Careers You Can Bank On, a panel discussion and networking event sponsored by the Idaho Chapter of the Risk Management Association (RMA), on February 9 exposed COBE students to the career opportunities within banking.
The panel discussion portion was held in the Skaggs Hall of Learning. Panelists were Greg Blake, chief information officer at the Idaho Housing and Finance Association; Joel Hickman, chief banking officer at Idaho Trust Bank; Toni Nielsen, region president for Zions First National Bank; Russ Porter, CEO of Mountain West Bank; and Judi Walker, senior HR generalist for Washington Trust Bank. Panelists related personal career experiences and answered questions for the more than 70 students in attendance.
At the networking reception, panelists and approximately 20 additional banking executives from the Treasure Valley discussed with students the myriad of opportunities within the banking sector. Students received individual attention and were able to talk with people that hold many different positions in banking and finance.
Assistant professor in the Department of Finance, Garrett McBrayer, helped organize the event.
“The initial feedback from students was very positive. Several students indicated that they both increased their awareness of the variety of career options within banking and that they appreciated ‘the genuine’ (a direct student quote) opportunity to network,” said McBrayer. “We are grateful for the banking professionals that engaged with our students and helped promote banking careers.”
Co-organizer and COBE Career Services Director Laura Chiuppi was pleased with the student turnout and the support of faculty and staff.
“Having a robust COBE presence at the event surely indicates to our students that we as a college strive to ensure their success beyond the walls of the classroom,” said Chiuppi.
After the event, the incoming president of RMA, Jeff Warr from Givens Pursley, indicated that their organization would like to begin planning for a follow-up event next year.