Nadia Collins embraces opportunities in accounting
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Senior accountancy student Nadia Collins is using her time at Western Michigan University to create a career that grows with her. The Haworth College of Business student from New Buffalo, Michigan, is taking advantage of internship opportunities with hands-on work that’s giving her valuable experience.
Collins began her professional journey as an indirect tax intern with Gordon Food Service last May. In this position, she was responsible for two different projects related to indirect taxes as well as a team case study with her peers, while also learning to navigate tax software and analyze returns. She continued to broaden her professional horizon during the spring semester, completing another internship with Plante Moran where she was primarily responsible for completing tax returns for clients, giving her an added challenge as she experienced the life of an accountant in the midst of tax season. Both of these experiences provided her with invaluable firsthand experience in the accounting industry. Collins plans to return to Gordon Food Service this summer as an indirect tax and internal audit intern
“Obtaining my internships has been the most exciting achievement in my career so far. Not only did I work with supportive and knowledgeable people, but I got the chance to explore different facets of accounting, helping me to determine the kind of firm I want to work for long term. I realized that I’m looking for an environment that values professional growth, work-life balance, and a strong culture. I hope to work for a firm where people genuinely enjoy working together and where mentorship is a priority but right now, I’m focused on gaining as much experience as possible and figuring out what aspects of each field I enjoy the most!”
Not only is Collins creating a dynamic career, but she is also building a dependable community of colleagues and mentors.
“Joining organizations such as the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and holding a leadership position has contributed to my sense of belonging during my time at WMU Haworth. It was extremely welcoming to find and connect with like-minded peers.”
Resources at the Haworth College of Business, such as NABA, have given Collins spaces in which to work comfortably and learn effectively.
“From professors, to student organizations, to the Zhang Career Center, WMU Haworth provides many resources to ensure its students are prepared for the professional world. The college has also provided me with networking skills, practice interviews and resume critiques which are all vital for the success of my career.”
With plans to graduate in the fall, Collins is adding as many experiences as she can to her professional toolbox through her summer internship and a study abroad trip to Ireland.
“I’m excited to return to Gordon Food Service with more experience and take on even more responsibility this time. This internship is a great opportunity to apply what I’ve learned at Plante Moran while also gaining exposure to internal audit. Similarly, I’m looking forward my study abroad trip—experiencing a different culture and seeing how business and finance operate in an international setting will provide me a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity. I’m hoping to return with a new perspective that I can carry into my career.”
After graduation, Collins hopes to specialize in tax or audit, using her internship experience, network and international perspective to lead her into a successful career.
Learn more about accountancy at WMU.
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