Alexis Ferris

"Go into the internship with an open mind. Even if you don't think banking is for you, it is great to have the knowledge of what truly goes on in a bank. Also, don't treat your internship like a job. Treat it as an opportunity to learn as much as you can. You never know, maybe banking is for you!"

2023 Bank Intern
​Cornerstone Bank, York

---

What high school did you attend?
Central City High School
​
What college do/did you attend?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

What is your year in school?
Senior
​
What is your major?
Agribusiness Banking & Finance

---

What influenced your decision to do a banking internship?
I have always had a passion for banking in rural Nebraska. Growing up on a farm, I always enjoyed going to the bank and listening to the lender to see how they could offer the best services for my family's operation.

What has been the most beneficial part of your internship?
The most beneficial part of my internship has been the networking. Working at Cornerstone Bank's main location has given me the opportunity to meet people from all different departments. I have also enjoyed how Cornerstone Bank operates as a true family business and stays true to their values.

What areas of banking did you focus on in your internship? Is this something you want to continue doing in the future?
My primary focus was in the Ag Lending Department, but I also spent some time in the insurance, farm management, and consumer/real estate departments. I have enjoyed my time in all departments and plan to keep pursuing my passion for rural banking in Nebraska, wherever that happens to lead me.

How has this internship grown your interest in the banking career path?
Going into this internship, I knew I wanted to work in banking. This internship has given me the opportunity to further understand how all of the departments work together to make the bank run smoothly.

What is the most important thing you have learned through your internship?
The most important thing I learned through my internship is how to adapt to new teams and working environments. I found that by placing an early emphasis on getting to know my co-workers and understanding their motivations, I had an easier time identifying the ways I could offer the most support in achieving the greatest impact.

Do you think this internship will help you in your future? If so, how?
​Yes. Post-graduation, I would like to pursue a career in the banking industry, wherever that happens to be. Even if I don't necessarily end up in lending, I now have a better understanding of loan applications are reviewed, as well as the day-to-day operations that occur in a bank.

What would you say to someone who is considering a banking internship?
Go into the internship with an open mind. Even if you don't think banking is for you, it is great to have the knowledge of what truly goes on in a bank. Also, don't treat your internship as a job. Treat it as an opportunity to learn as much as you can. You never know, maybe banking is for you! Last but not least, when you are given a task, always complete it to the best of your ability and never be afraid to ask questions. Your supervisors and those around you want to help you learn.

Anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank Cornerstone Bank for welcoming me with open arms and investing their time in me. The people I have met and connections I have made will take me farther than I could have ever imagined. I would also like to thank the Nebraska Bankers Association for making this process smooth for both me and Cornerstone Bank.