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Hayden Leslie

Hayden Leslie

Finance


    Biography

    My interest in finance stems from my father, who worked as a wealth manager for 25 years. At the same time, I have always been fascinated by engineering and problem-solving, which led me to debate for a long time which path to pursue in higher education. Ultimately, I chose the business track, but the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program provided the perfect opportunity to combine both interests. To further strengthen my academic foundation, I added accounting as a second major, recognizing it as a crucial business function that applies across industries and around the world.

    Beyond academics, I have found fulfillment in roles that allow me to give back to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville community. As a campus tour guide, I strive to give prospective students the same amazing experience that I had when applying for college. Additionally, I serve as a peer mentor for the Venture Living and Learning Community within the Haslam College of Business. Being part of the Venture LLC during my freshman year gave me an unmatched first-year experience—providing friendships, valuable connections, business acumen, and a deeper sense of community. Inspired by this experience, I decided to join as a mentor to guide freshmen through their first year, just as my mentors did for me.

    Professionally, my immediate goal is to begin my career in finance or consulting, where I can apply both my business and accounting knowledge in real-world settings. In the long term, I aspire to join the restructuring division of one of the Big Four accounting firms, where I can tackle complex challenges and help organizations navigate times of change. Eventually, I hope to return to the classroom as a public-school teacher. Teaching and guiding students has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and I want to inspire the next generation with the same curiosity for learning that has driven me.

    Outside of school and professional work, I enjoy cooking, spending time outdoors, golfing, working out, and watching movies with friends. My friends and family are the most important aspects of my life, and I cherish every moment spent with them. If there’s one word that best describes me, it’s curious—I love questioning everything, staying curious about the world around me, and continuing to learn whenever I can.

     


    Hayden Leslie