Anthony Lahout

MBA Class of 2009

Undergrad Bentley University

How did Bentley help you get to where you are today in your career?

Bentley showed me how far (friendly) competition in and out of the classroom can get you. Learning to work with and/or compete against classmates gave me the confidence to share my opinion and see how there could be multiple answers to a question. It eliminated students' reliance on 'group think' and focused us on thinking independently while being open-minded to diverse solutions. With technology changing every aspect of economics, the classroom environment at Bentley taught me that change is good.

What are the top three skills you gained in your program at Bentley and why?

• Hustle/drive
• (Focused) networking
• Being open to technology

Bentley infuses these themes into the curriculum and has a deep alumni base in every field of business. I found out quickly how important it was to be proactive and outgoing with prospective employers and co-workers. At the end of the day, the person who wants it the most will have the best opportunities presented to them. Being encouraged to pursue your passions aggressively showed me how you can get an edge on competition without being the most decorated candidate on paper.

“I gained the confidence to compete in business.”

What would you tell someone considering your program at Bentley and why?

Very few friends (outside of Bentley) of mine still speak regularly with their college classmates. I am in touch with the majority of my friends at Bentley to this day and constantly consult with them about life, sports, and business. The Bentley experience is special. It creates an intimate educational environment that will take you around the globe. It is one of the few schools that has readily available resources to help you not only succeed but also explore alternative fields of business.