A future financial planner with a people-first mindset
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Junior personal financial planning student Grant Harkness is investing in his future through student organizations, academic opportunities and professional internships. Originally from Newaygo, Michigan, Harkness has compounded returns on his skills at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business, where he is preparing to create a fulfilling career helping others.
With his sights set on the future, Harkness is most excited about what the personal financial planning field has to offer him.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work one-on-one with individuals and families as they navigate their financial lives with clarity and confidence,” he says. “Financial decisions are deeply personal, and being able to meet people where they are, understand their goals and provide guidance that improves their long-term well-being is incredibly meaningful to me. Through this work, financial planning becomes a way to strengthen not only individual outcomes but the community as a whole by promoting education, stability and informed decision-making.”
Harkness was able to experience this type of work firsthand through his financial planning internship with LeBaron Financial Group. Here, Harkness attended client meetings, performed portfolio analyses, prepared and organized documents for client signatures and completion, and regularly communicated with clearing firms to ensure paperwork was processed accurately.
“The internship was in a small community that was very close knit. I wanted to be able to get to know people on a more personal level rather than to be another number at a larger firm. I'm especially grateful for the chance to work on paperwork preparation and processing, which may seem simple but gave me a better appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that ensures clients are taken care of efficiently.”
During his time at WMU Haworth, Harkness has stayed involved through student organizations like the Financial Planning Association where he serves as the president. He has also worked as a college ambassador and a Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness peer coach. “WMU Haworth has given me a platform and the skills to take on leadership roles across multiple organizations and student groups,” he says. “These experiences have helped me grow into a more well-rounded professional while developing essential skills in communication, organization and teamwork. Additionally, these leadership opportunities have allowed me to build meaningful connections within the financial planning profession that will support my continued growth and career development.”
Looking ahead, Harkness will be interning with Mariner Wealth Advisors this summer. As a member of the planning team, he will work behind the scenes to support the advisory team through research, analysis and educational training initiatives. He says, “This opportunity will allow me to further develop my technical skills while contributing to a collaborative, client-focused planning environment. I’m incredibly excited for this role and can’t wait to get started!”
Learn more about personal financial planning at WMU.
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