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In 1969, Lawrence “Larry” Heitz became the first person to graduate with a master’s in business administration (MBA) from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Now a business executive and investor, Heitz has achieved great success by combining his education with a palpable work ethic and passion for business.

Heitz pursued his MBA at SIUE after receiving his bachelor’s in engineering from Purdue University. After earning his advanced degree, Heitz began applying for jobs that would allow him to grow within a company.

“I applied for jobs where I could work directly for the owner of a company,” said Heitz. “My idea was that if you have good ideas and can convince just a single person, who doesn’t have to go to a committee just to make a decision, I could advance more quickly.”

After spending years holding various positions and running businesses for other people, Heitz decided to became an owner and acquirer of companies. He now owns a number of businesses in niche high-tech manufacturing.

This week, Heitz is using his background in mid-size companies and entrepreneurship to share knowledge and advice with undergraduates and MBA students in the SIUE School of Business. As an “Executive in Residence,” Heitz is sharing his real-life experiences with future professionals.

“I work with various professors as a guest presenter where I share relevant experiences based upon their coursework,” said Heitz. “I also have open office hours for students who want to talk about careers and business ideas.”

Heitz advises students that the first thing they need to do is gain real-life experience in the professional business world.

“If you have a particular skillset, consider how that skill translates into something that would be an advantage for a company,” Heitz explained. “If you can relay to the people you’re interviewing that you know enough about the company, and that you can contribute and help them grow, you are more likely to get a job.”

Heitz also emphasizes that today’s job market is highly competitive. He tells students that it is imperative to make a contribution to a company first and benefit second.

“It’s important that people are genuinely excited about their job,” explained Heitz. “If they’re not, then they ought to go do something else. You can’t have a great job and a great life unless you’re excited about what you’re doing.”

In addition to sharing his time and expertise with students, Heitz has endowed an annual scholarship that recognizes MBA students working for, or pursuing a career with, a small or mid-size company. The Lawrence B. Heitz Scholarship is worth $3,500.

Heitz is a member of the 2011 SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame.

Photo: Larry Heitz, MBA'69