Trevon Harris invests in a career that adds up
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Senior accountancy student, Trevon Harris, is preparing to take on a competitive career field through valuable internship and study abroad experiences. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Harris has worked to become an accounting expert at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business with the support of student organizations and student-centered business networks.
As he looks toward entering the accounting field, Harris is proud to be a part of an ambitious group of professionals.
“The competitiveness of the accounting field excites me because it highlights both the strong demand for accountants and the high standards that companies maintain when hiring. Organizations are selective because hiring is a mutual investment—just as employees commit their time, skills, and growth to a company, employers invest significant resources in developing and retaining their employees.”
Harris has learned the ins and outs of this professional investment firsthand as a finance intern at Greenleaf Trust. There, he works on a client-centric team, focusing on wealth management and estate planning and trust.
“My day-to-day responsibilities include logging in to review emails, preparing retirement plan reviews for upcoming meetings, and updating client information to ensure accuracy and reliability. These updates are essential in helping clients maximize their retirement outcomes. I also complete daily time balances, which document the financial transactions done throughout the day, to ensure the system remains current and accurate.”
Widening his academic scope, Harris had the opportunity to attend the Global Sustainability Accounting and Reporting study abroad trip in Ireland this past summer, engaging with various accounting firms to learn effective strategies for promoting sustainability and reducing energy consumption. “One key takeaway from the trip was that the United States lags behind many other countries in sustainability initiatives,” he says. “With this new perspective, my understanding of global sustainability practices has grown significantly through this experience, making me more marketable as I enter my career.”
When reflecting on his time at WMU Haworth, Harris recognizes the community and network he’s built.
“I feel that my participation in NABA Inc. has put me in the best position to build connections with peers and companies, and I value the expectations that came along with it. I recommend that anyone starting out at WMU Haworth join a student organization not only to get to know other business students, but also to form friendships with those in your specific major. It makes all the difference.”
After graduation, Harris plans to return to WMU Haworth to receive his Master of Science in Accountancy. He then hopes to become a certified public accountant, as new professional opportunities become the profit of his hard work
Learn more about accountancy at WMU.
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