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Meet the 2021 Oakworth Intern Associates

Joseph Krick

Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life; it’s about what you inspire others to do.

Hello everybody, my name is Joseph Krick. I am originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma but go to school at Samford University where I am studying Finance and Marketing. During my three years there I have grown a lot and made some lifelong friends. I also love Birmingham. It is a beautiful city where I can enjoy the outdoors and play some spikeball.

This summer I had the privilege to intern at Oakworth Capital Bank.

This was a ten-week internship where I got to rotate through four different departments (Banking, Finance, Wealth, and Credit). Throughout the ten weeks, I attended loan committee, met with clients, participated in an investment competition (my favorite), created a financial plan for a client, underwrote a HELOC and a PELOC, and presented a CLOC in front of loan committee.

I chose to intern at Oakworth for several different reasons. The main reason was their core values, the Golden Rule, Character, Innovative & Creative Spirit, Professionalism, and Work Ethic. I also knew I wanted to intern at a company where they treated their interns as associates. Oakworth makes this a priority and it really shows. They want their interns to have a great experience and for them to learn a lot. Oakworth also makes it a focal point to include us in everything that’s going on at the bank. As an intern, you never feel like an outsider at all.

Hometown:  Tulsa, Oklahoma

School:  Samford University

Major:  Finance and Marketing

One fun fact about you:  Lived in Bozeman, Montana for 11 years

Hidden Talent:  Talking very loudly

What kind of superpower would you like to have?  Being able to fly

What do you hope to do in your professional career?  I hope to make a difference and impact people’s lives in a positive way

What do you like most about being a summer associate at Oakworth?  Being surrounded by such great people who care about you and your future

What is the most valuable thing you learned during your time at Oakworth?  The relationships I made

What was your favorite department/team during your rotation?  Wealth

Favorite memory?  Going to the office of Kinetic Communications

 

Brock Malone

An “Oakworthy” Summer

My name is Brock Malone and I am a rising senior at The University of Alabama. I enjoy playing golf, basketball, and watching Alabama athletics. I have had the amazing opportunity of interning at Oakworth this summer, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Coming into the internship I was not entirely sure what to expect. This being my first “corporate” job, I was eager to see how the office atmosphere would be day to day. Also, I wasn’t entirely sure exactly what I wanted to pursue upon graduation next year. So, I was hoping this experience would point me in the right direction.

One of the main things that prompted me to apply for Oakworth was the rotational aspect of the internship. I saw that I would get the chance to be exposed to every department of the bank to ultimately see what area was the best fit for me. I cannot stress enough how great of an experience I had in every department. Everywhere I went the people did an amazing job of explaining and answering any questions that came up. After getting a taste of the many different things at the bank, I decided that the wealth department is what sparked my interest the most. I feel as though I have found a career that I am passionate about and can’t wait to see where the hunger leads me. I can’t thank everyone enough for opening this door for me.

I’m sure it has become repetitive by now but the people here are truly special. From the leadership down, I never felt as though anyone was too busy to talk or spend time with me. The welcoming and encouraging atmosphere here is what makes this place the best. Thank you to everyone at Oakworth for making this an unforgettable summer. I don’t know how I could ever repay you!

Hometown: Russellville, AL

School: The University of Alabama

Major: Finance & Marketing

One fun fact about you: I live and breathe sports

Hidden Talent: Picked up guitar recently, wouldn’t consider it a “talent” yet, but it will be soon.

What kind of superpower would you like to have? Fly

What you hope to do in your professional career? Work in asset management and one day teach in some sort of fashion

What do you like most about being a summer associate at Oakworth? I enjoyed feeling as if I mattered. There was not a single instance where I felt like an “intern” even though that is exactly what I was. Attending things such as board meetings and events with the leadership team is not typical for most internships.

What is the most valuable thing you learned during your time at Oakworth? “Never be afraid to define your own success”

What was your favorite department/team during your rotation? Wealth

Favorite memory? The social at Back Forty Brewing was a blast. Also, College Banking 101 was extremely insightful and a great opportunity to pass on some tips and tricks for incoming college students.

