For Immediate Release

Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: April 21, 2026

Ready doubles salary with Supply Chain Management degree

Viola -

For Cassidy Ready, earning a degree wasn’t just about advancing her education, it was about creating new opportunities for her family.

Ready, a 2023 graduate of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s Supply Chain Management program, balanced full-time work, and raising two young children while completing her degree entirely online. She worked a full-time job for 45 hours a week, plus a part-time job 12 hours each week, in addition to her college responsibilities. Her and her family currently live in the Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, area.

Today, she is seeing the results of that effort in both her career and personal life. “I had two kids under the age of three, worked full-time plus and still went to school full time,” said Ready. “The flexibility of the online program made it possible.”

Originally from the Wauzeka-Steuben area, Ready graduated from high school in 2017 and later enrolled at Southwest Tech while working as a production supervisor. At the time, she was seeking a career path with greater flexibility and long-term growth potential.

That path led her to supply chain management, a field that continues to see high demand nationwide.

While still in the program, Ready secured a job as a purchasing specialist at GoMacro, a nutrition bar company based in Viola, Wisconsin, where she also fulfilled her internship. She joined the company before graduating and has since advanced from a procurement specialist role to a sourcing specialist position.

Her responsibilities now include managing supplier relationships, ensuring material availability and supporting new product development, work that has broadened her perspective beyond local operations. “It’s really opened the door to meeting people from all over the world,” she said. “I’ve connected with suppliers internationally and been part of conversations I never would have experienced otherwise.”

The impact of her degree has been significant. Ready said her annual income doubled after completing the program, a change that has made a meaningful difference for her family. “That’s been huge for us,” she said. “It’s hard to put into words how much of an impact it’s had.”

Having the ability to double her income allowed Ready the opportunity to work less hours and be able to spend more time with her family.

Ready credits Southwest Tech’s affordability, flexibility and strong instructor support as key factors in her success. She specifically highlighted the responsiveness and guidance she received throughout the program. “Anytime I had questions, I always felt supported,” she said. “It wasn’t just about coursework, it was about making sure I understood and could succeed.”

Her experience has also made her an advocate for others considering higher education, especially nontraditional students. “I always tell people to just start,” said Ready. “Even if it’s part time, don’t talk yourself out of it. There’s more flexibility than people realize, and the support system is there.”

Now established in her career, Ready is continuing her professional development through industry certifications, while also taking time to focus on her family.

Looking back, she said choosing to pursue her degree was one of the most important decisions she has made. “It was absolutely worth it,” she said. “It changed everything for us.”

• Learn more about Supply Chain Management: swtc.edu/supplychain.

| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in 2025. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |