This summer, we welcomed more than a dozen college students who worked at ESL through our Student Employment Program. Each of them received an experience as unique as they are through working in our branches, Consumer Lending, Data Management, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Home Equity, Loan Servicing, or Member Service Support departments.
We asked several of our students to share some of their learnings. We invite you to learn more about our summer students and why they came to ESL!
Q&A with Jenilimar Gonzalez, ESL Student Teller, Goodman Office
What prompted you to apply for a summer internship at ESL?
I applied for a summer Internship at ESL because I’m a current undergraduate student studying finance at Rochester Institute of Technology, and I’ve always been interested in the banking industry. In addition to that, as a Rochester native, ESL has a reputation for community involvement and its purpose to help our community thrive and prosper stood out to me. The values at ESL strongly resonate with my own career ambitions in finance. I saw this internship as a great opportunity for me to immerse myself in the world of finance and gain real world hands-on experience while also expanding my professional network.
What has your experience been like?
My experience at ESL has been incredibly rewarding so far! As a student teller at the Goodman Branch, I have had the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team who are passionate about what they do here at ESL. I’ve also had the opportunity to work directly with members, which has given me invaluable insight into day-to-day banking operations and customer service.
What stands out the most?
One thing that stands out the most is the collaborative culture at ESL. Everyone here is willing to help and share their knowledge and mentorship. This has been extremely helpful and has allowed me to quickly adapt and contribute meaningfully to ESL.
What are your future career plans?
I am passionate about becoming a financial planner. My internship at ESL Federal Credit Union has deepened my interest in finance and solidified my goal of helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. I am eager to pursue a career where I can provide personalized financial guidance and build long-term relationships with clients to help them navigate their financial futures with confidence and security.
What advice would you like to share with other students in their educational and professional journey?
My advice to other students is to be proactive in seeking out opportunities that align with your interests and values. Networking and building relationships within your industry of interest is the key to opening doors to internships and future career opportunities. Never hesitate to ask questions, seek mentorship, and take initiative when working because it's a great way to stand out and grow professionally.
To learn more about our unique workplace culture, how we give back to the community, and joining the ESL team, please visit esl.org/careers!
