Each year, ESL welcomes numerous college students to work across many different departments and the front line, including 16 of our branches, and our Consumer Lending, Loan Servicing, Information Security, Marketing, Member Service Support, and Payment Operations Support departments. As their internships wrapped up, we asked them each a series of questions about their experience with ESL, and the learnings exposed through their answers are truly profound.
A big thanks to Alexandra, Audrey, Bailey, Christopher, David, Emma, Ethan, Hannah, Jordyn, Justin, Kelsey, Lindsay, Marissa, Trevor, and Will for sharing your views about your summer at ESL.
What did you know about banking or ESL before your internship?
Many students shared an unfamiliarity with banking and ESL when they started but it didn’t take long for them to dive right in!
“I didn’t think about all the things that occur at a bank; to me it was where people made deposits and withdrawals. It turns out that banking is so much more than that.”
“My dad has his business accounts with ESL, therefore I knew they were a trustworthy and friendly company, but I did not know what they had to offer.”
“Walking in on my first day, I already knew how much ESL stands by their Core Values.”
“I think I learned the most from teller training, as well as the experience of processing payments daily. Walking in on my first day, I already knew how much ESL stands by their Core Values.”
“I had a good amount of banking knowledge from classes and my own banking experiences, but I have learned so much more from my time here at ESL.”
What’s the most surprising thing you've learned as part of the internship experience?
This summer, each student obtained first-hand exposure to the banking world, and every student we talked with said the experience was more rewarding than they ever could have expected.
“It has been really neat going to the meetings with people from other factions of the company. My favorites so far have been the Trust [Services LLC] team and long-term-care planning.”
“I was very surprised at the corporate culture of ESL and how welcoming and friendly everyone has been. I have also learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes action that goes into extending credit and making loans for our customers.”
“How much tellers have to know on a daily basis, and how hard they work.”
“I have learned so much so far and adapted quickly to the changes that I am used to. I have found myself working together in a productive team in order to get things done at the end of the day.”
“Most people don’t know all the opportunities that are there for their money. There are various account types and even different institutions that offer their services so people can get the most out of their money. As a member already, I had some ideas about what ESL had to offer, but since my internship I now have a better idea of what my options are and can advise others.”
“There are so many different jobs and roles each person plays in making sure that everything is running smoothly. ”
“I can definitely say that this internship has changed me as a person for the better.”
“How this job could change my life! Working for ESL has not only made me a more pleasant person while at work, but also outside of work! I can definitely say that this internship has changed me as a person for the better.”
“Having already been a member at ESL, I had some knowledge of how ESL treats their members. However, I was surprised to learn just how seriously we take it. ”
“How many parts there are to being a teller. I had no idea how many different transactions people could ask for, or even the amount of transactions some people come in with! Banking is such a wide range of services, and there are so many ways we can help people. I love that you could stay in banking for years and do many different tasks. ”
Would you recommend working at ESL?
The overwhelming consensus is YES! Here’s why:
“100 times yes! That have great values that are carried out through the branches, and they truly care about their employees! They are so accommodating and want to help you grow in your career. There are many opportunities if you want to stay within ESL for years to come!”
“YES! I have already started telling my friends they should become tellers. I have enjoyed working here already, the staff is wonderful. Everyone is very nice and helpful, I can ask anyone questions without feeling embarrassed. ”
“Absolutely! ESL does a great job looking out for their employees’ best interests, and it is a great work environment, so I would 100% recommend any of my friends to come here and work at ESL!”
“I would definitely recommend working at ESL. It is such a pleasant place to work, everyone is friendly and the company does everything it can to take care of its employees. I have never worked for a company that cares so much about their staff! Not to mention, ESL likes to have some fun here and there too.”
“The employees I got to work with this summer have been extremely helpful, kind, and fun to work with. Everyone I’ve encountered at ESL has been willing to help and encourages you to ask questions.
“I would recommend others to work at ESL mainly because of the atmosphere. The employees I got to work with this summer have been extremely helpful, kind, and fun to work with. Everyone I’ve encountered at ESL has been willing to help and encourages you to ask questions. The environment is welcoming and even the members are nice. ESL has been a great company for me to intern with and has helped me learn more about the banking industry.”
“I would certainly recommend working at ESL to my friends. The organization really takes their core values seriously, and doing so makes it a great place to work. Every ESL employee I have encountered, from the hiring team, to training, to the branch I was assigned to, has been incredibly friendly, kind, and helpful.”
“I would, my friends assume working at a bank is tedious and boring, but I am still trying to convince them that working here is different than what they expect. At the Fairport and Chestnut branches, the employees are all so welcoming and friendly. Everyone takes the time to appreciate one another and do fun teambuilding activities on meeting days. The members who come in are fun to talk to, and the days usually fly by. ”
“I would definitely recommend working at ESL to my friends. The culture here is really great and everyone I have met here has been very helpful and kind.”
We wish you all the best as you finish college and embark on your career!