“Say yes to opportunities”: Desiree Krawczyk on growth and grit at WMU Haworth
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Junior finance and leadership and business strategy student Desiree Krawczyk is planting the seeds of success through student organizations, real-world applications and study abroad experiences. Hailing from Walled Lake, Michigan, Krawczyk has found ways to shine at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business.
With a broad field like finance, Krawczyk is challenged to think critically and approach problems from multiple angles. She’s put these skills into practice with her work at Bronconess Wine, a student-run company at WMU.
“One of my most rewarding experiences has been being a part of the leadership and business strategy program, particularly the Bronconess Wine team. I currently serve as the product manager and previously served as the CFO. Being part of a small team of students that run a real business has given me hands-on experience managing finances, contributing to growth strategies, and collaborating closely with others to grow the brand. It's been a great experience that has strengthened my passion for pursuing a career in finance."
Krawczyk’s time in student organizations has grown her abilities as a leader within the WMU Haworth community.
“I currently serve on the executive board for the Financial Services Association as the internal relations officer, where I serve as the main source of contact for students in the organization. I also previously served as the director of community engagement for the leadership and business strategy organization, which gave me the chance to plan events and work closely with other student leaders. These experiences have helped me build my leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, while also connecting me with people who share similar professional interests.”
Last summer, Krawczyk had the opportunity to study abroad in Lisbon, Portugal with WMU’s Business and Culture in Portugal program. “Studying abroad was an incredible experience that was very eye opening as it introduced me to new perspectives of the world,” she says. “I loved learning about different backgrounds and seeing how culture shapes the way people live and do business. Living somewhere completely new made me grow in ways I never could've imagined.”
The skills Krawcyzk has acquired are being put into practice in her position as a financial planning assistant at Zhang Financial, where she prepares essential documents that support the team’s financial planning process. When speaking on her work she says, “This role has given me hands-on experience that is valuable for my future, and I have enjoyed being part of a team that truly cares about their clients.”
With a wide range of experiences, Krawcyzk offers some insights to future business students.
“Get involved and say yes to opportunities, even when it feels scary or uncomfortable. Those experiences can completely transform your life. They push you to grow in ways you never expected, challenge you to discover what you're passionate about, and show you how capable you truly are. The more you step outside of your comfort zone and embrace these opportunities, the more you'll realize the impact you can make on yourself, on the people around you, and on the world.”
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