It is hard to believe we are already talking about back to school.
For many college students taking those early career planning steps, that means they are wrapping up their summer internships. For recent graduates, it means they are embarking on post-college career life.
“Regions Bank’s Emerging Talent Program can serve as that first step in building a successful career in banking and finance,” noted Robin Brown, Asset Management Strategy and Operations manager, who is leading Wealth Management participation in the internship and development programs. “Seeing the light in these eager new professionals’ eyes seems to really brighten our own associates!”
The program opens the door to emerging talent upon graduation. In June, Regions welcomed back three interns from previous summer programs as full-time Wealth Management associates. Christy Stewart, Wealth Management HR Strategic Delivery partner
Concluding its third year participating in August, the Wealth Management 2023 class has grown to include 10 interns working in various business groups, such as Asset Management, Private Wealth Management (including two interns in the Natural Resources and Real Estate Group), Institutional Services, Risk Control, and Highland Associates.
“The program opens the door to emerging talent upon graduation,” said Christy Stewart, Wealth Management HR Strategic Delivery partner. “In June, Regions welcomed back three interns from previous summer programs as full-time Wealth Management associates.”
Luke DePiero, Joey Boduch and Andre Flores are among previous Regions’ intern classes who recently launched their full-time finance careers in Wealth Management. DePiero and Boduch joined the Private Wealth Management team this summer as Development Program Analysts, a 12-month rotational program that provides exposure to varying opportunities in the business prior to full-time placement. Flores has joined the Asset Management team as an internal portfolio manager in the Portfolio Management Group.
I got a taste of what it would look like moving forward and it really set me up well for the transition after graduation.Luke DePiero, Wealth Management developmental program associate
In their early weeks on the job, the new associates reflected on the sometimes-complicated transition from college life to career life.
“I didn’t take any classes in the fall of my fifth year and did another finance internship, so I began that transition to professional life at that point where I could and focus on work and finishing out my college baseball career,” shared DePiero, who completed his Regions internship in summer 2021. “I got a taste of what it would look like moving forward and it really set me up well for the transition after graduation.”
An analyst in Corporate Banking, Natalie Roberts completed her internship with Wealth Management during the same summer. She joined Regions full-time following her graduation from the University of Georgia in 2022.
“It is a big transition between the college setting and career setting,” shared Roberts as she reflected on her first year with Regions. “My internship experience helped me build my skills in a professional setting.”
Roberts, who developed a passion for sustainability and conservation in high school, joined Regions Specialized Industries Energy and Natural Resources Group. In addition to a degree in finance, Roberts received UGA’s sustainability certification, blending her passion for both numbers and sustainable practices.
A lot of what I learned in my internship I’m able to apply in my role as an internal portfolio manager. Andre Flores, Asset Management internal portfolio manager
As an intern, she took the time and initiative to share her interest in sustainability with an associate from the Corporate Banking human resources team, who was able to connect her with members of the Solar Tax Credits team to learn more about the business.
“My career goal was to take what I’m good at and marry it with my passion, blending finance and sustainability,” said Roberts. “I am very lucky to have landed a job where I am able to do just that.”
Flores echoed similar sentiments.
“A lot of what I learned in my internship I’m able to apply in my role as an internal portfolio manager,” said Flores, who also credits his summer with Regions in helping him acclimate to life after college. “I already see the progression of my finance future and am looking forward to working with and learning from the portfolio managers that I cover. My work really became more meaningful now that I am full-time..”
New Regions associates: Joey Boduch, Andre Flores, Reagan Donahue and Luke DePiero.
Boduch concurred with the team approach and relationship-building aspect of a career in Private Wealth Management.
“Going into the internship I always thought wealth managers and financial advisors would just be one person doing all the work, but at Regions it is very team-oriented,” said Boduch. “That is something I really enjoyed and am excited about in building my career, that team aspect rather than just working as an individual.”
All of the former interns agree that the people at Regions are what drew them back.
“Everyone was so genuine, and it felt like such a community,” said Roberts. “I fostered a lot of relationships and it felt very authentic. Everyone I came in contact with genuinely wanted to help me grow – and that has continued since I joined full-time.”
As for the current intern class at Regions, the new associates had a few pieces of sage advice.
“Say ‘yes’ as much as possible,” said DePiero. “The more you say ‘yes’ going through the program, the more you will learn and grow.”
He also shared the best piece of advice he received along the way.
Everyone was so genuine, and it felt like such a community. I fostered a lot of relationships and it felt very authentic. Natalie Roberts, Energy and Natural Resources Group analyst
“I had a wealth advisor during an internship who told me to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” said DePiero, who has leveraged that advice and believes it has given him countless opportunities for experiences that will help shape his own career future.
“If you really want to come back full-time, talk with your manager before your internship ends,” advised Flores, who parlayed his internship experience into a full-time role in Asset Management upon graduation. “Put in your best efforts for anything you’re doing and make sure you’re prepared for everything.”
These former interns and the many others who have launched their careers at Regions are leading the way to a brighter future in banking.
Summer 2024 Emerging Talent Program | Applications Are Live!
The 2024 Emerging Talent Program applications are now live on the Regions Career Site. Check out Regions’ Emerging Talent Program opportunities.
Ready to build your career in wealth management?
Associates are Regions’ most valuable resource. When they succeed, Regions succeeds. Looking for a place to chart your personal career course? Visit the Careers page on regions.com to search current wealth management or other job listings, and to learn more about working at Regions.
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