VBA Internship Program

Post Monica McDearmon

The VBA is committed to providing banks with the resources needed to build and develop strong teams of banking professionals. This past summer, 16 banks participated in the VBA Internship Program across the Commonwealth, hosting 53 students from different colleges and universities. Based on the feedback we received from the interns at the end of the summer, 100% said that the internship made them more interested in the banking industry.

Our program is a turnkey experience for banks that don’t currently have a formal internship program and it provides resources to add enrichment and further exposure to the programs many banks already have in place. We strive to support a meaningful experience for the college students who participate and the hosting banks. In addition to program templates and suggestions for engagement, the program includes both in-person and virtual training and networking opportunities for the interns. Students who participate in the program will be awarded a certificate of completion to add value to their experience and help build their resumes.

Program Features for Bank Mentors

  • Internship Program Templates & Materials – participating in this program gives banks access to custom banking industry internship resources, including:
    • Templates for Goal & Expectation Setting
    • Syllabus & Learning Objectives Templates
    • Evaluation Templates
  • Virtual Mentor Orientation: April 16, 2024 - introduction and training for bank mentors, including:
    • Program Overview
    • Internships Basics Presentation
    • Template & Material Review

Program Features for Interns

  • Intern Orientation: May 23, 2024 - a one-day, in-person training and introduction to the summer program hosted by the VBA. Orientation includes:
    • Industry Introduction
    • Program Overview
    • Careers in Banking Presentation from Members of the VBA Emerging Bank Leaders
    • …and more!
  • Mid-Summer Meet Up: July 9, 2024 - a one-day, in-person event hosted by the VBA. Event includes:
    • Engagement with the VBA EBL Steering Committee members
    • Capstone project research discussion
    • Resume workshop, interview skills and HR best practices presentation
    • …and more!
  • Additional Learning, Networking & Social Opportunities
    • Zoom sessions throughout the summer to connect with other interns and hear from industry speakers.
    • This program will include collaboration with our Emerging Bank Leaders (EBL) group for networking and learning opportunities. The EBL connects Virginia bankers to engage them in the future of the banking industry. 
    • Opportunity to attend classes during the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management 

VBA’s Role Vs. Bank’s Role

VBA’s Role Bank’s Role
  • Provide program timeline, structure, training, and project suggestions to banks and interns
  • Develop and provide turnkey templates and resources for banks to use with summer interns
  • Coordinate orientations and networking events
  • Provide online training options and opportunities
  • Act as a sounding board and resource for banks and interns during the internship period
  • Recruit, interview, and hire interns
  • Customize the proposed program to fit the needs of your bank
  • Mentorship of interns and structuring of interns’ day-to-day duties at the bank
  • Communicate with the intern and college about specific college requirements for internship (if applicable)
  • Provide feedback to VBA during internship program planning and execution

VBA Certificate of Completion

Interns who complete program requirements will be eligible for the VBA Certificate of Completion. Requirements include:

  • Complete an American Bankers Association (ABA) online training course OR equivalent online banking industry training (must be approved by the VBA)
  • Participate in at least one of the in-person VBA events (Intern Orientation or the Mid-Summer Meet Up)
  • Participate in at least three of the virtual VBA events (one-hour Zoom meetings held throughout the summer)
  • Complete a capstone project and presentation
  • Involvement in a community support or volunteer opportunity (banks will determine specifics of this based on opportunities throughout the summer)
  • Complete the VBA Internship Program self-evaluation – an online survey will be sent to all interns directly from the VBA and survey responses will be shared with the host bank

2024 Program Pricing

$245 per intern*

Participating banks will receive a free internship job posting on the VBA Career Center upon program commitment.

*The per intern rate does not include the cost of online training, one of the VBA Certificate of Completion requirements. The cost of the online training is dependent on which ABA or equivalent online banking training course(s) banks select for their intern(s) to complete. More information on the online training course options will be available at the Mentor Orientation in April.

Complete the Bank Commitment Form by March 29th

Banks that would like to participate must complete the bank commitment form by March 29, 2024.  By completing this form, you are agreeing to the program pricing of $245 per intern.  Banks will be invoiced in May 2024, after interns have been hired and banks have submitted final intern numbers to the VBA. 

Interested Students – Learn More Here!

Any students interested in participating in the 2024 program are encouraged to visit the VBA Career Center, create a profile and upload their resume. Participating banks will begin posting internship positions to the VBA Career Center in early 2024.