sense of purpose.
WSB has empowered me to lead with curiosity, care, and conviction. As I look toward a future in enterprise risk management and operations, I know the lessons I’ve learned here will continue to guide me, professionally and personally.
Some advice for when you start your journey at UW–Madison: Get involved early, and say “Yes” often. You don’t need to have everything figured out to get started, just a willingness to learn and participate. The best part about being a Business Badger is that there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to analytics, sustainability, entrepreneurship, or community engagement, there’s a place here where your skills and passions can grow.
And when you step into leadership, remember that you’re not leading alone. You’ll be surrounded by dedicated faculty, supportive peers, and a network of alumni who want to see you succeed. UW–Madison creates an environment where students don’t just prepare for the business world, they help shape it.
If you embrace the opportunities around you and continue to grow, you’ll leave this campus not only with a degree but with lifelong connections, experiences, and confidence that will carry you far beyond.
Author Ella Pernsteiner is a junior at the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is majoring in Operations Management and Risk Management and Insurance with certificates in Consulting, Sustainability, and Digital Media Analytics. On campus, she is President of the Undergraduate Business Council; Member of the Risk Management and Insurance Society; and a volunteer crisis councilor for the Crisis Text Line.
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