The Central State University College of Business launched its third annual Summer Banking Institute May 13, 2019, and students are taking full advantage of the program.
Thirty Marauders are participating in the Institute, which had just 10 participants its first year and 22 participants its second year. “The program’s really been growing,” Dr. Fidelis Ikem, dean of the college, said.
The Institute began as a partnership between Central State and Union Savings Bank in an effort to increase diversity in the bank industry. Students spend four weeks learning about banking and then intern at a local bank.
Students live in a Central State residence hall during the Institute. Participating companies cover the cost of housing, all meals, and transportation to and from local banks. “Everything is taken care of,” Ikem said. Students are only required to attend the training sessions.
“The training is very intensive,” sophomore Travon Brice said. “The lectures contain loads of information.” Brice said that the Institute is providing him with excellent training, work experience, and professional contacts. “I will be able to determine if the banking industry is the right path for me,” he said.
Several previous participants in the Institute secured jobs within the industry after graduating from Central State. “A number of students ended up in banking who weren’t even interested in banking at first,” Ikem said. “A student is currently working with Union Savings Bank, and another is now a bank examiner at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.”
This year’s Institute has included a field trip to the Cincinnati branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. “That’s the most money I ever saw in my life,” junior Vixcent Knowles said. “It was at least two billion dollars.”
Dr. Ikem is also planning a home buying field trip May 31 during which students will learn about mortgage, commercial, and government lending.
Participants in the Institute recommend that other students apply for next year’s program. “You gain experience, get paid, and don’t have to spend a dime. How can you beat that?” freshman Jevone Barrett said.
Barrett said that students should work with Career Services to enhance their resumes and interviewing skills and to improve their chances of being selected for the program. Interested students may also visit Dr. Ikem in room 157 of Smith Hall to discuss the program.
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