Capstone Internship

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist with branch operations by reviewing and validating financial documents and reports to ensure compliance with credit union policies and regulatory standards

• Conduct data entry and account maintenance using internal financial systems to update and correct member records

• Work with teams across the organization on data cleanup projects, by collaborating and conducting data entry to streamline operational processes and enhancing the quality of data

• Communicate effectively with teams at over 55 branch locations across Indiana and Southern Michigan to resolve account discrepancies and provide operational support

Projects:

• Consumer Relationship Management Data Clean-up Project

• Update key membership information to meet compliance regulations and improve information quality

• ACH Fee Refund Project

• Loan Late Fee and Account Closure Refund Project

Personal Development:

During my internship at Everwise Credit Union in Branch Operations, I developed a range of professional and interpersonal skills that are essential in both the financial and healthcare sectors. I enhanced my communication skills by interacting with a diverse array of people across the organization, by performing my everyday responsibilities, networking, and job shadowing throughout the corporate office. I also improved my proficiency in using Microsoft office, banking software, and other internal systems. Additionally, I improved my understanding of compliance standards within the financial field and became more confident with data entry.

One of my key contributions in this role was supporting quality improvement initiatives by identifying inconsistencies in internal account processing procedures. I worked to validate account agreements and associated documentation to ensure procedural and compliance standards were met. This effort reduced processing errors and helped improve audit readiness.

Areas where I see room for improvement include increasing my confidence in initiating conversations about financial products with clients and strengthening my analytical skills related to financial risk assessments. As I move forward, I plan to address these by enrolling in advanced finance courses, seeking mentorship, and practicing through role-play scenarios.

Areas where I see room for improvement include increasing my confidence in initiating conversations others. While I have improved my communication skills I still struggle to be the one to speak up initiate a conversation. I will keep pushing myseld to step outside of my comfort zone to start conversations with others and voice my opinion. One important thing that I've taken away from my internship experience is that everyone has had different experiences that play into the imput and opinions they give. These diverse voices in a conversation can be so important when coming to a conclusion. Ive learned that just because I am a young profession my voice and opinion are important in conversations too.

Professionally, I aim to grow in healthcare finance, where understanding both operational and financial aspects is important.

Academic Connections:

My academic background in Health Services Management strongly influenced the role I played during my internship. Courses such as “Healthcare Accounting” and “Introduction Finance and Budgeting” provided foundational knowledge on budgeting, reimbursement models, and the importance of regulatory compliance. While Banking and Healthcare are different fields I was able to connect some of the regulatory and operational functions I observed in the credit union.

The experience at Everwise helped reinforce the importance of financial literacy and keeping client information secure. This is also very important in healthcare finance. For example, understanding how financial institutions evaluate credit and risk is similar to evaluating the financial viability of a hospital or reimbursement policies in healthcare settings.

One contradiction I noticed was the difference in how customer service is approached in financial institutions versus how it's taught in healthcare management. In the credit union, while member experience is very important there's a stronger emphasis on sales goals and product promotion, whereas in healthcare, the focus is more on patient-centered care and outcomes. Recognizing this distinction will help me better align financial operations with patient service standards in future healthcare finance roles and help me as I aim to grow in the feild of healthcare finance.