“I never dream about success. I work for it.” -Estee Lauder
Many teenagers do not understand the importance of making an impression on people they have never met. They do not have the courage to get out of their comfort zone and reach for opportunities that could further their career. I decided to put my foot forward and network with others that could teach me how to be successful in the future. My work with Oakworth Capital Bank in Birmingham, Alabama is an experience I will forever cherish. As an apprentice through the Birmingham Promise, I spotlighted the Core Values of Oakworth that included great work ethic, professionalism, and their Core Purpose of helping others succeed. During the Apprenticeship program, I had the pleasure of interviewing many of the primary figures inside the bank and was able to gain a lot of beneficial advice from associates that have come from similar walks of life. I also focused on many projects such as entering accounts payable invoices, filing and scanning for the Loan Operations and Wealth Departments, and shadowing various roles including my personal favorite, the lobby. I have been inspired by the fact that Oakworth prioritizes the need of academic flexibility to meet the needs of the apprentice. My experience has and will continue to leave an impression on my daily life, allowing me to share my personal experiences with others in order to empower my community. I plan maintain the relationships I have built with many of my advisors from Oakworth Capital Bank throughout my years at Jacksonville State University. Finally, I will also rally many of my peers into apprenticeships or internships like the Birmingham Promise to allow them experiences that will propel them into successful futures.