When Darren Wang first stepped foot on Case Western Reserve University’s campus, he planned to major in finance and computer science. That changed when he attended an introductory accounting course with Assistant Professor of Accountancy Heidi Blakeway-Phillips.
“I fell in love with accounting because of Professor Blakeaway-Phillips,” Wang said. “I have loved taking her courses, and admire her career and wisdom.”
Wang credits his professor with helping him know what he wanted to do with his life. Paraphrasing a quote by Benjamin Franklin, he said: “There are only two certainties in life, one of which is taxes.”
During his undergraduate time at Case Western Reserve, Wang gained experience inside and outside the accounting field through several internships. In 2021, he worked for BDO USA in McLean, Virginia, conducting research on state and local tax ordinances, drafting tax memorandums, assisting with voluntary disclosure agreements and more. That internship made him fall even more in love with his field.
“That was my first accounting experience, and they allowed me to speak with clients and to sit in on client meetings,” Wang said. “That opportunity was incredibly impactful.”
Back on campus, Wang participated in student organizations and activities including the international honor society for accounting, Beta Alpha Psi, Consult Your Community, The Weatherhead Fund, Spartan Ambassadors, Wolstein Society and intramural basketball.
Beyond his experiences on and off campus, Wang says what he’s loved most about his time at Case Western Reserve has been the people he met along the way.
“Everyone here has these big dreams. They’re never settling for less or getting complacent,” he said. “That appeals to me and it’s a commonality I share with the people I’ve met here.”
Upon graduating this month with his bachelor’s degree in accounting and a minor in finance, Wang will move to New York City to work for PricewaterhouseCoopers as a tax associate.