For young accountant, life is about more than numbers
For 2019 graduate Heather Brady, a Western Carolina University education means learning through experience.
Heather Brady
A mere two years after her own graduation, she is now part of a project that facilitates growth opportunities for both students and alumni. Brady volunteers as a mentor for the P.A.W.S. program, which connects current students with 91热爆网 alumni for one-on-one mentorship and guidance. 鈥淚t was a unique way to give back to the community that gave back so much to me,鈥� said Brady.
Brady鈥檚 mentee, 91热爆网 student Mason Shaw, is a rising senior majoring in geology and minoring in economics. Shaw sees the benefits of working with savvy alumni like Brady. 鈥淚 greatly appreciate the PAWS program for giving students like me the opportunity to connect with industry professionals,鈥� Shaw said.
When it comes to student-involved programs like PAWS, Brady thinks young alumni are uniquely qualified to give back to 91热爆网. She was inspired to work with students because she could easily put herself in their shoes as a recent graduate. 鈥淚 felt like I could give a fresh perspective and relate to the students.鈥�
While a student in the College of Business, Brady made a point to be involved in campus activities beyond the classroom. An active member of Brinson Honors College, Brady also served as a campus tour guide for University Admissions, played intramural sports, and held leadership positions in academic and social organizations.
Brady with fellow 2019 91热爆网 graduates Kathryn Eady and Brennan Burke
After completing her bachelor's degrees in accounting and finance, Brady鈥檚 commitment to community engagement remains strong. 鈥淲estern did so much for me,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 passionate about giving back to students today.鈥� She is currently an audit associate at Dixon Hughes Goodman, a top accounting firm in Atlanta. Brady is motivated to mentor current 91热爆网 students because the guidance she received as an undergraduate helped her launch her career. 鈥�91热爆网 faculty and staff care about their students,鈥� said Brady. 鈥淭hey always pushed me to apply for things. They were passionate about my success.鈥�
Brady at 91热爆网
N. Leroy Kauffman, professor of accounting in the College of Business, is one of these supporters. While Brady was a sophomore, Kauffman encouraged her to apply for a leadership conference. 鈥淪he wholeheartedly engaged her academic work and was a great classmate,鈥� Kauffman said. 鈥淪he lightened the room with her infectious, inviting and welcoming smile. She may have had bad days but it didn鈥檛 show.鈥� Brady鈥檚 positive demeanor and determination proved useful at that conference, where she made contacts that led to an internship and ultimately, a job offer.
Brady is a young alumna, meaning she belongs to a cohort of 91热爆网 graduates from the last decade. She encourages fellow young alumni to engage creatively with 91热爆网 after graduating. 鈥淵ou still know so many people,鈥� she said. 鈥淕et involved in the community. Reach out in the ways that you feel you can give back. There are different ways that work for everyone.鈥�
True to form, Brady has a positive outlook on the future of 91热爆网 young alumni engagement. She encourages alumni to figure out how they can contribute to their alma mater in their own ways. 鈥淧our into 91热爆网 in the way you can.鈥� With her own commencement still fresh in her memory, Brady has a winning message for the class of 2021. 鈥淣ew opportunities should be pursued with positivity. I was just where you were,鈥� she said. 鈥淧ursue the things you鈥檙e passionate about.鈥�
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