Pioneer welcomes largest internship class ever

ALBANY, N.Y. » Pioneer recently kicked off its 2022 Summer Internship Program by welcoming its largest-ever class: a diverse group of 17 undergraduate, law school, and MBA students who will work across the organization and participate in an innovative series of professional and community development workshops and activities.

The students represent nearly a dozen colleges and universities, including Siena College, University at Buffalo, Hartwick College, Le Moyne College, St. John Fisher College, SUNY Oneonta, Utica University, Bentley University, George Washington University Law School, and Washington University in St. Louis. Interns work a full-time, in-office schedule at Pioneer’s headquarters and branches, with students assigned to a host of areas, including finance, lending, compliance, legal, and operations, as well as retail branches.

In a unique feature of the Summer Internship Program, students also participate in weekly professional development workshops, through which they will engage with Pioneer’s Executive Team and Board of Directors; gain insight into the business of banking, project management, and marketing; and receive training on career skills ranging from professional writing and grammar to crafting resumes and interviewing. And, interns will participate in an off-site community service day in conjunction with Capital Region human services agency Northern Rivers.

“We are delighted to welcome a talented and enthusiastic group of students for this year’s Summer Internship Program,” said Susan Hollister, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Pioneer. “This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce students to exciting careers in the banking and financial services industry, and to ground them in Pioneer’s commitment to integrity, customer service, and community involvement.”

The program has also proven to be a valuable talent pipeline for Pioneer, with 4 previous interns hired for full-time positions. Hollister says all are thriving in their roles, and enjoying the continuing educational aspects of the Pioneer culture by engaging in further professional development opportunities within the company.