Annie Lovelady

They really have it going on

May 2020 was a crossroads for me.  I had just graduated from the University of Alabama as a Finance major with an Accounting minor heading to Graduate school in the fall, yet little hope for a job opportunity as the pandemic had paralyzed our country. My resume, I felt was qualified with nice grades and leadership roles on and off campus, surely someone would see my potential.  Even though most were not hiring, I was determined to at least get interviews as the process would be a good experience.

One particular meeting I will always remember was a well-known gentleman from a competitor bank gave me some sage advice.  He said, “if I were in your shoes, I would try to get my foot in the door at Oakworth. They really have it going on, they are the future”. I found it curious that this nearing retirement gentleman who had worked for many years at his bank was promoting the competition!

My internship has taught me the value of teamwork.  In order to achieve success, each associate must exemplify its core values and this summer has given me the opportunity to witness why Oakworth is the future.  My very first day brought a welcoming atmosphere where each associate was warm and encouraging.  In all four rotations, I was included in every aspect of the workday from client lunches and conference calls to loan closings and analyzing financials. My first rotation was Wealth Management where I learned the importance of a trusting relationship between the client and advisor.  The second was Finance and Accounting where strong financial statements are vital in keeping Oakworth forward-thinking.  My next rotation was Banking where professionalism is key while meeting with clients and understanding their financial needs.  Finally, the Credit department where sound judgment is used to help customers succeed.

“They really have it going on” is so true.  Clients know it, competitors know it and now I know it.

Hometown: Mountain Brook, Alabama

School: The University of Alabama undergraduate and graduate

Major: Undergraduate in Finance, minor in Accounting, Masters of Economics

One fun fact about you: I met Hank Aaron at the Orlando airport and told him we shared the same birthday!

Hidden talent: Three-point shots in basketball

What kind of super power would you like to have: Teleportation

What do you hope to do in your professional career:  A leadership role where I can positively affect others.

What do you like most about being a summer associate at Oakworth: I was treated as an associate where my opinion was encouraged.  Also, the Monday night bootcamp!

What is the most valuable thing you learned at Oakworth: The importance of a strong workplace culture and the accessibility of the leadership team.

What was your favorite department/team during your rotation: Credit. I was able to follow in real time the loan process from opening to close.

Favorite memory:  Junetoberfest Client Event at Back Forty as I enjoyed meeting the clients face to face! Also, lunch with Oakworth’s Leadership team.

Blake Bahos

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. -Benjamin Franklin

 

Hello Everyone! My name is Blake Bahos, and I am a rising junior studying Finance and Accounting at the University of Alabama. I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. I graduated from St. Paul’s Episcopal School in 2019 with the intention of starting my journey to Medical School. After working in the Emergency Room during the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized that I strove to help people in my future job, but I needed to find out how to help in my own way. It only took one over the phone interview with Oakworth to realize that working here would allow me to combine my desire to help others and my passion for finance. Going into the internship, my main focus was wealth management. However, I have found during my internship at Oakworth that I enjoy understanding financial statements, and potentially see myself working on a CFO team for a financial institution. Some of my hobbies include: golf, traveling, and watching sports.

While my friends have been traveling the country and relaxing at the beach, I have had the pleasure of being a Summer Intern Associate at Oakworth Capital Bank in the South Alabama office. During my ten weeks, I was so fortunate to spend time in all departments of the bank (Wealth Management, Credit, Finance/Operations, and Private & Commercial Banking). In each rotation, I worked on various interesting projects that will be useful to the bank in the coming months. My favorite project this summer was Mock Loan Committee. We, the interns, were split into teams and tasked with creating a commercial loan package and presenting it to the loan committee. I really enjoyed the hands-on experience that this project entailed. By utilizing teamwork, we researched the company as well as developed an analysis on how the business’ finances were handled. After gathering our thoughts, we had to figure out if we wanted to move forward and recommend approval for the Commercial Line of Credit.

