Nour Khaiara is growing into her goals

KALAMAZOO, MI— Nour Khaiara, a recipient of the A. Robert Kleiner Memorial Scholarship, is achieving her academic and professional goals at Western Michigan University. The Michigan resident of Syrian descent is a junior studying human resource management at the Haworth College of Business and creating an educational journey completely unique to her.

Having learned about the scholarship from Dr. Christina Stamper, Khaiara knew it could be a stepping stone in her academic career.

“Receiving this scholarship has had a significant impact on me as a student. Not only did it provide crucial financial support, but it also validated my efforts and commitment to my studies. It allows me to pursue a study abroad program in Jordan to complete my Arabic minor, which is vital to my academic and career goals. Additionally, being awarded this scholarship has motivated me further and reassured me that my hard work and aspirations are recognized and valued.”

Khaiara’s professional and academic recognition goes far beyond receiving this scholarship. WMU Haworth has provided her with resources to obtain the support she needs to succeed in her ambitions.

“The college’s extensive career development resources support my professional goals,” she says. “The career services team offers valuable tools such as networking events, job fairs and access to platforms like Handshake, all of which help me build connections in the HR field.”

With her career just over the horizon, Khaiara’s time at WMU Haworth is going to lead her in impactful directions. Through the Business Externship Program, Khaiara has gained professional experience that will serve her as she continues in her education and throughout her career. She says, “I participated in hands-on experiences at Haworth Inc., Parker Hannifin, Vibracoustic and Greenleaf Hospitality Group. This unique opportunity not only helped me gain practical insights into various business functions but also significantly enriched my understanding of how various aspects of the industry operate.”

However, Khaiara’s passion for HR was something she spent time discovering. She says this to her fellow WMU students:

“It is completely okay not to know what you want to major in at the start of your college journey. College is a unique time to explore various interests and discover more about yourself. As someone unsure about my career path and major, I found that studying a range of classes in different fields was incredibly helpful. The sense of community at the Haworth College of Business has been the most significant contribution to my self-discovery. The faculty are genuinely invested in student success, offering support and encouragement that makes a real difference.”       

Looking forward, Khaiara is anticipating the workplace ahead of her, ready to take on the new goals she will set.

“What excites me the most about working in human resources is the opportunity to create a supportive environment where employees can thrive with the proper training and resources. Contributing to employee development and well-being feels like a privilege, and the chance to positively impact the heart of a company is what truly drives my passion for this field.”

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