Gina B.

Interview

What type of work did you do in your internship?

As an intern on the Credit Portfolio Management team, I worked with credit data and built a new report to help monitor Key's credit risk. This gave me experience with in-demand software skills (e.g., R, SAS, SQL). I was even able to use a Bloomberg terminal in a real-world setting outside of a college classroom, which I found to be a unique and valuable experience.

By the end of my internship, I had an opportunity to present my work to credit executives, and they are still using my reporting today. Knowing that the work created as an intern is being used by the business is really rewarding. Plus, I picked up some competitive coding and analytics skills early in my career through this internship and made great friends from other colleges I am still close to today.

From there, I went on to work through analyst rotations focused on risk modeling, analytics and model validation. This led to a successful full-time placement as a Client Insights Consultant, analyzing the effectiveness of consumer financial wellness reviews.

Why did you decide to stay with Key beyond the intern program?

I've been fortunate to have incredible managers at Key that are supportive and value work-life balance. They push me out of my comfort zone to take on more responsibility. The people around me wanting me to succeed has been critical. I knew that the support, development and opportunities would continue through a career at Key.

What is Key’s culture like, from your perspective?

I feel a strong sense of acceptance, inclusion and diversity at Key. Unique perspectives and opinions are valued. Everyone is invited to share and participate in discussions. We are encouraged to be our authentic self at work, and I feel that daily. Feeling comfortable to speak up and share ideas in a corporate environment is very important to me. I don't want to feel afraid to share alternative approaches. At Key, I feel confident that people hear me out and consider my thoughts.

Another thing I appreciate about Key is how community-focused this organization is. Every year we participate in Neighbors Make a Difference Day, where employees across the country are encouraged to put our work down for the day and go out in teams to participate in community service activities. This is just one of many examples of how Key strives to make things better for their employees and the community.

How has Key contributed to your career development? Do you feel your experience at Key helped you move your career forward?

This internship led to my invitation to the rotational analyst program. I believe mentorship has been a big part of my success. Many people took time out of their days to share their skills with me and answer my questions. Team members set up time to practice with me before my executive presentation. I hope to pay it forward now with incoming interns. Both the internships and the rotational analyst programs allow you to learn about yourself, what you like and what you don't like. Getting exposure to different teams gives you a flavor for your career path options. You learn how different teams operate and under what type of management style you work best.

What is one bit of advice you would share with other interns considering Key?

Ask questions during the interview and throughout the internship. Don't be afraid to speak up. Network, meet new people, invite others to coffee and ask them about their job and how they got there. Gaining knowledge about your career options and your work helps you grow professionally and gives you a valuable perspective that will serve you in the future.