Economics
Contact Information
- Hometown: Knoxville, TN
- E-mail: ahende37@vols.utk.edu
- LinkedIn Profile
Biography
As a Knoxville native and son of two University of Tennessee graduates, becoming a Volunteer was an easy decision. My passions include cross-cultural education, studying and applying effective leadership practices, personal and professional development, and practicing my foreign language skills (specifically with Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian). I have worked as a taekwondo instructor since my freshman year of high school, which has served to foster my interest in international business and language development (my employer is a Korean immigrant, as are many of my students). Additionally, I am an Eagle Scout- for my project, I designed and constructed a large garden at my high school for use by the science department. Any produce that is not used for study is donated to students on the free/reduced lunch roster or local food pantries. Not only was this project one of my first opportunities to apply strategic planning practices, but it also served as a valuable lesson on servant-leadership.Joining the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program has granted me the unique opportunity to study engineering concepts through the lens of an economist. Prior to enrolling at the University of Tennessee, I heavily debated becoming an aerospace engineer. However, once I learned about the Heath IBEP, I came to realize that, indeed, it is possible to study both the dynamics of effective business administration and engineering fundamentals simultaneously. In congruence with my leadership studies minor, I have already thoroughly employed many aspects of the program’s curriculum, most notably systems thinking, with my leadership coursework, specifically as a tool to analyze deficiencies with our recruitment processes in a coached leadership practicum course (ELPS 350).After graduation, I would love to work in the aerospace and defense, healthcare, automotive, or logistics industries. Ideally, I would work in project or manufacturing management in an international position (specifically in a Spanish, Portuguese, or Italian-speaking location) with the opportunity to work with a diverse team. It is my sincere hope that the knowledge I gain through my academics and participation in the Heath IBEP will be used to bring value to a cooperative environment and make a positive impact on our society.
