Sarah L.

Interview

What attracted you to Key? How did you know it was the right fit for you?

I first got in touch with Key through Handshake, a recruiting platform for college students. A KeyBank recruiter messaged me about the Student Summit on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This event stood out to me because this was the first time I had ever seen a company eager to have open conversations about diversity.

After further research on the Key website, I stumbled upon their diversity statistics. Key’s transparency was very refreshing, and it exhibited accountability and commitment to their promise of building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture.

Ultimately, I chose to intern at Key because after attending the summit, I felt like I got a true sense of the culture and values at Key. Many aligned well with my philosophies, so I was confident that it was a place where I could truly balance my mission and purpose with work.

Which parts of the internship do you like the most, and why?

There are weekly Enterprise Internship sessions where interns across all lines of business come together to learn more about Key. Senior leaders from various sectors meet with us to discuss their roles at Key and offer us meaningful advice to support us both professionally and personally.

When I listen to them speak about their time at Key and their positions, everyone is enthusiastic, and I can hear the passion in their voices. This speaks to the culture at Key — one that fosters an environment where employees are excited to talk about their jobs.

I think this is because, at Key, it's more than just working 8 to 5; it's about fostering strong communities, not only within Key but surrounding it. Through volunteering, weekly sessions on physical and mental well-being, and social justice, you can see just how much Key invests in its employees and community.

What are your aspirations for your Key internship?

One of my main objectives for this internship is to explore the tech industry, gain insights into the various fields, and hopefully identify my interests and passions. So far, I've been reaching out to several individuals to meet with, discuss their career path, and gain some insights into their current roles.

Everyone I've had the pleasure of talking to has gone above and beyond to assist me in any way they can, whether it's directly or by referring to someone else in their corner. The time they take out of their busy schedules to talk with me speaks volumes about how valued interns are here at Key.