It doesn’t take a difficult equation to find the answer to a great college experience. Sophomore Rachel Webb has only just begun her fourth semester at The University of Olivet, but she already feels like her college experience has set her up for success. The accounting major from Sturgis is a member of the women’s golf team, the Global Citizen Honors Program, the President’s Leadership Institute and the Accounting Student Organization, even serving as a student government representative. Further, Rachel has earned hands-on experience through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) service program and recently completed an internship with the accounting department at Burr Oak Tool.
With these experiences backing her, Rachel says it’s easy to focus on her career. She’s preparing to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam with the goal to work in a public accounting firm post graduation. In the meantime, she’s building her network and her resume while enjoying friendships and fun at OC.
Here are her thoughts on:
Service
Last year as a freshman, I had the opportunity to be in a service learning class for all of the accounting majors. I was a volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This was a great experience because all of the volunteers were able to prepare tax forms for community members at no cost. It was a really rewarding experience because I was able to help clients that were feeling uneasy about their taxes. I was also able to develop my skills as a business professional. VITA is something that I plan to continue to do until I graduate and it will help me succeed in my future career.
Career Goals
After I graduate, I would like to work in a public accounting firm. I hope to sit for the Certified Public Accountant Exam so that I can obtain my certification. To prepare myself for my career I strive to do well in every class. I recently finished an internship in the accounting department at Burr Oak Tool, which is a company in my hometown. Throughout the internship, I learned so many new things that I can take with me throughout my future career.
Relationships with Professors and Coaches
For only being my second year here, I have already built relationships with my professors and coach. My accounting professor and advisor, Jackie Looser, has helped me succeed so much already. She wants all of us to do well so that we can stand out when we start to search for careers after we graduate. I am thankful for Professor Looser because she sees my potential so she pushes me to do my best. My golf coach, Bill Maas, also pushes my teammates and me to do well in the classroom and on the golf course. I have improved so much from last season to this season with my coach’s help.
Athletics
Being on the golf team is one of the reasons why I came to Olivet. I have had a great experience so far. I have built friendships with my teammates that will last until long after we graduate. I have learned a lot of new skills and I am continuing to improve them as well.
College Advice
I would encourage students to attend The University of Olivet because you are more than just a number, you are a name and a face. The professors care about you and want you to succeed in the classroom so that you will stand out in your career. You will get experiences here early on that you will not get at a bigger school. Olivet has small class sizes, which helps you get to know the professor and the professor gets to know you.
College Experience
I have been able to step out of my comfort zone. I have met so many people and built friendships that will last a long time. I love being a Comet, and I am so glad I came to The University of Olivet.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
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