Business Management
Biography
My name is Caroline Casey, and I am a business management major in the 2028 Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program (Heath IBEP) Cohort. Originally from Mississippi, I have embraced the opportunity to meet new people, experience diverse cultures, and take advantage of the opportunities here in Knoxville. From the start of my freshman year, I was determined to step outside my comfort zone and make the most of my four years at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I firmly believe that hard work leads to meaningful results—whether it’s achieving the outcome we expect or discovering a new path that teaches us valuable lessons. Moving away for college has helped me build confidence and trust in my ability to succeed through effort and determination.
One of my greatest strengths is time management. I am highly organized and plan my days carefully to maximize productivity, allowing me to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and social opportunities effectively. Growing up in a structured home environment centered around school, extracurriculars, and family schedules instilled these habits in me early on. When I transitioned to college life, I carried this mindset with me, which showed me just how much I could accomplish independently. I have learned that success depends on how much effort and dedication I choose to invest in any pursuit.
I joined Heath IBEP because I wanted to challenge myself while gaining valuable skills that would prepare me for my future career. The program offers a rigorous curriculum combined with hands-on experiences designed to develop well-rounded professionals. Having been surrounded by engineering throughout my life—with both of my parents working in the field and my sister pursuing software engineering—I have always been intrigued by its principles. However, I knew my passion lay in business. Heath IBEP provides the perfect balance: it allows me to adopt an engineer’s problem-solving mindset, collaborate with peers who share this perspective, and gain practical skills—all while earning the degree I’ve always envisioned. I am grateful for the opportunity to graduate with a strong foundation rooted in real-world experience and comprehensive academic preparation.
Although I have not yet decided on my exact career path, I am excited to explore Heath IBEP’s hands-on opportunities as I work toward finding the right direction. My interests currently include infrastructure development and maintenance as well as recreation and hospitality management. I look forward to discovering where these opportunities will lead and how they will shape my future.
