During my summer externship at a credit union, I had the opportunity to shadow employees in several departments and assist with projects that supported the organization’s daily operations. My responsibilities included helping organize files, observing how different teams worked together, and learning about the services the credit union offers to its members. The goal of the externship was to gain a better understanding of the financial industry while developing skills and knowledge that I could bring back to my classroom.

Throughout the experience, I learned the importance of accuracy, teamwork, and customer service, and gaining insight into the financial decision-making process. One of the most valuable aspects of the externship was learning about financial security and the steps individuals can take at a young age to build a strong financial future, such as budgeting, saving, and making informed financial decisions.

This experience expanded my career knowledge by providing a firsthand look at the financial industry and the variety of career opportunities within it. It also influenced my teaching by reinforcing the importance of incorporating financial literacy into my classroom. I am better prepared to help students understand real-world financial concepts and encourage them to develop habits that will support their long-term success.