Bank of Nevada Summer Internship Program Helps Local Students Learn About Banking Careers

Many industries in Southern Nevada are struggling to attract the job applicants they need. The banking industry is no different. However, an innovative program helping local students understand potential careers in banking may also increase the number of students attracted to the industry. 

Bank of Nevada offers an innovative high school summer internship program that pays students for their time as they learn about banking careers. Students with a general interest in banking or finance work alongside mentors to understand the industry's responsibilities and career options. 

 "I think that my time at the Bank influenced the path of a career that I would like to pursue in the future, as it was my first real-life career experience," said Matthew Qi, a senior at Clark High School. "This internship is going to shape my future career. It has helped me discover the world of banking and the financial industry. Based on my experience at Bank of Nevada, I can decide if I would like to continue down this path or maybe another one."

This year, Bank of Nevada partnered with the Academy of Finance, a magnet program within Ed W. Clark High School. The Title 1 School serves a broad base of students from low to moderate-income families from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

The six-week program provided students with a rotation through several departments at Bank of Nevada including commercial real estate, financial crimes and compliance, human resources, loan operations and relationship management. Students spent three days per week, eight hours per day at the bank for six weeks, all while earning money. 

Academy of Finance director, Robin Vitiello, says the high school internship program gives students access to banking decision-makers that they wouldn't otherwise have.

"Many of our students are children of immigrants or immigrants themselves and don't have a role model at home," said Vitiello. "The internship program excels at giving these students a good preparation for what a career in the business world will look like. It's an incredible opportunity."

Christopher Yeghiayan, who will pursue a degree in Finance at the University of San Francisco, says the internship was an incredible opportunity. He especially enjoyed the two weeks working in the commercial real estate department under Senior Managing Director Bill Oakley.

"Bill allowed me and another intern, Cameron, to attend one of the Senior Loan Committee meetings, which are normally limited to high-ranking members of the bank. Cameron and I had the chance to present the research we were tasked with providing to the committee. It was extraordinary to take part in this meeting," said Yeghiayan. "Later, we had the chance to visit a housing development associated with the bank. It was incredible to see this side of the loan process. The two weeks I spent in CRE were among the most informational part of the internship."

Becky DeMarco, human resources manager at Bank of Nevada, says the summer internship program certainly benefits students as well as the banking divisions.

"Our population is becoming more diverse and the mentor program helps students like those from the Academy of Finance to see people who look like them working in the business community - which is vitally important," said DeMarco. "I also believe that we're creating connections with these students who may choose to come back to us and work during their college summers and potentially after college graduation. At the same time, students receive an in-person experience and make connections that may assist them in the future."