Nate Bengtson
Majors: Marketing and Finance
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

What made you decide on Butler during your college search?
The “It” factor that set Butler apart from the rest for me was the Lacy School of Business (LSB). While the building itself is fantastic, the people within it sold me. On my college tours, meeting professors who genuinely cared about their students’ success and having personal attention in classroom settings were factors that checked all the boxes for me.

What made you interested in studying your major?
When I came to Butler, I was undecided about what areas I wanted to study. Initially, I was drawn to business and declared an Exploratory Business major within LSB. As a first-year student, I was nervous about finding my way and determining my future career. However, once I took my First-Year Business Experience course and Real Business Experience course, the decision became clear. By working collaboratively within your groups, you quickly figure out what areas of business you are drawn towards. For me, I found that I loved the process of pitching and marketing products and selling them to customers to cultivate a great experience for everyone. This led me to declare a Marketing and Finance major.

Overall, the courses helped me identify what I wanted to study, and the professors, who highlighted my strengths and abilities, motivated me to continue down the path I was drawn to.

What is your favorite part of being a student in the Lacy School of Business?
My favorite aspect of being a student in the Lacy School of Business has to be the professors. Every professor throughout my college experience has taken the time to know me not only as a student but also as a person. The small class sizes allow relationships to be cultivated within the classroom, and professors can take the time to ensure you grasp key concepts. To this day, I still communicate with professors from my first year because of the impact they’ve had on my life.

Is there a particular faculty or staff member who has inspired you?
A staff member who has inspired me personally would have to be Professor Smarrelli. As I have mentioned before, LSB professors have a knack for getting to know their students. However, Professor Smarrelli has always gone above and beyond in that regard. With every assignment or reflection paper I’ve submitted, he has always shared something that has inspired me. He left a comment on my reflection paper, which said, “Continue to ask questions, show up, contribute, and don’t be afraid to fail. Growth is pretty cool when you see every day as a chance to learn something new.” Professor Smarrelli is someone that I believe embodies what LSB stands for and should continue to be: A place where professors genuinely care about the growth and future success of every single student they teach.

What are some examples of internships or experiential learning opportunities you’ve participated in?
During my time at Butler, I have realized that involvement is something anyone can do—inside LSB, academic and social clubs, philanthropic organizations, and Fraternity and Sorority Life. There are always ways to immerse yourself in the Butler community. As a first-year student, I joined the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and served as the Vice President of External Affairs. I joined another organization towards the end of my second year: The Lacy School of Business Dean’s Student Advisory Council. As a council, we act as a liaison between LSB students and Dean Caldwell, and we also serve as LSB ambassadors at key events throughout the year, allowing us to share all aspects of the Lacy School of Business. 

My fraternity and LSB involvements have shaped my Butler student experience and led me to where I am now. The critical thinking, leadership, management, and communication skills that I have developed over my time here have allowed me to work as a marketing intern at Eli Lilly & Company this summer. These opportunities have helped me find a place that aligns with my goal to make a difference in the lives of others.

In what ways do you think LSB is preparing you for life after graduation?
The Lacy School of Business has prepared me for life after graduation through the connections I’ve built with professors and students and the opportunities within my schooling to challenge myself. I believe that at Butler, I’ve become part of a family that will support me throughout my remaining school years and beyond. LSB encourages every individual to strive to be the best version of themselves, academically and personally, which is such a translatable mindset to have for the future. While the future can be uncertain, I’m confident that with the tools from LSB, I, along with my peers, will succeed professionally.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of studying in LSB?
One piece of advice I would give someone who is considering a major within the Lacy School of Business is to embrace opportunities presented to you. In LSB, professors want to see students succeed and will present opportunities to help them grow professionally. To this day, I still discuss career questions with past professors, and they are always there to support me. If you’re looking for a place that pushes you to persevere through challenges and come out stronger on the other side, LSB is the place for you.

Finally, another piece of general advice I’d like to share is that college is a time and place to grow as an individual. The best way to grow, I believe, is to lean into discomfort. So, in plain terms, join that club, speak to that professor after class, and push through that difficult course. The doors those situations can open for you may shape your future. LSB and Butler do an amazing job of offering you opportunities; it’s up to you to seize them.