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Author Nathan Watson –
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For students, an internship with a local company can be a daunting but invaluable experience. Often, an internship is a student’s first foray into the real world. It is therefore important to find a program that matches your career path. For Layton Martin, senior at Harbert College of Business in Auburn, this internship is at Oakworth Capital Bank.
Why pursue an internship?
For students who want to gain experience in their field (and earn college credit while they’re at it), an internship is the way to go. While college courses are great ways to learn concepts, an internship gives students the opportunity to put those concepts into practice and develop invaluable business skills for the future.
At Auburn’s Harbert College of Business, internship programs are taken very seriously. To help each student find the internship they need, Harbert College of Business uses the expertise of its program champions, a group of allies and mentors who play an important role in the career choices of students of different ways:
- Support students in the development and understanding of their internship and career aspirations.
- Design specific professional development courses for each major that build on the college curriculum to better prepare each student for the internship and job search process.
- Implement an employer development model to promote student-employer engagement.
In other words, the champions of the program are cheerleaders, who nudge students in the right direction to help them make positive decisions for the future of their careers. Find out how the Harbert College of Business supports student career development.
Meet Layton Martin
To learn more about the Auburn Harbert College of Business internship program, we spoke with Layton Martin. Layton is a rising senior at Auburn specializing in finance with a specialization in financial advice and wealth management. Currently, Layton is working his second internship with Oakworth Capital Bank before returning to Auburn in the fall.
How did you get an internship at Oakworth Capital Bank?
Layton: “Jennifer Shaw actually came over and spoke in my finance class. I used to be surrounded by all the men in my classes, so Jennifer was a great example of what a successful woman in finance looks like. I interviewed Jennifer and realized Oakworth Capital Bank had such a valuable program. When I found out that I had been accepted for the internship, I was so excited I screamed!
Why did you decide to specialize in finance in Auburn?
Layton: “When I came to Auburn I knew I wanted to study wealth management and help people with their finances. The internship program at Harbert College of Business allowed me to explore all areas of finance – credit, accounting, wealth, banking and more – so I could see which path is right for me.
How did Auburn prepare you for your internship at Oakworth Capital Bank?
Layton: “The goal of any internship, including mine at Oakworth, is not just to learn technical skills like banking, but to meet people, make new relationships and learn from their experiences. I think my time in Auburn has really helped me build relationships which has helped me thrive in my role at Oakworth!
Train the next generation of financial experts
Layton’s internship is facilitated by Jennifer Shaw, Managing Director of Talent Development and Leadership at Oakworth Capital Bank. Prior to coming to Oakworth, Jennifer worked in the healthcare industry as a human resources and talent acquisition professional. Today, she uses those skills to help train the next generation of financial experts at Oakworth.
What is your role at Oakworth Capital Bank?
Jennifer: “I joined the Oakworth Capital Bank team at the end of 2017, and since then have led everything related to talent and leadership development. I work with all of our interns on personal development, career growth and make sure they have the tools they need to be successful.
How long has Oakworth Capital Bank used an internship program?
Jennifer: “When we launched the internship program in 2019, we knew we wanted to nurture a talent pool that will support Oakworth while teaching students about career paths in this industry.
Do you think Harbert College of Business prepared Layton for his daily duties at Oakworth?
Jennifer: “We think Auburn has done a fantastic job preparing his students for internships, especially in finance. That’s why we continue to encourage students to do internships with us! In fact, Layton is on his 2nd internship rotation with Oakworth. She has the confidence to ask questions, build new relationships and take initiative. This leads her to acquire more responsibilities.
Whether it’s making a decision on a career path or looking for a new job, every student at Auburn has the full support of their teachers and counselors, even beyond the classroom.
Learn more about internship opportunities with Harbert College of Business
Whether you are a current or potential student at Harbert College of Business, an internship will help you prepare for post-graduate professional life. Plus, you’ll make some valuable connections along the way! To learn more about internship opportunities with Auburn, click here or contact one of the six program champions:
“If you’re interested in finance, you can’t go wrong with Harbert College of Business. A business degree really opens the door to many opportunities, like my internship at Oakworth!
Layton Martin
Want to learn more about how Harbert College of Business supports student career development? Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest news!
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