When Claire Smith’s Internship ended in 2019, she knew that she didn’t want her time at Chesapeake Bank to end. So she applied for our Management Trainee Program. Now she’s a Business Process Analyst on our Data and Logistics team.
Her internship started in the marketing department. She says it was a fun place to work, and she appreciated how everyone took the time to know her. She felt she grew a lot from that experience and was starting to come out of her shell when the internship ended.
“Applying for the Management Trainee Position allowed me to continue at Chesapeake while exploring with an open mind other opportunities,” says Claire.
What is the Management Trainee Program?
The Management Trainee Program is a full-time internal training program designed to take an employee through every facet of our organization; retail, business development, operations, marketing, lending, corporate administration, information technology, as well as our specialty lines of business. The goal is to give a unique perspective throughout the bank while developing the leadership skills needed for various management positions.
Throughout the term, the trainee reports to Human Resources (HR). Together they determine needs within the bank, as well as the trainee’s interest. Ideally, the areas that need a placement line-up with where the trainee would like to work.
Claire is the fifth graduate of the program.
Claire’s Favorite Thing About the Program Was Learning from Her Peers.
Claire says she loved asking people what they loved about their job and hearing their varying answers. “I’ve received advice on how to get the most out of your career, helpful tips for how to do random tasks, and a lot of other tidbits to help you grow and develop,” says Claire. “I connected with, and learned from, people in every office.”
She loves the bonds she’s formed with people throughout the organization, and she still keeps in touch with many of them.
Training That Exceeds Expectations
Before applying to the program, Claire met with previous graduates Peter Hoffman and Whitney Eriksen. She said they candidly shared the pros and cons of their experiences. So she had healthy and realistic expectations of the program, which were all met.
In some ways, it was better.
“I formed relationships with people I wouldn’t have necessarily met otherwise. I explored and walked away with positive takeaways from areas I wouldn’t have thought I had any interest in prior,” says Claire.
She said she was surprised by how much everyone in the organization wants you to find your place. “They all want you to land in a position you’re passionate about,” adds Claire. “Every person becomes a resource in shaping your path and determining your next steps.”
Her New Position Checked All of the Boxes.
As she moved through the departments, she saw herself working happily with a number of teams but couldn’t pinpoint what she wanted to do. She loves a good challenge and solving problems. “I also enjoy when tasks are efficient and completed in the best way for all involved,” says Claire.
The Business Process Analysts position checked all of her boxes. Even those she hadn’t put on the list.
In her new role, she will be automating workflows for other departments while improving efficiencies across the organization.
“The Management Trainee Program was a good way to connect the dots,” says Claire. It gave me an overview of all areas and processes, and it allowed me to establish relationships early on that I’ll be working with, in my new position.”
Could you be the next Management Trainee?
We’re accepting applications for our next Management Trainee. Ideal candidates are considering the business field but may not have yet decided on their particular focus. Qualified applicants can be internal or external. They MUST be a college graduate upon employment. Interviews start in November. The start date can be in late January or early June.