Haley Mueller is already thinking like the accountant she wants to become. She chose Macomb for its “price point” and is intrigued by “data analytics.” That might be two of the reasons why a professor recommended her for an invite-only event for college and university students interested in business careers.
“It was a beautiful experience,” says Mueller of the Inforum North American International Auto Show Breakfast, held Jan. 18 at the Detroit Marriott. “The breakfast involved a panel and they were talking about the future of artificial intelligence. Definitely nerdy, but I loved every moment of it.”
Founded in 1962 as the Women’s Economic Club, Inforum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing leadership development opportunities to women. At the breakfast, Mueller and the audience of 1,000 or so heard from some of the most forward-thinking leaders in business today: Alisyn Malek, COO and co-founder of the self-driving vehicle firm May Mobility Inc.; Jason Mars, CEO and co-founder of CLINC, which specializes in artificial intelligence; and Ken Washington, CTO and vice president of Research and Advanced Engineering at Ford Motor Company.
“The Inforum event was a great opportunity for me,” says Mueller, one of eight Macomb students who attended the breakfast. “I was able to talk with some of the leaders in the automotive industry after the panelists were done. I was also able to give some people my contact information at the event in hopes of landing an internship for the summer.”
Currently working in a uniform supply store, Mueller is also thinking about the bachelor of accounting program at Wayne State University as her next step toward an accounting career.
“I wouldn’t mind getting into something that involves data analytics. That field seems quite interesting to me,” offers Mueller. “Long-term, I see myself running an accounting firm or traveling to meet with clients that need special services.”
At the Inforum breakfast, panelists offered students their sage advice on everything from gaining experience by department hopping to making their voice heard by leadership. But it was the message about following their own hearts that left the biggest impression on Mueller.
“My greatest takeaway from the event,” she offers, “is always be true to yourself.”
And the Clintondale High School graduate has found Macomb to be a great place to find out just who that is.
“I love that I have interacted with so many people from different backgrounds. It has given me a different take on the world,” says Mueller. “I would have to say the opportunities available at Macomb are endless.”