For Ben Lester, Class of 2006, nothing makes his profession more satisfying than working on a team in pursuing an important goal. Throughout his various experiences—from working on a U.S. Senate campaign to serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve to his current position as a debt analyst at William Blair and Company—Ben finds motivation in the creative exchange that occurs between talented and devoted individuals. Ben states, “The public finance world is changing a lot and requires out-of-the-box solutions for the myriad of challenges facing local and state governments. One of the best parts of my job is working with so many creative people.”

Ben’s desire to work with others toward a common end is not confined to the workplace, though. Playing college football and serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve are a couple of experiences that have fostered in him the value of working on a team where the members discipline themselves to achieve a common and important goal. Before coming to the Illinois MBA, Ben wrote, “I do not feel comfortable in teams where principles are not part of success. I work best in groups that value a creed and share a common, clear direction.” It’s no surprise, then, that Ben’s favorite memory of his time at the Illinois MBA is Global Tycoon, a weeklong business simulation where teams of students negotiate deals with other teams and make quick decisions that directly affect the success of their business. “It was one of the best simulations of leadership and teamwork that I have ever encountered,” said Ben.

Since joining William Blair & Company, Ben’s greatest professional experience has been interviewing underprivileged high school students for the Chicago Summer Business Institute: “These kids have tremendous passion and thoughtful ideas for how to run their own businesses or contribute to existing corporations. It’s a real pleasure to be around that kind of enthusiasm.” With encouragement from professionals like Ben, hopefully these young adults will continue to find satisfaction in working with others in achieving goals that make a positive difference in the world.

When asked what fills him with the most pride, though, Ben states that it has been in his service in the U.S. Navy Reserve: “I am humbled and blessed to be able to work with so many selfless, dedicated, and honorable men and women. To serve with those people is a real privilege.”

The Illinois MBA community is proud to have a graduate like Ben representing the program. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Ben has involved himself by serving on the Membership Committee of the Illinois MBA Alumni Association and as the alumni contact point for the Sixth Street Journal 2.0, the monthly newsletter of the Illinois MBA. Through these roles, Ben has engaged other alumni of the Illinois MBA, encouraging them to take ownership in helping the program gain recognition worldwide and to involve themselves, wherever they live and work, as representatives of the program and its great tradition.