Although I was initially worried I would be on an “island” in the SAL office this Summer away from the other four interns, I quickly realized that was not the case. The associates at Oakworth made sure to not leave me behind. Although I did not attend all the meetings in person, I was able to utilize Lifesize Conference Calls in order to stay connected with the other interns in Central Alabama. Utilizing this form of communication and adapting to this style of work is just one of many examples of how my time at Oakworth has allowed me to grow professionally. A quote I find very fitting to sum up my summer internship with Oakworth is by Benjamin Franklin. He says, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” The knowledge I have gained during my summer with Oakworth has helped better prepare me for my future in many ways. Overall, I am forever grateful for my experience here at Oakworth. I took away a variety of experiences and knowledge that will further me in my future career endeavors. Thank you, Oakworth Capital Bank and all the wonderful associates, for an unforgettable experience!

Hometown:  Mobile, AL

School:  The University of Alabama

Major:  Finance & Accounting (Accelerated Masters Program in Finance)

One fun fact about you:  Worked in the “COVID Unit” of the ER at DCH Medical Center in Tuscaloosa for six months

Hidden Talent:  Spinning a bowling ball

What kind of superpower would you like to have?  Teleportation

What do you hope to do in your professional career?  Obtain my CPA and/or CFA in hopes of finding a growing company where I can potentially become a CFO

What do you like most about being a summer associate at Oakworth?  I enjoyed being able to experience Oakworth’s culture as well as gain valuable hands-on experience in all areas of the bank.

What is the most valuable thing you learned during your time at Oakworth?  “Measure twice, cut once.” – Jenifer Kimbrough

What was your favorite department/team during your rotation?  Accounting/Finance & Wealth – I enjoyed learning about the Asset Liability Company (ALCO) and sitting in on the weekly Investment Committee meeting to hear their reasoning and ideas on where they should make changes in the portfolios

Favorite memory?  Three of my favorite memories during my internship include attending the South Alabama Board Meeting, competing (and winning) with a client in the Young Lawyers Golf Tournament, and socializing during South Alabama’s Fun Friday events.

 

Layton Martin

Hey, I’m Layton Martin and I had the pleasure of being a 2021 Summer Intern at Oakworth Capital Bank! I graduated from Auburn University in August 2021, and I will be pursuing my Master’s in Education next! I am immensely grateful for this internship because it has allowed me to grow in so many different ways. I have discovered some of my strengths and weaknesses, created many long-lasting relationships, and have been inspired to pursue higher education.

I first learned about Oakworth when Jennifer Shaw came to my Finance class in Auburn and spoke about the internship. She spoke highly of the company’s culture, and I realized I wanted to work somewhere that had the same values as me. The associates at Oakworth are incredibly kind and supportive, and I am so happy to have had this experience.

Even though I was an intern, my opinion genuinely mattered to my mentors. I was able to be involved in any meeting, event, presentation, orientation, interview, deal, call, and committee. Not only was I allowed to be there, but I was encouraged to speak up and ask questions.

I am immensely grateful that Oakworth gave me the opportunity to intern this summer. I have learned more in these ten weeks of interning than I would have ever thought possible. I’m so excited about Oakworth’s future, and I can’t wait to see what they do next!

Hometown:  Vestavia Hills, AL

School:  Auburn University

Major:  Finance

One fun fact about you:  I have studied German for over 9 years

Hidden Talent:  I’m so good at painting my nails that I have been asked to work at a nail salon two different times

What kind of superpower would you like to have?  To be able to heal people

What do you hope to do in your professional career?  I’m interested in teaching and becoming a principal or college professor

What do you like most about being a summer associate at Oakworth?  The people and the snacks

What is the most valuable thing you learned during your time at Oakworth?  How an office is run and what it’s like to work 40-hour weeks

What was your favorite department/team during your rotation?  Wealth

Favorite memory?  Going bowling with the other interns