Undergraduate Resources

Students are highly encouraged to explore, participate or engage in co-curricular and extracurricular activities for personal and professional development in addition to pursuing academic excellence! This page compiles the resources for various opportunities relevant to AAE and ABM students.

Academic Opportunities

Get started with study abroad and view the Major Advising Pages for AAE and ABM.

Attend an in-person or Zoom Study Abroad 101 and Funding information sessions – find all dates here.

Chat with a study abroad advisor through CALS Study Abroad Advising!
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Read about an ABM student’s recent experience of a study abroad program in the Czech Republic: https://blog.studyabroad.wisc.edu/archives/23845

CALS students receive more than $1.25 million in scholarships annually. AAE awards an average of $60,000 in scholarships per year to students in the department! Students must complete the General Application in WiSH every academic year in order to be matched to any open Departmental, School/College, and University scholarship opportunities. The CALS scholarship application window is usually November to February for the following academic year awarding. Work on your apps during the winter break!

  • Eligible current AAE/ABM students should apply to the Renk Scholarship. See past scholarship recipients’ profiles here (2024-25) and here (2023-24).

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The Pulver-Shaffer Scholarship is awarded annually for undergrads who have or had an internship, project, or study in the area of Community Development. Stay tuned!

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There’s a CALS Internship Scholarship (links to 2025 app page, 2026 info TBA) for students who have an unpaid or underpaid summer internship! Application window: February to April. Learn more about CALS scholarships.

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Connect with Undergraduate Academic Awards for nation-wide and campus-wide awards.
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There are also scholarships from external organizations and foundations with missions to support AAE/ABM students.

Applied learning experiences:

  • AAE 250: Trading Futures in Commodity Markets (new course in spring 2026)
  • AAE 267: Career Development Seminar (offered every year, fall only)
  • AAE 336: Economic Analysis Using Spreadsheets (new course in spring 2026)
  • AAE 375: Classroom Consulting (offered in fall 2025)
  • AAE 500: Capstone (offered every year, spring only)

Participate in CALS Case Competitions

Each semester, CALS hosts a Case Competition in partnership with a company or organization. Sponsored by the Renk Agribusiness Institute, these activities allow for teams of CALS undergraduate students from different majors to work together and provide recommendations on a real-world scenario.

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There’s an opportunity to experience real-world commodities trading through the CME Trading Challenge Enroll in AAE 250 and/or AAE 322 or connect with Prof. Sheldon Du if you’re interested!

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If you thoroughly enjoy/ed the course AAE 422: Food Systems and Supply Chains, check out the
Supply Chain Management Exploration Badge

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Also check out the Leadership Certificate and Sustainability Writing Awards! The Sustainability Writing Awards submission of non-fiction essays are usually due in the last week of November.

Research in applied economics require technical skills in statistical coding (e.g., R, Stata, Python background) plus rigorous course selection in economics, math/statistics, and computer programming. Students should have completed at minimal, MATH 221, AAE/ECON 101, ECON 102 and ECON 310. Economics research is best suited for those wanting to pursue a career in economics research, graduate school in economics/analytics or a career in economic academia.

See research topics and faculty associated with various areas of AAE in –

AAE/ABM students can participate in research on campus outside of applied economics. WISCIENCE offers guidance/resources for undergrad research, Find-a-Mentor workshops and peer leader drop-ins.

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CALS has a Honors in Research Program for motivated students wanting to conduct their own original research and write a senior thesis.

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An additional resource for considering research in economics: predoc.org has recommended coursework and lists post-baccalaureate research opportunities. Also check out the undergrad research opportunities page from the American Economic Association.

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Prof. Steven Deller and a student, Charles Zumbrunnen completed a paper titled “A Trade Area Analysis of Wisconsin Retail and Service Markets: Updated for 2022”. Read it here.

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An AAE student published an article in the Equilibrium Vo. 15 about Warm Commodities in spring 2025. Equilibrium is an Undergrad Journal of Economics hosted by the Dept. of Economics.

