Senior Tatiana Phelps on the Impact of UT’s Alumni Network
By Vivian DiSalvo (Class of 2026)
Senior Tatiana Phelps has interacted with the University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd (’79), Jimmy Haslam (’76), and many more influential Vols through her various activities throughout campus, including Project Inspire: A Haslam Interview Series, a podcast created by Devin Wilkinson (‘22) for business students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Phelps studies finance at the Haslam College of Business, an experience that allowed her to connect with Wilkinson and his podcast.
The podcast features conversations between students and prominent alumni to “inspire” students and give insights on different industries. Wilkinson values alumni connections, which is why he created the podcast.
Phelps worked alongside Wilkinson on the podcast when he was a student. This alumni connection and podcast opportunity has not only bolstered her resume, but it’s also introduced her to a network of possibilities. Hearing about accomplishments from UT alumni makes success feel more feasible.
“The alumni network at Haslam and at UT makes this school unique, and it really differentiates us as students when we’re interviewing for jobs,” Phelps says. “It’s the opportunity to connect to alumni—to alumni who’ve had the same experiences that we’ve had and are eager to pour back into students.”
Aside from Project Inspire, Phelps has also found meaningful alumni connections throughout her involvement with the Haslam College of Business Young Alumni Board, which Wilkinson now serves as a member. She attended one of their meetings and has had coffee chats with some members, forging connections that will propel her forward in her career upon graduating.
“If you’re able and willing to listen to the advice of people who have come before you, you can shorten the learning curve of life and reach your goals sooner,” says Phelps, “Our alumni network is a launching pad for my career. Throughout the job recruiting process, including several interviews, I’ve connected with alumni at companies I’d love to work for.”
The alumni network at Haslam and at UT makes this school unique, and it really differentiates us as students when we’re interviewing for jobs. ”
Tatiana Phelps
Phelps’ future career will also benefit from her involvement with the Torch Fund Program, which allows students to act as portfolio managers and financial analysts for investment funds seeded by several generous alumni: Larry and Vivian Carroll, Jim and Natalie Haslam, Christopher and Quinita LaPorte, and G. Adam and Tabatha F. McClain. Students monitor portfolio holdings and research different industries, aiming to grow assets over management, with an estimated $4.4 million across all four Torch Funds. Phelps leads Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples sectors for the McClain Fund, which is the value investing portfolio of the Torch Fund Program. She claims this experience has elevated her skill set monumentally, strengthening her writing skills, public speaking abilities, and more.
“Her communication skills are exceptional, and her research reports are high quality,” boasts Ryan Farley, assistant clinical professor of finance and director of the Torch Fund Program. “Phelps brings a presence that draws her teammates to her, and her questions and comments consistently demonstrate insight that outpaces her experience.”
Not only has this experience helped Phelps form relevant skills for her resume, but it’s also helped broaden her network as she gets to present her findings to program donors. In addition, the Torch Fund Program connects current Torch Fund students with alumni of the program through a special LinkedIn page where alumni can share job opportunities, and past Torch managers can share advice with current students.
“In the business world, it tends to be about who you know and the reputation you build,” says Phelps. “UT has cultivated such a rich alumni network that making those connections is easy.”
Phelps will graduate in fall 2025 and she utilized her alumni network when going through the interview process for her summer internship. She will join three other Tennessee and Torch Fund alumni at Procter & Gamble for a twelve-week program as an accounting and finance manager intern in Cincinnati this summer. But most importantly, she can’t wait to give back as a part of the alumni network that once helped her: “I want to jump two feet first into the alumni network here at Haslam and UT because I’ve been able to experience firsthand the impact alumni can have.”
From events like New Vol Day to alumni councils to Connect UT, there are so many ways to exercise that Volunteer spirit, in person and virtually. Check out events, programs, and communities you can join as part of the UT alumni family at alumni.utk.edu!
