Goldie Harder

“I like the amount of knowledge you get with accounting. With both my parents being photographers, entrepreneurship is ingrained in me,” says Goldie Harder. “But I’m a little scared of the ‘nine out of 10 businesses fail within the first few years,’ so I want to increase my chances.”

In addition to her dreams of one day being an entrepreneur (currently, she makes sustainable fashion and is experimenting with kombucha brewing), Goldie is the Vice-president of Marketing for the SAIT Accounting Society, a student recruiter at Moodys Private Client, and a stellar student—though she wasn’t always so focused on school. 

“I did elite gymnastics for 10 years, and I completely disregarded school,” says Goldie. “When I retired—I was really good at something, and then not good at a lot of things, and I was a beginner again. I found the importance of learning how to learn…because then I could actually become good at something again.”

And Goldie’s translated that love of learning into studying accounting (with a particular interest in tax right now) and working toward her designation—and learning Spanish on Duolingo.

But it’s also all about balance! When asked for advice to fellow students, Goldie recommends they take time to do things they love outside of studying, and she emphasizes it will help with success in the long run. “Take a day per week or even an afternoon per week to actually do those things so you don’t burn out,” she says. “You’re useless if you’re tired, and you won’t end up succeeding in your foundational commitments.”

Goldie Harder

Q&A with Goldie Harder

What does being named a Capitalize Campus Star mean to you? 

I’m very thankful to be a Capitalize Campus Star. It acknowledges the hard work and dedication that I have put into the start of my career, and it also motivates me to maintain the momentum that I have achieved – to continue pursuing opportunities in accounting.  

What achievement or contribution are you most proud of so far?

So far, I am most proud of getting involved on campus! The winter semester of 2023 was my first time getting involved in any sort of club, and I joined the SAIT Accounting Society by volunteering as the VP of Marketing. I enjoyed engaging with other like-minded students and becoming more informed of the opportunities that both SAIT and the accounting industry offer. Because of that positive experience, I decided to join the SAIT Case Competition Club this fall, and I intend to compete this upcoming semester! I am proud of getting involved on campus because I get the chance to contribute to the campus experience, and it also increases my confidence and interest in accounting. 

Is there anything that might surprise people about you? 

I’m passionate about being interested! From athletics, to academics, to art—I love being hands-on and creative. I enjoy arts, including textiles, painting, crochet or even building with woodworking and a little welding. I take to the artistic influences from my family and keep my hands busy.

On top of that, I am passionate about wellness. I’ve been brewing kombucha and independently learning about mycology (the study of mushrooms and fungi) for the past four years. I aspire to make a wellness mix, where anyone from your dog to your grandma could benefit! Some benefits include improved sleep, reduced stress, improved focus, and improved performance. I believe nothing is more rewarding than something you made yourself, and with that, I am inspired to create.

Capitalize and CPA Alberta are proud to announce the 2024 class of Capitalize Campus Stars. The Campus Stars program recognizes amazing Alberta post-secondary students who are dreaming of one day becoming CPAs. Learn more about the entire 2024 class!