Is Higher Education Worth It? A CEO’s Perspective:
Sachin Shivaram on Business, Higher Ed and Opportunity in the New North
| Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry CEO Sachin Shivaram was inspired to run a foundry after reading the book “Atlas Shrugged,” which offered an inside look at the steel industry.
Shivaram, who joined Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry in 2019 and currently serves as New North co-chair, earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, his master’s degree from the University of Cambridge, and a law degree from Yale University. Rooted in a lifelong commitment to learning, Shivaram offers insight into how higher education fuels opportunity, innovation, and growth across the New North. |
 Sachin Shivaram, CEO, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry |
Question: How does your education help you run Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry?
Shivaram: I studied a wide range of subjects throughout my education, and I truly enjoyed the process of learning. Law school taught me to think in a structured and logical manner, which has been invaluable as a leader. My education has transformed me, made me a better person, and introduced me to many new ideas I might never have encountered otherwise.
Question: Why is post-secondary education and training important?
Shivaram: Every day, I see how essential knowledge is for accomplishing our work. People possess valuable technical expertise, and every job requires a certain level of understanding—whether you’re in a trade or working in an office setting.
Higher education has been life-changing for me, and I witness its impact in the students I teach at St. Norbert College. Education is truly transformative. It helps you develop new skills and broadens your perspective. It also allows you to meet people you might never have encountered before, expanding the horizons of your thinking.
Question: How does Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry support additional workforce training?
Shivaram: I believe lifelong learning is vital; learning never stops, and it’s important to keep your knowledge fresh. We provide ongoing training opportunities for all our employees, from soft skills to supervisory development. Many employees express a desire to learn more, and we offer several technical education programs through Lakeshore College and Northeast Technical College. It’s a tremendous benefit when our employees return to us with new skills and perspectives gained from further education.
One of my favorite programs is our annual scholarship, where we select an employee who applies and sponsor them for a full MBA. It’s been a fantastic experience for everyone involved.
Question: How do you respond to people who say post-secondary education isn’t worth it?
Shivaram: Continuing your education beyond high school is essential and a worthwhile investment. There are state programs available to help make college or technical training more affordable, and many employers are willing to assist with tuition as you pursue a degree.
We offer several scholarships because the family that owns Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry strongly values education. In their honor, we established a scholarship for students from Manitowoc County to pursue engineering at UW-Green Bay. Our hope is that recipients return to our community, or perhaps take the opportunity to explore new horizons elsewhere.
The New North region boasts an impressive range of colleges and universities—from liberal arts institutions to technical schools—all offering excellent programs. It’s remarkable to have such educational diversity concentrated in one area, and in our experience, no other region where we operate has the same breadth of options.
We’re fortunate to have a strong culture of education in the New North, where people are always striving to better themselves.
