Saint Louis, MO. August 15, 2019 –This summer, Together Credit Union hired six college students as paid interns, providing immersive, real-world experiences for future professionals in the St. Louis community.  The interns worked in various departments based on their field of study and interests. 
 

“We created the internship program to help motivated college students develop as professionals in the financial services industry while exposing them to additional career opportunities that fit their majors. It has been a wonderful experience, and our interns have had a positive impact on the Credit Union, bringing new perspectives and fresh ideas to each department,” said Adrianne Thompson, Chief Human Resources Officer.
 

To recruit qualified candidates, the Credit Union incorporated its core values into the internship program. Prospective candidates had to have the potential as well as fit the Credit Union’s culture. The Credit Union’s 2019 summer interns are: 

• Zach Dempsey, Missouri State University, Marketing Intern
• Tristan Van Zwienen, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Human Resources – Health & Wellness Intern 
• Sydney Vogel, University of Missouri, Internal Audit Intern
• Brett Freesmeier, University of Missouri, Finance/Accounting Intern 
• Andrew Thompson, University of Mississippi, Real Estate Lending Intern
• Andrew Smith, Saint Louis University, Business Lending Intern

“I have been a Member of [Together] Credit Union for my entire life, so I know the amazing care and dedication this organization has for its Members. It has been such a great experience seeing this care and dedication for Members throughout the entire organization and being able to partake in it every day. It is truly an amazing thing to work for an organization that holds the same values I find myself holding, and I do not think many people can say the same,” said Andrew Smith, Business Lending Intern. 
 

After completing an online application, candidates completed a screening interview, in-person interview, and background check before receiving an offer.  Once hired, interns attended orientation, where they were introduced to the Credit Union’s mission and core values, before joining their departments to begin projects that cultivated their interests while aligning with the Credit Union’s vision. 
 

“My favorite project was helping with a mock conversion in late July. I think being an intern during the Credit Union’s preparation for the core system conversion has been an amazing experience. Organizations do not change core systems frequently, but it is bound to happen a few times in a professional career. It’s been great to see how this organization is managing the project, from the different incentive programs to keep employees focused and excited about the conversion, to managers adapting to the conversion schedule and keeping the work flowing in a hectic time,” noted Smith.  
 

The Credit Union will offer collegiate internships during the Spring 2020 semester. Internship eligibility criteria and applications will be available in December onthe website.  For additional information regarding this announcement, please contact Julie Linder, PR & Event Strategist, at 314-657-9311.

Pictured: (Top – left to right) Andrew Thompson, Tristan Van Zwienen, and Sydney Vogel. (Bottom – left to right) Zach Dempsey, Brett Freesmeier, and Andrew Smith. Individual high-resolution images of each intern are also available.

About: As a member-owned, community-focused, not-for-profit financial institution, the Credit Union offers a comprehensive list of banking products and financial services at 27 branches nationwide and through 24/7 Member resources and amenities. In addition, Members can access their accounts and perform transactions at more than 5,600 shared branch locations and self-service shared branch express terminals, as well as more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs, through the CO-OP Shared Branch Network in all 50 states.

With more than $1.82 billion in total assets and 132,000 members nationwide, Together Credit Union is named a 2019 Best Credit Union in Missouri by Forbes Magazine and ranked as a “Top 150,” credit union in the U.S. The credit union was also chosen as a 2019 Corporate Philanthropy honoree by both the Credit Union National Association and the St. Louis Business Journal.