CMU accounting student builds career confidence through community

When senior accounting major Bailey Graham from Muskegon, Mich., transferred to Central Michigan University, she was looking for more than a new start — she was looking for a place that felt like home.

“I chose Central Michigan University for the affordability and how you get a smaller school feel with large school benefits,” Graham said. “I was a transfer student looking for an opportunity to expand my education. I knew I wanted to go to a school where I had small class sizes and lots of familiar faces around because I really enjoyed it at my previous schools. Fortunately, I got that experience here at CMU, especially in Grawn Hall.”

That sense of belonging soon became the foundation for everything that followed — from academic growth to meaningful connections and career readiness.

Discovering a passion for accounting

When Graham first declared her major, she was motivated by stability but unsure what the field would truly involve. Over time, she discovered that accounting wasn’t just a fit — it was a reflection of how her mind worked.

“When I originally chose accounting, I did not truly understand what the major entailed. I was intrigued by the job stability,” she said. “As I learned more about accounting, I have realized how lucky I am that I truly enjoy the major. I love the organization, structure, and order behind financial accounting principles. It matches well with my Type-A tendencies.”

Her classes became more than coursework; they introduced her to the systems and patterns that form the language of business — and helped her recognize her own strengths along the way.

Hands-on learning and faculty support

What solidified Graham’s interest in accounting was the opportunity to see how everything connects.

“In ACC 370, we did a project called System Understanding Aid,” she explained. “This project was essentially taking a company's information transactions, like a bill of lading or purchase order, all the way into creating end-of-the-year financial statements. It was such a cool process and allowed students to physically see the process instead of just contextual ideas spoken about in class.”

That experience bridged theory and application — and, as Graham describes, it prepared her for the professional world.

“The internship ramped up my excitement for my career and the work I will be doing,” she said of her summer at PwC. “It was really comforting to know that I really enjoy the work I will be doing.”

Her time at CMU has been shaped not only by challenging coursework but by the professors who’ve supported her along the way. “The School of Accounting has become my home away from home,” she shared. “All of the faculty are always looking out for their students' best interests and are so excited to see everyone succeed.”

That combination of academic rigor and personal guidance reflects what many students in the College of Business describe — the rare balance of challenge and care that defines their experience.

Building leadership and friendships through Beta Alpha Psi

For Graham, growth didn’t stop at the classroom door. It continued through involvement and leadership — particularly in Beta Alpha Psi, CMU’s accounting, finance, and information systems fraternity.

“I joined BAP two years ago, and it was the best decision for my college experience,” she said. “Not only did BAP help secure me an internship and gain leadership experience, but it also introduced me to strong connections here on campus. BAP introduced me to life-long friends.”

Now serving as the organization’s president, Graham is using what she’s learned to give back. “I am so excited to lead this organization that has changed my college experience for the better,” she said. “I am excited to share the wonderful opportunities that BAP offers to its members.”

The organization also helped her find her community. “When I first came to CMU, I struggled to find a community,” Graham said. “After a semester, I decided to join BAP. Once I became a member, my life at CMU changed for the better. I gained friendships that go beyond BAP and school. I have found mentors in the accounting faculty who have been a huge help in my decision-making.”

Through involvement, Graham not only built professional skills but also found the connection she was searching for — a reminder that leadership often begins with belonging.

Helping future students embrace uncertainty and growth

Bailey knows that finding direction can take time, and she encourages future students to give themselves room to explore.

“My advice for high school students who are unsure about what to study or where to go is, first, obviously, come to Central Michigan University,” she said with a smile. “Other than that cheeky plug, my advice is to just put one foot in front of the other. Make small decisions that keep pushing you forward. Choose a major and start taking classes, and if that’s not a good fit, pivot. Being in college courses is going to help you figure out what you want to study.”

She also reminds students that change is part of growth. “I wish I had known that I was not going to know what I wanted to do at 18 years old,” she said. “It is okay not to know — just try things out until something sticks. You aren’t going to be the same person at 23 as you were at 18. It is okay to develop and change your mind, but just keep moving forward.”

Her reflection carries the steady confidence of someone who has learned to trust her process — and her place.

Setting post-graduation goals and remembering what matters most

With graduation on the horizon, Graham’s next chapter is already taking shape. “After graduation, one of my goals is to obtain my CPA. I want to pass all four exams within my first year post-grad,” she said. “Accounting faculty at CMU have definitely shaped this goal by really pushing for students to take the CPA exams before starting a public accounting job.”

When she looks back on her time in the College of Business, what she remembers most isn’t just the coursework or the achievements — it’s the people.

“When I think back on my time here at CMU, I think I will remember all the friendly faces at Grawn most,” she said. “Every day when I walk into the Grawn Atrium, there is always another student waving at me or smiling. I never have to walk far to find a familiar face to talk to.”

That daily reminder of connection — of being seen, supported, and surrounded by community — is what Graham says defines her CMU experience. “Being a transfer student and away from home, the small, tight-knit community that Grawn and the business RSOs have created has made my college experience better on a daily basis.”

For Bailey Graham, success isn’t just about passing exams — it’s about finding purpose in community, and confidence in what comes next.