Career Development

You’ve got the drive, energy and discipline to study hard and dream big. Let us help you level up your ambitions in accountancy with our wide-ranging career development options. From our nationally renowned Business Externship Program to events focused on personal and professional branding, you can participate in innovative curricular and co-curricular programs, as well as work with advisors, alumni and professors to develop your professional skills.

And it doesn't stop there: At the Zhang Career Center, you have opportunities to attend career-related events and participate in student organizations. Let's work together so you can bring your A-game to the world.

Target your dreams right at the center

Whether you’re in the general exploratory phase, looking for a business externship or an internship, or ready to search for a job, we’ve got you covered. 

Career advisors are available by appointment or during drop-in hours and will also provide information on career development events and resources.

You'll also have access to Handshake, WMU’s employment website. You'll be able to set up an account, publish your resume and view internship and full-time job opportunities, among other career-related activities.

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Connections that hone your skills

Your academic education is just one part of your professional journey. As a student at Western, you'll also get focused support on strengthening your social and emotional skills. Tap into networking opportunities with accounting firms seeking to fill positions with WMU students through Meet the Firms Night. Plus, fine-tune telling your story with Beta Alpha Psi Resume Workshops.

Looking for other ways to get involved? Take advantage of our student professional organizations, industry exploration, speakers and social opportunities. And if you want to join accounting-specific organizations, consider our Accounting Club, the National Association of Black Accountants and Beta Alpha Psi.

Get involved, make friends and hone your skills all at the same time.

Getting linked in to WMU Haworth

All students should consider using social media as a professional resource. Join the WMU Haworth College of Business on LinkedIn to network with other students, alumni, employers and friends of both the college and the Department of Accountancy. 

If you’re looking for helpful tips on how to best approach and manage your social media from a professional point of view, Career and Student Employment Services offers a social media management guide.

How we prepare you for the CPA exam

Faculty in the Department of Accountancy are focused on teaching you the technical skills, fulfilling the educational requirements and preparing you to take the final exam to earn your Certified Public Accountant certification.
I count myself lucky to be a part of a strong faculty team who brings significant real-world experience to the table and is united in our goal of supporting and developing students on their path to professional success.
—Dr. Cari Burke, assistant professor of accountancy