Career Advising

Whether you’re just beginning your exploration, searching for a specific career path, writing resumes or prepping for interviews, there’re resources and support available for you at every step! On-campus resources available to all AAE/ABM students:

CALS Career Services   Career Exploration Center   Career Fairs and Events   Career Assessments

Students can enroll in AAE 267: Career Development Seminar. This is a required class for ABM, but optional for AAE. Topics include resumes, cover letters, interviewing skills, internship and job applications, writing, career exploration, and networking. Panelists include faculty, alumni, and employers.

The State of WI Student Diversity Internship Program (SWSDIP) recruits students every year for multiple positions. Apps for 2026 will open in 2025 mid December.

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Check out the competitive Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago paid summer internship program. Internships postings appear in Oct.-Jan. for start in June.
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Promega has many internships in Madison! Great opportunities if you’re interested in research, marketing, sales or operations. Promega also has an Environmental, Health, and Safety internship and a Sustainability internship.
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Year-round marketing internship with Steelcase Inc.
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There’re many U.S. government internships and International Affairs-related jobs/internships that will be a great fit for AAE/ABM students! Also check out this article for a list of potential employers.

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Consider an intern abroad experience! Explore international internships through IAP and through UW Study Abroad.

If you haven’t already, set up your Handshake & LinkedIn profiles! Stay up to date with AAE happenings on LinkedIn.

Use Big Interview for help with cover letters and interview prep.

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There’s a Women in Agribusiness (WIA) professional network! Students can apply for a scholarship to attend the annual WIA Summit.

Data reports of post-undergrad jobs/career fields and salaries for AAE/ABM students or CALS students and counterparts at multiple universities.

Also see the Career Earnings report from the American Economic Association.

Alumni Inspiration

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AAE Alumni Profiles

Josh Alfonso AAE B.S. ’16, Certificates in Environmental Studies and Development Economics
Private Investments Strategist, Vanguard

Kelly Wilfert AAE and Life Sciences Communication B.S. ’17
Farm Law Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison, Division of Extension

Isabeau Hitzman AAE B.S. ’18
Managing Consultant, Guidehouse

Brayden Paur AAE B.S. ’19, Certificate in Development Economics
Data Analyst and Reporting Specialist, Water Mission

Maiah O’Rourke AAE, Journalism, and International Studies B.S. ’24, Certificate in Environmental Studies
Development Analyst, TED Renewables

Cole Hicken AAE B.S. ’24, Certificate in Science Communications and Environmental Studies
Assistant Loan Manager, Alcivia

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ABM Alumni Profiles

Muneera Khambaty (LinkedIn) ABM B.S. ’18, Certificate in Development Economics
Commodity Trader, Cargill

Abagail Catania (LinkedIn) ABM and Legal Studies B.S. ’19, Certificate in Criminal Justice
Director for Student Engagement, University of Evansville

Addison Arndt ABM B.S. ’20, Certificates in Religious Studies and Sustainability
Energy Division Business Manager, Premier Cooperative

Ashtyn Gutzman ABM B.S. ’20, Certificate in Sustainability
Co-owner of Gutzman Agronomy

Lusayo Mwakatika (LinkedIn) ABM B.S. ’21, Certificate in Entrepreneurship
Business Development Officer, ACADES

Kirstin Novak ABM B.S. ’23, Certificates in Food Systems and Sustainability
Marketing Coordinator, Ebert Enterprises

Extracurricular Opportunities

The Morgridge Center for Public Service has volunteer resources and opportunities specifically for UW-Madison students looking to get involved in the community through service. Filter search opportunities by major, cause, and interest areas. Or become a Badger Volunteer!

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Apply to join the Wisconsin Experience Bus Trip! This is an exclusive, no-cost leadership journey across the state, open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

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The Office for Student Organizations, Leadership & Involvement (SOLI) is a great place to explore and connect with undergrad involvement in many areas!