ICCU is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with another local high school on a student-run branch. This is the second student-run branch ICCU has had the chance to be a part of.
Student-run branches provide a unique hands-on learning opportunity for all of those involved. Interns gain valuable communication, professional and technical skills while those students who utilize the branch services can learn smart financial habits and become better prepared to make solid financial decisions after they leave high school. A U.S. Department of the Treasury study found that in-school branches increased account ownership and improved attitudes toward banking in addition to improving attitudes about saving and working with financial institutions.
ICCU currently has 50 full time employees who started out as interns. Seherzada Dzaferovic, ICCU’s Mountain View Branch Manager began her career as in intern in the ICCU Mountain View High School Branch. “The internship was one of the best things that has happened to me. It provided me personal and professional development, long lasting friendships, and challenged me to continuously work on bettering myself. I am who I am today because of the amazing mentors I had along the way that believed in me and constantly pushed me to work harder. With hard work came my dream career and I couldn’t be more happy,” said Dzaferovic.
Students working at the Thunder Ridge Branch will be mentored by Nate James, who has been with ICCU since 2014. “The branch is a great opportunity for the student interns to develop healthy financial habits and then teach them to their peers. The branch has drawn a lot of positive interest within the community,” said James.
Thunder Ridge branch hours are 12:00pm-2:45pm every weekday aside from Wednesday. Wednesday hours are 11:00am- 1:45pm.
