Haley Preschutti
University of Richmond, Robins School of Business
“A passionate, resilient, curious academic interested in books, traveling, wellness and running.”
Fun fact about yourself: My family owns cheerleading camps
Hometown: Collegeville, PA
High School: Spring-Ford Senior High School
Major: Business Administration, concentrations in Finance and Marketing
Favorite Business Course: Business Ethics
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College: D-I Track & Field and Cross Country Athlete, University of Richmond Athletic Director Search Committee, Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society, Atlantic 10 All-Academic , Top Scholar Athlete for the Business School, Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), SAAC secretary, Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), Athletics Department Academic Tutor, Student Research Assistant, University of Richmond’s Athletics Council, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society, Golden Key Society, 7 consecutive semesters on the Dean’s List, Phi Eta Sigma First Year Honor Society, and Studied abroad in Florence for a summer session at Florence University of the Arts.
Where have you interned during your college career?
Lilly Pulitzer; King of Prussia, PA; Creative Communications extern
Wealth Advisory Group; Berwyn, PA; Summer Finance intern
The Vanguard Group; Malvern, PA, College to Corporate intern in the Retail Investor Group
Where will you be working after graduation? Cambridge Associates as an Investment Analyst
Who is your favorite professor? Maura Alexander is a professor of the Robins School of Business who has profoundly impacted my life. Professor Alexander serves as a role model and mentor for women in finance. She is forever encouraging and always dares me to be the best and brightest version of myself. She is now a trusted advisor and in her, I have found a kindred spirit.
What did you enjoy most about your business school? I loved the variety of learning opportunities available, both in and out of the classroom. I was able to study diverse class topics, engage in interactive student groups that applied class content to the real world, and learn from professional speakers.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? I would advise the student to approach business studies with a holistic mindset. Take a variety of business-related classes rather than specializing in just one area of business. In having to fulfill my business core and dual concentration requirements, I have realized the benefits that a diverse skillset offers a potential employer. The various disciplines of business are all interconnected. In studying multiple disciplines, I have been able to apply my findings from one to my studies in another, resulting in a richer understanding of and respect for all areas of a business.
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be majoring in or studying… leadership. Our school has a renowned leadership studies program and I am fascinated by the topic. Decision-making, as well as inspiring and guiding others, have always fascinated me. Leadership studies is an intersection of psychology and the humanities, applied to any real-world setting; therefore, I believe it would be an excellent discipline to study.”
What has surprised you most about majoring in business? I was surprised to learn of the growing prevalence of women in business. During my time in undergrad, I have met countless women who are all exemplary role models. They have taught me that women can have it all, but not always at the same time. And that is okay. I am both pleased and surprised to learn that women are accepting their seats at the table and upper management positions are no longer pipe dreams for women.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of my ability to resiliently push myself in both my academic and athletic endeavors at such an elite level, through various setbacks and obstacles, to achieve levels of success that surprised most people. This culmination of this hard work both on and off the track culminated in a Division-I Atlantic 10 Conference Champion Title and membership on the A-10 All Academic team.
If you were a dean for a day, what one thing would you change about the business school? If I was a dean for a day, I would create more summer study abroad programs. As a three-season athlete, I was never able to capitalize on the opportunity to go abroad for a semester – something that was always a dream of mine. I believe every student should have some kind of international experience before entering the work world. Therefore, I would institute that some kind of abroad experience is a necessary graduation requirement. However, to enforce that, summer abroad programs of the same caliber as semester programs would need to be offered.
Which classmate do you most admire? DJ Lee is a classmate of mine whom I greatly admire. He is incredibly hard-working, passionate, and entrepreneurial. He is also one of the most open and encouraging people I know. He is wise beyond his years, able to consider multiple perspectives, and is relentless in pursuing his professional and athletic dreams.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? My mother and father have been instrumental figures in my success. They raised me to approach all situations with an optimistic mindset and to never settle for anything less than my best. Their endless support and belief in my abilities encourage me to dare greatly and not fear failure. Because of them, I have been able to confidently take on intimidating challenges and achieve successes I did not think possible.
What would your theme song be? “Roots” by Zac Brown Band. I grew up very close to my family and at times felt like I was raised by a whole group of family friends. I have always felt a sense of attachment to home. I have traveled for extended periods of time and moved away from home for college, but found that I always look forward to going back to visit for weeks in advance. I feel that my hometown is such a huge part of my identity. I am always telling people about things that happened at home or about “how things were” in my town.
What are the top two items on your bucket list? Live in another country for at least a year, Run the Disney marathon
Favorite book: The Light We Lost
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite vacation spot: Positano, Italy
What are your hobbies? Cooking, reading, traveling, yoga, trying new restaurants, attending or watching sports games
What made Haley such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2018?
“Haley Preschutti is an outstanding member of the class of 2018 because of her intellectual curiosity, outstanding academic skills, integrity, and humility. Haley’s passion for learning has made me a better teacher and student. She is an eager learner who is always striving to know more, and she is always willing to share that knowledge with other students. She easily integrates what she has learned across her coursework into any assignment at hand. I know her from her finance coursework, yet she has also clearly demonstrated her passion for marketing, and has found a career path that integrates those two subjects.
Haley has integrity and a strong personal moral code. She seeks advice willingly and considers it, and yet always trusts her own good instincts. She is humble when she has every reason to be proud. As an athlete on the Division 1 women’s track and field team, she balances the demands of her schoolwork with the importance she places on health and wellness. She is able to share in the joy of the victory of her teammates as much as she would her own.
It has been a pleasure getting to know Haley over the last two years, and while I will miss her presence here on campus, I look forward to seeing where she will go in life and I am confident she will represent her generation and our school well.”
Professor Maura Alexander
Instructor of Finance
DON’T MISS: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2018 — THE COMPLETE LIST
