Reese Reynolds graduated from the Illinois MBA in 2002 with a joint degree in Human Resources. The dual degrees have served Reese well in advancing his career at Microsoft Corporation where he is a human resources manager. His primary responsibility is managing initiatives that provide field sales employees with technical and professional skills they need to sell and service Microsoft products. In four-plus years at Microsoft, Reese has done everything from managing business partner relations to managing a merger team to serving as an HR partner for the XBOX games group.

“My favorite part of working at Microsoft,” says Reynolds, “is that I work with so many smart and driven people. It’s a challenging, somewhat confrontational culture. You are pushed to think more, do more, be more.” Reynolds credits the Illinois MBA for preparing him for the competitive corporate culture. “The Illinois MBA was the first place during my educational years where I was expected to apply principles and knowledge directly. With that practical focus, you quickly discover how much you don’t know—but you start striving to understand as much as you can.”

Reynolds’s favorite experiences in the Illinois MBA include working under Paul Magelli’s mentorship in Illinois Business Consulting and having class with Professor Nick Petruzzi. Because of his experience with these two men and others, Reynolds emphasizes that you can’t overestimate the importance of relationships. He extols MBA students to find and engage faculty, staff, and classmates who can push them and bring out their best qualities.

When asked what he is most proud of, Reynolds responded, “I have been able to find success without sacrificing my life. When you work in a competitive culture, it can be tempting to sacrifice time with family to advance your career. I’m proud that I have been able to succeed in the company while maintaining fulfilling relationships with my wife and kids.”