From Undergraduate Success to Graduate Ambitions: Bailey Higgins’ Continued Journey at CoBE

Written by Gracie Weston 

Bailey Higgins is a living example of the power of perseverance, self-reflection, and the drive to evolve. From her early days as a Pre-Med student to becoming a successful Digital Marketing professional, and now, preparing to pursue an MBA in Finance and Economics, her journey is one of bold decisions and impactful experiences.

Bailey’s story began at a small Division III school in northern Wisconsin, where she first set out to pursue a Pre-Med degree. However, after her first year, she realized that her heart wasn’t in the medical field. “It was a tough decision, but I had to ask myself: ‘Who do I want to be when I grow up?’” Bailey recalls. It was during this period of self-reflection that she decided to transfer closer to home and explore new academic opportunities at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW).

Growing up only 30 minutes away, Bailey had always heard positive things about UWW’s business program. The affordability of commuting to campus was an added benefit, allowing her to save money while earning a degree that would lead to a promising career. "It felt like the natural path for me to take, and I’m grateful that I gave myself the permission to change my direction," Bailey reflects.

Her path to Digital Marketing was shaped by her passion for both numbers and writing, a blend she discovered during her early days at UWW. "I spent a lot of time networking and talking to people already working in business,” she shares. “That’s when I discovered Digital Marketing, and I realized how impactful it can be for business success. The versatility of the field, which includes everything from data analysis to content creation, felt like the perfect fit."

Bailey’s college experience was enriched by her involvement in several organizations that helped her hone her leadership and networking skills. As a member of the Student Marketing Committee (SMC), the American Marketing Association (AMA), Colleges Against Cancer, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Bailey found opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. “Being part of these organizations taught me valuable lessons in managing people, assessing workloads, and leading with empathy,” she explains. “As a commuter student balancing multiple jobs, it gave me a sense of belonging and helped me find my voice. AMA further sharpened my networking skills and showed me how to create meaningful connections, all of which continue to benefit me today.”

One of Bailey’s proudest moments from her undergrad years was when her Wisconsin Food Trails blog was featured in Trailblazer, a travel magazine with a readership of over 600,000. "To have my name and blog published, knowing how many people would see it, was unforgettable," she says.

Bailey’s time at UWW also set the stage for her professional career. As a Marketing Assistant at UWW, she was responsible for social media management, SEO, and content strategy. "In that role, I learned the importance of data-driven decision-making and crafting messaging that truly connects with the target audience," Bailey says. “These lessons directly influenced my first role after graduation and continue to guide my work every day.”

But Bailey's journey didn’t stop there. After building a solid foundation in marketing, she realized the next step in her career required a deeper understanding of business strategy. “I’ve always believed that marketing is more than just executing tasks like social media or blogs. It’s about delivering measurable value to a business,” Bailey explains. "That’s why I decided to pursue an MBA in Finance and Economics. I wanted to understand how macroeconomic trends impact marketing strategies and what investors look for when evaluating a company’s worth.”

Choosing UWW once again for her MBA was a decision rooted in familiarity and trust. "Whitewater has supported me throughout my academic career, and with its renowned finance program, it felt like the perfect place to continue my education,” she says. "The MBA will help me think more critically about resource allocation and how marketing can be a strategic driver of business growth.”

Bailey’s vision for the future extends beyond her current career. "I’d love to find myself in a consulting role or teaching at the collegiate level," she shares. "The MBA will equip me with the knowledge and tools to achieve those goals, while also providing a deeper understanding of business areas I don’t deal with on a daily basis."

In addition to pursuing her MBA, Bailey has remained deeply committed to giving back to UWW. For the past two years, she has served as a guest speaker and mentor, providing guidance to current students navigating the world of marketing. "Mentoring allows me to be the kind of voice I once needed—someone who’s honest about the realities of work and passionate about their path,” Bailey explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to show students the opportunities in industrial markets, where marketing plays a key role in driving business success.”

Balancing professional growth, continued education, and personal life can be a challenge, but Bailey has mastered the art of creating balance. "Routine and support from my community are essential," she says. “With a busy work schedule, part-time MBA coursework, and personal commitments, I lean on my support system and stick to a routine to keep everything manageable.”

Looking back on her journey, Bailey offers advice to others considering an MBA: "Wait a few years, and then do it," she says. "Take time to learn more about yourself and your career goals. My first few years of professional experience opened my eyes to the value of the degree, and I’m so glad I made the decision when I did."

Bailey Higgins’ story is a testament to the power of embracing change, staying curious, and continually challenging oneself. As she prepares for the next chapter in her career, she is poised to continue making a meaningful impact, both as a marketer and as a leader.

About UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online, single school Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. CoBE is in the top 1% of the world’s business schools having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.