Internship Program

From Student to Professional: An Intern's Story

"When I first started this internship, I'll be honest, it was intimidating. Walking into a professional environment as a high school senior felt overwhelming, and I wasn't sure how quickly I would fit in. But over time, I learned that the team and members here are incredibly welcoming. I built real relationships, got to know people by name, and found myself becoming more confident every day. What once felt unfamiliar became a place where I felt comfortable, capable, and valued. 

Throughout my time here, I've gained skills that I know will stay with me long after senior year. I learned the importance of taking a moment to make someone's day better and how meaningful genuine customer interactions can be. My communication and public-speaking skills have improved immensely, and I've become more efficient with time management and problem-solving. The flexible hours and supportive environment helped ease me into what a professional job is really like without overwhelming pressure.

Looking back at who I was when I first walked in versus who I am now, the growth is undeniable. This internship didn't just teach me job skills, it taught me how to be confident, patient, and adaptable. If you're a future intern reading this, know that you may feel nervous at first, but you'll soon discover just how rewarding and impactful this experience can be. It prepares you for the future in ways you won't fully realize until you're in it."

~ Ty, Intern 2025

"I’ve been an intern at Air Academy Credit Union for almost 2 years. It has been an interesting experience during that time, which consisted of lots of changes and being able to work with some fun people. There have been some very valuable learning opportunities like being able to shadow departments and dealing with fraud. You will get exposure to credit cards, checking accounts, savings, and CDs along with just everyday banking.

A very valuable thing I learned was building rapport with members and learning how to communicate in a professional setting and manner. You get to learn to help people when they are in a vulnerable position and you will need to be ready to be professional, empathetic, and kind to them because it’s hard to talk to a virtual stranger about money because it is a touchy subject. During my time here, AACU went through several policy changes and there was some staff turnover, which meant things didn’t always stay the same. While that could sometimes be challenging, it also taught me how to adapt, stay flexible, and continue learning even when processes changed.

During the internship you will be able to meet some amazing people and learn from about other experiences. The schedule worked well for me because my manager was willing to work with me whenever I needed time off. It’s expected to work every Saturday but that is only about 4 hour days which made it easy to manage my other responsibilities and school work. Overall, it was a great opportunity to learn how to navigate the banking environment, gain real world experience, and build skills that are useful in many professional settings."

~Kate, Intern 2025

"The internship program has taught me a lot about the financial world and business operations. I have learned how to manage my funds and a budget. I have had the ability to observe how other departments operate and their need within an organization. Lastly, learning to navigate customer service, anticpating the need of a member, and learned how to serve a member, even when it's difficult."

~Xander, Intern 2025