Business Matters

Born and raised in Corvallis, Lily Beck ’20 is a proud third-generation Beaver.

“I grew up on the Oregon State University campus, and I learned to walk in the MU Ballroom while my dad was doing his master’s degree at Nash Hall,” she said.

When she arrived at Oregon State as a first-year student, Beck started in the College of Business as an interior design major.

Like every first-year student in the College of Business, Beck embarked on the college’s award-winning Blueprint program, a four-year series of courses which provides students with the knowledge, financial literacy, skills and network they need to excel in the workplace.

That’s when she changed her focus.

“I loved the idea of financial success and also connecting with people and what business does to support the economy,” she said. “Interior design was a passion of mine, but not necessarily something I would do for a living.”

The financial literacy discussions in her Blueprint classes helped Beck figure out how to plan.

“I was able to pinpoint what I wanted my life to look like and what I needed my life to look like in order to be able to achieve those goals,” she said.

Beck earned a degree in management in 2020.

She began her professional journey as a marketing specialist at The Partners Group, an independent, employee-owned firm that specializes in employee benefits, insurance and financial services.

Beck earned several promotions in her four years at The Partners Group. She went from marketing specialist to client service coordinator. Next she went to associate account manager, to implementation team lead, and now to sales associate. 

Each promotion has furthered her skills, and her position as implementation team lead allowed her to test her management skills and highlighted her dedication to serving clients.

Beck has always loved connecting with people. “I’m one of those weirdos who goes to a party where I don’t know anybody, and I’m super excited to meet new friends,” she said.

As a student, Beck helped found the Women in Leadership club, now called Women Mean Business, which provides a a platform for talented female students to develop leadership skills and network with professionals.

She also served as a program assistant for the college’s student engagement team, who created and implements the Blueprint program. There, Beck helped plan, organize and execute programs for students to advance their careers and learn from professionals.

Her position as program assistant and her experience in the Blueprint program connected her to alumni and industry professionals whose stories inspired her.

These stories, as well as her classroom experiences, played a significant role for her.

“You can’t build a tower on a bad foundation,” Beck said. “I’m so happy I had good professors and met people who care about education.” 

When Beck talks to current students, she emphasizes the importance of flexibility and taking time to find their passion.

“It’s okay to take some time to figure out what you want to be, but the fact you’re getting your degree is the biggest thing,” she said.

-Story by Anna Nemirovsky