From classroom to credit union, Chloe Park invests in her future

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Since transferring to Western Michigan University in the spring of 2022, business analytics student Chloe Park is on a path toward a bright future and successful career, thanks to the support and resources in the Haworth College of Business.

After working at Advia Credit Union for a year as a teller, Park was excited to be offered an internship, a rare opportunity at the credit union. In her teller role, she had the chance to shadow the analytics team, ultimately leading to her internship as a business and reporting analyst this past summer. Her responsibilities included gathering and interpreting data to identify patterns, trends and insights, which required using tools such as structured query language (SQL) and its server reporting services to extract meaningful information from complex datasets. After gathering this information, she then took that data and created visual reports with the help of tools such as Power Business Intelligence (BI). 

Before making her way to WMU Haworth, Park attended Kellogg Community College where she earned her associate degree. “I had always planned to go to KCC and then transfer to a university. WMU had huge appeal for me when I was looking into universities. The quality of education and resources available aligned perfectly with my academic goals,” she says. 

Transferring to a university can be intimidating. However, Park was welcomed to WMU Haworth with open arms, she says. “The most helpful resources to me during my transition have been the professors. Everyone is very approachable, encouraging and more than happy to help if you ever have a problem.”

Not only have the faculty of WMU Haworth supported Park through her transfer process, but they have also provided her with a rigorous business analytics program that is improving her skills constantly.

“The business curriculum is designed with a practical, hands-on approach that allows me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Through projects, case studies, and interactive coursework, I have been able to concentrate on my analytical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.”

Being prepared for her professional life is one thing that Park doesn’t have to worry about. Through both time in the classroom, time professional business environments, and her participation in the Business Analytics and Information Technology Association, she has gotten a taste of what the future holds for her. 

“One of the most valuable aspects of my education has been the emphasis on experiential learning,” says Park. “From internships to registered student organizations, there have been a wide range of opportunities that have allowed me to gain hands-on experience in the real world. These experiences have not only honed my technical skills but have also allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of how business analytics is applied in industry settings.”

As Park completes her final semester at WMU, she shares some advice with her fellow students.

“I would encourage every student to seek out internships, co-op programs or part-time work in your field of interest. Gaining this practical experience is invaluable and can provide a deeper understanding of how your studies can apply in a business environment. Not only will you gain experience, but you will also get to build a professional network that can lead to job opportunities after your graduation.”

After graduation, Park plans to earn certifications in Power BI and SQL. Committed to lifelong learning, she would also like to pursue a master’s degree in business analytics to continue staying ahead in the constantly changing field. 

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