Real Growth

Starts Here

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.

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.