Patrick Ritchie, 2020 BS graduate, UW-Stout

Business Development and Sustainability Specialist at Solar Forma Design

How has the UW SMGT program improved your career?
The UW SMGT program has completely transformed my career path. My understanding of sustainability prior to taking these courses was limited and very narrow. I am excited to apply the principles that I have learned through the courses to the variety of industries that can benefit from a sustainability lens. The knowledge and the experience gained through working on a number of sustainability projects both academically and professionally has positioned me to be useful to just about any business or organization which is aiming to be more sustainable.

What was your favorite course in UW SMGT and why?
It is hard to pick just one course as they all seemed so interconnected. What is fresh in my mind is the capstone course. This was a great experience to essentially manage a project with a client from start to finish. The hands-on experience of problem solving and communicating the complexity of sustainability with the varying departments at my capstone organization was an exciting challenge.

What advice would you give to prospective UW SMGT students?
I would say that it is important to get involved in sustainability work in some capacity early. Most communities have organizations or community groups that are working in this space. I have also found it important to get out and talk about this with people in the community or business connections to broaden your ‘sustainability community.’ There is no shortage of conferences or initiatives focused on sustainability to get involved in.

Matt Soma, 2018 BS graduate, UW-River Falls

Powerplant Operations and Maintenance Technician at Invenergy

How has the UW SMGT program improved your career?
The UW SMGT program has given me the tools to consistently apply the triple bottom line with each decision I make. This thought process has not only improved my career in my current position, but it has also made me feel qualified and confident for future promotions.

What was your favorite course in UW SMGT and why?
SMGT 320: Renewable Energy for Sustainable Management was my favorite class in the program. The class focused on the specifics of various types of commercial renewable energy systems, as well as the positives and negatives associated with them. For the final project, each student chose a state and designed an electric grid based around renewable energy.

What advice would you give to prospective UW SMGT students?
I looked long and hard for a degree program that would prepare me for several career fields. After reading through the course descriptions for the SMGT program, I knew it was the best choice for me. Prospective students should be prepared to be creative in how they use their degree. After completion, you will have many different paths you can take. Fun Fact: Near the end of the program, one class assignment instructed that we choose a local powerplant to visit and learn more about. I chose Invenergy, and I have now worked there for two years!

Derrick Noll, 2020 BS graduate, UW-River Falls

Account Manager at CleaResult

How has the UW SMGT program improved your career?
I accepted a promotion in January 2020 that I was eligible for, because I was in my final UW SMGT classes, and the promotion increased my income by 55%. It also created other opportunities within my role and has shown me possible next steps in my career.

What was your favorite course in UW SMGT and why?
My favorite class was SMGT 220: Systems Thinking. At the time of taking the course, I was a call center manager, and I was able to use what I learned instantly in that role. When you look at more than cause and effect of two variables and see how one cause can create 100 outcomes, you can help prevent unintended consequences and see how a little move here could drastically change something elsewhere.

What advice would you give to prospective UW SMGT students?
This was my first online learning experience, and I really struggled my first semester with deadlines and getting assignments done on time. I would recommend that you set aside class time daily, just like if you were physically attending class, so you can see what needs done and create a strong routine. This is what turned around my experience and helped me recover from the first semester.

Laura Grovogel, current MS student, UW-Green Bay

Wellness Professional at Aurora BayCare Medical Center

How has the UW SMGT program improved your career?
The UW SMGT program has given me advanced critical thinking skills and a systems-thinking perspective that has improved my professional work performance. The sustainable management knowledge that I have gained has contributed to my career goals in healthcare sustainability and has provided a bright outlook for the future.   

What was your favorite course in UW SMGT and why?
I cannot select one single UW SMGT course as my favorite because each one has its own eye-opening qualities. However, looking back on my favorite and most influential courses, they include SMGT 730: Policy, Law, and Ethics of Sustainability, SMGT 750: The Built Environment, SMGT 780: Corporate Social Responsibility, and SMGT 760: Geopolitical Systems. These courses have given me a full appreciation and understanding of the tactics, benefits, and challenges to creating sustainable businesses and a healthy planet. 

What advice would you give to prospective UW SMGT students?
If you are on the fence about studying sustainability, consider the relevance of the triple bottom line to all types of professional work and business. Additionally, the online platform is convenient and coursework that can be done at any time is a benefit for busy adults. The journey to attain a master’s degree is challenging, but it is so worth the effort when reflecting on the knowledge, skills, and benefits acquired.