Ben Levicki
Ben Levicki
Class Year
’21
Current home
Cleveland, Ohio
Major(s)
Mathematics
Current Position
Data Quality Analyst for the Cleveland Cavaliers
At the beginning of his college career, Ben Levicki ’21 admits he wasn’t the best communicator; but with the help of his professors and by working closely with students in the small classes at Carthage, he believes he’s become a great collaborator and real team player.
As a data quality analyst for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mr. Levicki works with multiple offices and stakeholders to determine and execute the data quality and integrity strategy for the business side of the NBA team.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I enjoy the collaborative environment of our data operations team and the people I work with.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“The small class sizes and encouragement of collaboration has really set me up to work well in a team setting in the professional world. The emphasis on communication in the Math Department has also been a real game-changer.”
How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?
“My liberal arts education really helped me attack problems from different angles and communicate with my coworkers. For the Cavaliers, I had to set up a strategy to be able to analyze the overall quality of our database. Since it’s not a one-dimensional problem to tackle, I’ve had to look at the analysis from multiple angles and bring in team members to get their perspective on my ideas. Having a good line of communication from the development team to the stakeholders has helped build overall company buy-in for our new data strategy.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I initially became interested in Carthage for baseball, but the small class sizes were what really sealed the deal for me.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“I was able to get an internship from sophomore year until graduation because of the College’s proximity to Chicago. I was also able to present my senior research project at the spring MAA Wisconsin Conference and engage in a PIC Math semester-long group research project in coordination with Milliman, Inc.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“I find it hard to single out just one professor since the entirety of the Math Department played a role in my development. Professor Mark Snavely has done a tremendous job as chair of the department, as well as my advisor. Once, when I failed an actuarial exam, my world was turned upside down because that’s what I set out to be. He pointed me to a new direction (data science), and the field made me wonder why I ever wanted to be an actuary at all.
“I also worked with Professor Haley Yaple not only on my senior thesis, but also on a PIC Math research project. I was not always the best communicator by any means. However, after a few meetings with Prof. Yaple, she was able to help me develop into an effective communicator, which has transformed my career path.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“On the field, my favorite memory was my two-home run game against North Central. Off the field, my favorite memory was presenting my thesis for the spring MAA Wisconsin Conference.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Take advantage of having a staff of professors who are willing to sit down and help you. Build those relationships early and keep them going throughout your college career.”