Orion Rahjes is finding belonging and building legacy at WMU Haworth

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Accountancy student Orion Rahjes is leaving their mark at Western Michigan University. The senior from Des Moines, Iowa, is creating a bright future at the Haworth College of Business through academic achievements and on-campus involvements.

With a passion for accounting, Rahjes is fully supported by WMU Haworth as they begin to step into the professional world.

“Beyond just helping me complete course requirements, WMU Haworth is preparing me for the world beyond graduation. Faculty will often advocate for internships in place of a spring semester of classes, as these lead to full-time offers and real-world experience, making you invaluable in the workforce.” 

Rahjes cites resources like the Zhang Career Center, the Business Externship Program, and the various business registered student organizations on campus as providing a multitude of networking opportunities, community building, and skill workshops right in the college. “There's a place for everyone at WMU Haworth, and there's a way for you to grow here,” they say.

Beyond the classroom, Rahjes stays involved through student organizations, creating community while defining their business skills.

“Being a founding member of the WMU Chapter of Out4Business has contributed greatly to my sense of both belonging and safety on campus. I saw that there wasn't a place for people like me, and I built it with the other founding members. Now that the organization is off the ground, I'm proud to watch it grow and continue its legacy after I graduate.”

“I've also had the opportunity to attend the National Association of Black Accountants Regional Conference in 2024 and the National Conference in 2025, and I was selected for the Accounting Scholars Development Program hosted in Washington D.C. by Howard University in 2024. In all these opportunities, I was able to network with businesses across the country and build connections with key employers in my field.”

Rahjes particularly enjoyed the case study they led at Howard. Working with a team of eight to present a case study in five days, all while networking and attending workshops, was “challenging in the best of ways.”

As Rahjes completes their degree this spring, they plan to achieve their Certified Public Account certification, with hopes to work abroad and learn accounting systems across the globe. With their future just over the horizon, Rahjes shares some advice with future WMU Haworth students.

“Introduce yourself to professors, to people sitting next to you in class or to guests on campus. Get comfortable being yourself and connections will flow like the wind. Ask for advice—everyone has different experiences, and everyone has learned different lessons. Finally, look both ways, backwards and forwards. Measure progress toward your goals both in relation to where you started and where you're going. The only thing you have to do is keep going.”

Learn more about accountancy at WMU. 

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