Meet Haley Parks, our June Leading Woman!

Name: Haley Parks

Major: Business Management & Music Double Major

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

What are your career/life goals?

In the future, I would love to work in a management position while teaching flute in my free time.  Leadership has always been one of my passions, which is what drew me to a career in management, where I can spend my time helping teams succeed and achieve their goals.  At the same time, I have been a musician for over a decade and hope to keep music in my life by teaching and performing. 

What is your favorite part about your major and why did you choose it?

My favorite part of my management courses is getting the opportunity to build both my leadership and technical skills while working on projects.  With a management emphasis, I have been able to learn skills from all business disciplines (marketing, accounting, and finance), and apply them to make informed decisions on real-world scenarios.  I also enjoy using my passion for leadership to solve problems in professional settings, which is a skill that I look forward to applying in my future career.    

In the School of Music, I work closely with our music faculty and my peers while performing in ensembles and chamber groups.  I chose to pursue a degree in music not only because I love performing, but because I enjoy sharing my passion for music with those around me.  Recently, I finished my second season with our University Symphony Orchestra and my fourth semester in the MU Flute Studio.  I love how collaborative my music degree is, and my favorite part of our rehearsals is always sharing experiences, stories, and advice with other talented musicians.  

What are you most excited for about your future career?

In both my future management and teaching positions, I’m most excited to collaborate with other professionals in my field.  Whether that’s through managing projects, teaching new students, or performing in ensembles, I know that I can learn so much from my colleagues who have different experiences and skill sets than my own.   

What organizations or hobbies are you passionate about?

At Mizzou, I’ve had many meaningful opportunities to get involved, especially through my role as a Peer Teacher for our School of Music’s Sound Explorers program.  In this position, I teach flute to students in an adaptive music ensemble setting, helping them explore their instrument in an encouraging environment.  Over the past few months, I have learned to adapt my teaching and communication styles to support each student’s strengths and learning needs, and it has been incredibly rewarding to watch them grow. 

In addition, last semester I worked as a PR Strategist for Matchbook Marketing Agency, where I planned networking events for a local audio recording studio.  This was my first experience working in a music business setting, and having a background in music was especially helpful for this project.  I was able to learn about marketing strategies, event planning, and professional networking, and this opportunity showed me how both creative and technical skills can pair together to build meaningful industry connections. 

How have your experiences in Theta changed you?

Not only has Theta introduced me to lifelong best friends, but our chapter has allowed me to grow exponentially as a leader.  Currently, I serve as our chapter’s Sustainability Chair, where I plan initiatives for our members focused on environmental sustainability.  This past semester, I planned 3 sustainability events, including a trip to our local Farmers Market, an Earth Day hike, and a second-hand shoe drive.  In addition, our Sustainability Committee recently launched a custom “Thrift Closet” website where members can swap second-hand clothes to support sustainable fashion practices.  Theta has encouraged me to say “yes” to so many experiences that have allowed me to grow into a capable leader, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to pair my interest in management with my passion for sustainability in this role. 

Do you have any advice for the underclassmen?

If I could give one piece of advice to underclassmen, it would be to take advantage of every opportunity that challenges you to build friendships, grow professionally, or learn a new skill.  I have learned so much by taking on a new leadership opportunity in Theta, learning an entirely new instrument for an ensemble, or just making plans with a new friend.  The best way to grow is to challenge yourself, and some of my most rewarding experiences have come from stepping outside of my comfort zone.