After completing her master’s degree in business analytics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in May 2024, Prajakta Godbole embraced a new professional challenge by partnering with UniverCity Alliance to support the City of Appleton.
Stepping into a sector she was eager to explore, she worked to develop an indirect cost allocation plan by analyzing historical budget data and expenses associated with internal services – including IT, human resources, finance, and more. Her work culminated in a customized, easy-to-update spreadsheet designed to guide the city’s future budgeting and resource planning efforts.
Godbole’s previous experience with direct and indirect cost allocation in the pharmaceutical industry fueled her interest in applying these analytical skills within a municipal context.
“This looked like a real challenge, and I thought it would be great to dive in with all the new skills I had gained,” she said. “What the city was looking for aligned perfectly with my strengths, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact drew me to the project.”
Read more about Godbole’s experiences in this Q&A.
Why did you pursue the Wisconsin School of Business’ graduate program in business analytics?
My background is in biochemistry, and I spent more than three years working in project management for biopharmaceutical companies in India. In those roles, I handled sales analytics, proposal development, and large volumes of project data. Whether I was building cost sheets, preparing proposals, or developing status reports, I naturally gravitated toward the analytical aspects of the work – creating charts, interpreting data, and identifying insights that supported critical decisions.
I’ve always been passionate about using data to make informed decisions, and these experiences reinforced that interest. I wanted to deepen my technical skills and gain advanced analytical expertise, which led me to pursue the business analytics master’s program at the Wisconsin School of Business. The program allowed me to expand my capabilities and build on the strong foundation through data analytics.
What was your experience with local government prior to this project?
I had never worked with any local government, government official, or any challenge related to local government, so this was a new area for me to explore.
What was your experience like working on this project with a local government partner?
This project was a valuable learning experience, especially since I came in with no prior background in government work or experience collaborating with public sector officials. The UniverCity Alliance team played a significant role in supporting us throughout the process. Whenever we encountered challenges or needed clarification, they provided guidance, resources, and helpful documentation that gave me deeper context and a clearer understanding of the information. UniverCity Alliance also arranged a consulting session with Ehlers to provide us with an overview and guidance of municipal finance.
I also had the opportunity to work closely with Jeri Ohman, the director of finance and our primary stakeholder. She was incredibly supportive and patient as I familiarized myself with the city’s 2024 and 2025 financial reports. Our early brainstorming sessions were especially helpful. They allowed me to fully understand the project’s objectives and ultimately build the Excel-based indirect cost allocation framework the city needed.
What did you learn throughout this experience?
This project taught me a great deal about how funding and financial structures work within a government setting – something I hadn’t been exposed to before. My previous experience involved cost allocation for a single company, so learning how to navigate the broader, more complex calculations used in municipal finance was a significant growth area. Asking the right questions and steadily building context became essential parts of the learning process.
I also drew heavily from skills I developed during the Business Analytics program. Consulting in any setting requires knowing how to gather the right information, organize it into meaningful categories, and prioritize what matters most. Applying that structured approach here helped me make sense of the city’s financial data and deliver a solution that worked effectively.
What are you doing now?
I’m currently working as a Project Coordinator II at Yahara Software, where we develop the majority of software solutions for bio health tech companies. I enjoy collaborating with teams, clients, and stakeholders to ensure projects stay on track and run smoothly, enabling successful outcomes.
How did the City of Appleton project and your graduate degree prepare you for your career?
The City of Appleton project was a completely new arena for me, and it taught me how to navigate unfamiliar challenges, collaborate with new teams, and deliver outcomes that meet stakeholders’ needs. I often use this experience in interviews to illustrate how I approach new projects and solve complex problems. Combined with my graduate degree in business analytics, which strengthened my skills in data analysis, structured problem-solving, and decision-making, this experience has prepared me to contribute effectively in any professional setting. Additionally, it enabled me to volunteer with impact-driven nonprofit organizations, applying my skills to develop solutions for their data-related challenges.
Would you recommend a similar experience to students?
I would definitely recommend this type of experience to students and recent graduates. It’s an excellent opportunity to apply the skills you’ve learned in your program while working on meaningful project where you contribute to solving real-world challenges. Beyond that, it’s a valuable way to build new connections and expand your professional network. These projects expose you to different scenarios, challenge you to think critically, and provide hands-on learning that can shape your future career.
This Q&A was edited for brevity and clarity.
—Abigail Becker