Summary
Explore the OneUnited Bank Internship Program, aimed at nurturing aspiring professionals with technical skills and personal growth. Meet four of the seven accomplished graduates across various roles, highlighting the program's versatility and impact.
Looking for an internship? The OneUnited Bank Internship Program was created by senior leadership to help develop aspiring young professionals across different career paths.
Our program not only equips interns with technical skills but also fosters personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, communication, and collaborative teamwork.
Meet seven distinguished graduates from our program, who held position across Marketing & Social Media, Human Resources, Customer Service, and Retail Banking: Part 1 features Marcus McDowell, Addonis Parker Jr., Arielle Pugh, and Ruben Rocha. Part 2 features Keausha Bradley-Macklin, Anderson Pierre, and Sam Zilberstein.
Each journey of our graduates is remarkably different, showcasing the versatility and relevance of the program.
Marcus McDowell
“We radically challenge the narrative that financial freedom and wealth are limited to those who already own the game.”
What unique skills did you gain?
I developed a broad range of skills, from marketing strategies to leadership and crisis management
How did OneUnited Bank change your relationship with money?
One of my strongest takeaways is the importance of prioritizing financial literacy as a community and family imperative. Financial education impacts effective money management, which impacts collective economic advancement, which impacts reinvestment of wealth in our communities!
What was your favorite project?
I take pride in my development of the Black Student Body President Campaign for #OneTransaction and the Racial Wealth Gap. I believe my contributions helped engage younger audiences and propelled the conversation around generational wealth.
How has the program’s leadership component transformed your perspective on your own potential?
I learned that confidence and humility are two fundamental requirements for revered leadership. While leading several projects, I experimented with and refined my unique leadership style, working to empower my teams with a sense of agency.
Were you better prepared for the workforce after your internship with OneUnited?
My time at OneUnited Bank rapidly accelerated my preparation for the workplace, preparing me for technical processes and enterprise complexity and granting me skill set development. The standard of excellence I experienced at the Bank serves as a masterclass in how to shoot for the stars and diligently raise the bar.
Addonis Parker Jr.
“I’ve truly been inspired with all of the amazing programs that the Bank offers to help homeowners, low-income neighborhoods, our communities, and individuals on their financial wellness journeys.”
What unique skills did you gain?
I gained so many skills, including customer service, business etiquette, exceptional communication, advanced banking training, software, social media platform monitoring, project management, creativity for projects, critical thinking, team development and dependability, and consumer-client follow up. I’ve used what I’ve learned to excel in my own business.
How did OneUnited Bank change your relationship with money?
My perspective on savings, managing money, and prioritizing investments has shifted. I am far more confident with my finances.
What was your favorite project?
As a brand developer and graphic designer, my favorite project leveraged these artistic skill sets for the OneUnited Bank apparel project.
How has the program’s leadership component transformed your perspective on your own potential?
I gained a new outlook on leadership and how I can display my own unique form of leadership using the fundamental principles I learned during my internship.
Were you better prepared for the workforce after your internship with OneUnited?
Yes! The program accelerated my market readiness and helped me in my ambitions to become an entrepreneur and reach my dreams!
Arielle Pugh
“Wealth isn’t just about your earnings, but also about making money work smarter. Saving money is important, but the key to building generational wealth lies in your relationship with money and how well you handle your finances.”
What unique skills did you gain?
I gained valuable skills in adaptability, problem-solving, and time management. Although I was initially onboarded as a Human Resources Intern, I navigated across diverse teams, assuming roles as an interim teller in our retail banking locations and as a customer success representative. The surge in new customers in the Summer of 2020 required a collaborative effort to deliver top-tier service. This dynamic environment called for fast-paced execution, and emphasized the significance of patience, teamwork, multitasking, and prioritization.
How did OneUnited Bank change your relationship with money?
The program transformed my perspective on wealth, highlighting the importance of a clear vision, practical financial goals, and a realistic plan to build generational prosperity.
What was your favorite project?
In spearheading the development of electronic job applications and training modules, I played a pivotal role in OneUnited Bank’s seamless transition to a fully digital space. I take pride in enhancing productivity and efficiency in the onboarding process.
How has the program’s leadership component transformed your perspective on your own potential?
The key to being a strong leader is the ability to be a team player. This skill set, along with self-discipline and dedication, builds effective leadership and self-development.
Were you better prepared for the workforce after your internship with OneUnited?
Yes, for sure. The skills I developed and knowledge I gained during my time with OneUnited Bank has served me well throughout my academic journey and remain integral in my current full-time role.
Ruben Rocha
“My perspective shifted to recognize the interconnectedness of individual financial well-being and community prosperity. By helping individuals with their financial inquiries, it allowed us to contribute to building a stronger and more resilient community.”
What unique skills did you gain?
Handling company products while simultaneously providing services to valued customers allowed me to improve my communication and collaboration skills.
How did OneUnited Bank change your relationship with money?
Working for OneUnited Bank increased my understanding of financial literacy and caused me to think more about building generational wealth through long-term financial planning and preservation. This motivated me to pursue a masters degree in business after my undergraduate year and having the opportunity to work in the mutual fund industry.
What was your favorite project?
I enjoyed collaborating with my peers on various projects and asking tenured representatives questions about bank processing and customer inquiries. Through this, I further developed my leadership skills, which were helpful throughout the remainder of my academic career.
How has the program’s leadership component transformed your perspective on your own potential?
The unique nature of the internship program helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses. By interacting with my peers and management, I received guidance and feedback, thus allowing me to have a clearer vision of my goals. The program motivated me to pursue new challenges and continue developing the skills that I gained.
Were you better prepared for the workforce after your internship with OneUnited?
Yes, I developed valuable, transferrable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and problem-solving, which are all valuable in every job setting. Overall, my internship with OneUnited provided me with the foundation and readiness for my current role and that is something I am grateful for.
