Campus Connect Session Information
Friday, August 15th, 2025
Raj Kamal, Lecturer
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Abstract
We frequently make financial decisions - in our professional lives as managers, and in our personal lives when we make large purchases, take out a loan, or assess career options. Such decisions inevitably involve alternatives with different costs, timelines and amounts, all of which complicate "equivalent" comparisons and the final decision. When evaluating job options, we sometimes need to analyze the financial stability of a potential employer (or a new supplier or business partner)
In this interactive session, you will learn foundational tools that can help engineers feel more confident in making complex financial decisions. We will use real-life examples to learn how to interpret quarterly financial statements and to choose between various mortgage options.
Presenter Profile..................................................................................................................................................................................................
Raj Kamal is an Engineering Management lecturer with Interdisciplinary Professional Programs, College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he teaches multiple courses. He has over 30 years of professional consulting and graduate teaching experience and holds an MS from Purdue University, and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management at Ahmedabad, India.
Chelsy Cegielski, InterPro Engagement Manager
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Abstract
Your LinkedIn profile is more than a digital resume — it's your professional presence in motion. This session is designed for engineers looking to understand the value of LinkedIn, design a profile for professional advancement, increased visibility, and industry impact. From optimizing your profile and engaging meaningfully with classmates and colleagues, to posting content that supports others and amplifies your voice in your industry and personal purpose. Whether you're pursuing internal promotion or external opportunities, you’ll learn how to position yourself with confidence and clarity — and discover how your presence can add value for others, too.
Presenter Profile................................................................................................................................................................................................
Chelsy brings 25 years of experience in higher education and brings a deep passion for professional development to the College of Engineering and InterPro.
As the InterPro Engagement Manager she will play a pivotal role in developing and spearheading engagements with industry and external clients, crafting innovative business strategies to secure sponsorships, expanding program enrollment, and fostering sustainable partnerships for professional development and online learning programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering.
Chelsy is excited to collaborate with corporate partners and individuals who share a passion for helping grow talent. A connector by nature, Chelsy's role within the College of Engineering's Office of Corporate Relations will help companies navigate the immense network of technology experts, student talent, research, peer learning and professional development. Curious how UW Madison can help your business? Connect and engage!
Prior to joining UW Madison, Chelsy was the Assistant Director of Career & Professional Development at UW Oshkosh where she developed strategic partnerships with employers looking for early talent and supported students in their job search strategies and tools. She is a Stanford trained Design Your Life facilitator and Gallop Strengths Coach. In the classroom, Chelsy taught professional skills career courses in Business, Engineering and Math/Science. Chelsy earned her MBA from Lakeland University and a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University.
John S. Nelson, InterPro PE
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Abstract
Humans’ interaction with nature requires change. Examples abound - from climate change to resource scarcity and cost.
The infrastructure through which this interaction occurs can be made more resilient, more restorative, or both. Like the hardening of Manhattan’s Infrastructure after hurricane Sandy.
Significant amounts of financial capital are involved – public and private. Consider John Kerry’s admonition that the “energy transition” will require $ 5 trillion of investment annually for the next 30 years.
Regrettably, many investments are uniformed and fall short. They are too often more virtue signal than substance. Those with financial expertise must be complimented by those with engineering expertise for substantive results to be achieved.
At Fitzgerald Asset Management, a brilliant work of scholarship has guided the development of an investment “Environmental Thickness Test.”
This session will elaborate on the test and demonstrate it through examples. More importantly, it will depict how one’s engineering training can be applied in unique ways over a multi-decade career.
Presenter Profile.................................................................................................................................................................................................
John is an engineer and has self-educated in investments and finance. John is committed to human development and the collective good. These commitments are rooted in John’s faith and the examples of his parents and heroes.
John is an adjunct professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UW–Madison where he strives to connect academics with practice. John is also Chief Technical Officer of Fitzgerald Asset Management specializing in sustainable infrastructure investments, defined as those initiatives that make meaningful differences in human transactions with the environment. Previously, John served at Affiliated Engineers for over 25 years. Under John’s leadership as CEO, the firm designed building systems and infrastructure for large and complicated projects that helped improve the human condition and quality of life.
John received an MS in Mechanical Engineering from UW–Madison. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Magna Cum Laude from Bradley University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Ripon College. John is a licensed Professional Engineer.
Steve King (MA), University of Wisconsin-Madison/Northwestern University
................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Abstract
Why do so many change efforts in our organizations fail? One of a handful of reasons … unprepared managers. Managers often feel their leaders cook up changes, unleash these changes, then expect managers to do the heavy lifting. That heavy lifting includes coming to terms with the changes personally, then getting their teams on board as well.
Are managers helpless in this kind of situation? Are they set up to fail and disappoint? The answer is no. Even when senior leaders struggle to do their jobs as sponsors of change, there are plenty of thing a manager can do to advance the change agenda and perhaps save the day.
This session unpacks three key roles managers need to play in moments of change: change communicator, change coach, and change advocate … and provides some simple tools and tactics for getting this job done.
Presenter Profile................................................................................................................................................................................................
Steve is the retired executive director for the UW business school’s Center for Professional and Executive Development. He currently teaches at both the University of Wisconsin – Madison and Northwestern University. Prior to his time in academic settings Steve was the CHRO and SVP of Talent Management at Hewitt Associates, Baxter Healthcare, and BMO/Harris Bank. Steve is the author of five books for frontline and new managers. He is also the co-host of the podcast Conversation with a Manager: Stories from the Frontlines.
Contact Us
Questions about Campus Connect 2025? Contact us at interpro@union.wisc.edu or 608-263-8301