MBA in Information Systems
EXCITING NEWS: Information Systems is now a part of the highly regarded Erdman Center for Operations and Technology Management, and has been renamed Information Technology Management. On-line applications for IT Management should be completed under the OTM specialization. To learn more about the Erdman Center and the OTM degree, go to www.bus.wisc.edu/mba/otm or, for more details, www.bus.wisc.edu/erdman.
Information systems professionals play a critical role in the managerial, operational and decision-making activities of numerous organizations and across various industries which all require efficient and effective analysis, design and management of information to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.

IS MBAs visit Jon Leverence, CIO, at GE Healthcare headquarters.
AISP-sponsored company visits are an integral part of networking and
cultivating valuable industry knowledge.
Tailored Education
The Information Systems specialization develops leaders who deliver business solutions.
The core IS curriculum provides the foundation and breadth in business, operations and information systems management. Our focus is firmly placed on Business Intelligence – progressing from data to decisions – and the business process discipline needed to ensure delivery of effective business solutions.
The specialization director then tailors each individual course plan based on one’s interests and career aspirations. With four elective courses, gaining additional depth in a business context such as entrepreneurship, brand management or corporate finance is common.
“Being part of the IS MBA specialization at Wisconsin has been a great experience. It has allowed me to learn from the next generation of graduates in the IS field, and share my experiences.”
Paul Shain, CEO, Berbee Information Networks
“The Information Systems specialization at Wisconsin does a nice job of integrating real-world experiences into the academics. A live project and two internships gave me strong stories of applying MBA knowledge for interviews.
Eric Kenney, ‘05, Program Manager, Microsoft
The Information Systems specialization connects MBAs to Wisconsin’s alumni and industry network in several powerful ways.
Executive Mentoring
The Information Systems Mentor Program provides each student one-on-one mentoring with successful industry executives. These mentors challenge and support the students and foster invaluable industry connections.
2006-07 Mentors:
- Frank Albi, COO, Inacom Information Systems
- Laurie Benson, CEO, Inacom Information Systems
- David Cagigal, CITO, Alliant Energy,
- John Cordio, President, CEO,Answerport Inc.,
- Steve Cretney, CIO, Lands’ End
- Sean Donahue, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Craig Everson, VP, Cuna Mutual Group
- Leslie Hearn, CIO, TDS
- Jon Leverence, CIO, GE Healthcare
- Mark R. Matiszik, VP, Brown Shoe Co.
- David Meunier, Director, Masterlink
- Brian Morris, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers,
- Paul Shain, CEO, Berbee Information Networks
- Debbie Wicker, VP, Enterforce Inc.
The program design is simple: alumni and local executives enjoy being involved with students and students gain exposure to top management in informal settings.
“The IS MBA Mentor program is an excellent way to share ideas and offer support for these exceptional students. From core values to specific business topics like selling and contract writing, the experience is a real win for everyone involved!”
Laurie Benson, CEO, Inacom Information Systems
Business Consortium
The UW Business Consortium offers MBAs an opportunity to interact with executives and senior managers from the Midwest’s leading companies, tap into world-class university resources and share in the collective experiences of this unique B2B and B2C professional organization.
The Consortium also offers several compelling courses that expose the latest strategic e-business and information technology challenges and best practices from the Consortium’s trusted knowledge network. For more information, see www.uwebc.org.
“The Information Systems specialization furnished me with skills and business acumen needed to succeed in today’s top technology companies. Knowledge I acquired through the IS program enabled me to create relationships with Intuit and Microsoft. I chose Intuit because they provided me with the challenge and visibility I sought. Thanks to the IS specialization at the UW, I will be driving Intuit’s next-generation accounting applications to work with multiple currencies.”
Pranay Kapadia ‘07, Technical Product Manager, Intuit
“A case study during my Wisconsin MBA years helped get me where I am today: creating Windows-based software that moves music, video and photos to a PSP device or Sony Ericsson Walkman phone. I’m excited to be part of Sony’s ecosystem of consumer entertainment.”
Kimberly D. Varnell, ‘00, Director, Mobile Products, Sony Creative Software, Inc.
Leadership
The Association of Information Systems Professionals (AISP), a student-led organization provides leadership opportunities and bridges the gap between the academic and professional worlds through various interactive learning and enrichment opportunities. These include site visits, guest speakers and various philanthropic and networking events. Most notable is the annual IT Career Fair. For more information, go to aisp.bus.wisc.edu.
“My Wisconsin MBA gave me exactly the right perspective to connect possibilities promised by new technology to the real-world needs of a large and complex business. This has helped immensely throughout my career, including my current role, to be effective in both the IT and business operational worlds. I enjoy being a part of the IS MBA mentor program. It gives me the chance to stay connected to a university and program that I love, and to meet talented students I’d hire in an instant.”
Mark Matiszik, ‘97, VP, E-business, Brown Shoe Company
Contact
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Information Systems Andrew C. Jakubczak, |
