WMU finance student graduates with B.B.A. in two years

KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Johanna VanLandegent, a senior finance student at Western Michigan University, is making an impressive start in her career. Condensing her B.B.A. into two years, VanLandegent has already secured her place in the professional world as a member of TruVista Wealth Advisors with her dedication and impressive performance.

Beginning her partnership with TruVista in July 2022, VanLandegent was recruited as a part-time client service coordinator. As she spent more time with the company, she was able to grow into a financial planning internship.  She spent this past summer focusing on client service, working on special projects to assist clients with specific needs such as estate settlements, stock valuation and funding for education. VanLandegent also supported licensed financial advisors with tasks such as meeting preparation and writing letters summarizing recommendations for clients.

Through her time as a financial planning intern, VanLandegent has grown in her skills, especially when communicating with others.  

“Working at TruVista allowed me to develop client relationship skills while also challenging me to expand my knowledge of financial topics. I learned how to develop a financial plan and how to communicate complex information to clients with a wide variety of backgrounds,” she says. “Numbers aren’t for everyone, and it is important that financial advisors can explain financial information in an understandable manner.”

VanLandegent gained valuable hands-on experiences during her internship. Her time in the role enabled her to take her financial knowledge and learn how to apply it to client needs.

“The most important technique I learned is to empathize, then advise,” she says. “Personal finance is personal. Advisors work with a wide variety of clients, and they each have unique experiences and anxieties regarding financial management. I learned to listen first and approach problems from the client’s perspective.”

Connections in her academic career have been instrumental to VanLandegent’s success. Through her accelerated study at the Haworth College of Business, she has been supported by the community around her, providing her with the assistance she needs to reach her goal of graduating two years early. Matt Ross, associate professor of finance, speaks out on Johanna’s performance as his student.

"Johanna is a fantastic student who applies theory beyond the classroom to assist clients in the financial planning arena,” Ross says. “With an extremely bright finance career ahead, Johanna will excel at whichever firm wisely hires her."

VanLandegent is grateful for the support she has received throughout her time at Western.

“At WMU Haworth, the faculty have been enthusiastic to equip me for any-and-every challenge that I’ve decided to take on. I will be graduating with a drive to succeed.”

Having learned both technical analysis and communication skills, VanLandegent will graduate with a strong sense of the impact she wants to make in the world. She finds that helping others leads to her own growth. As she finishes up her short yet pivotal time at WMU Haworth, she gives this advice to her peers.

“I would encourage all students to use their time in college to invest in themselves and their community. The college of business offers so many opportunities for professional development. I’ve been able to get one-on-one support for every part of my career planning process, from resume critiques to practice interviews, to skills coaching. I would highly recommend that students take advantage of those resources to supplement their education.”

After graduation, VanLandegent is prepared for wherever her career takes her. With a multitude of experiences throughout her time with TruVista, she has become more than ready to take on what is ahead.

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