Throughout the internship, versatility was key — Rodriguez said it was initially challenging, but he was flexible and adaptable due to his “wholesome … well-rounded (liberal arts) education.”
Gwen Froseth, the examiner-in-charge of the OCC’s Fifth Third Bank supervision unit, and Brandon Bonds, the large banks supervisor and Rodriguez's direct supervisor in the same office, ensured that Rodriguez received the same type of enrichment opportunities as he would in person, despite it being a virtual experience. Through daily and weekly meetings, the invitations to attend meetings with bank management and lessons on how the overall Department of the Treasury operates, Rodriguez says he was able to maintain a very similar experience as he would if he had been in person.
“I have a really personal connection with the 2008 financial crisis — that was really a hard time for me … a lot of that was due to a lack of oversight to the banks,” he said. “I think one of the most rewarding parts (of the internship) was just the ability to partake in analysis of bank management.”
“One of my favorite assignments was being able to actually review policies and analyze them to make sure that they're in line with federal guidelines.”
Rodriguez said this work ensures responsible and safe banking, which prevents harming the customers of the bank — the American public.
“It felt like I was taking actionable steps to protect the financial system and just really provide public service as a whole.”
Even before this experience, Rodriguez has been dedicated to serving the American public after graduating, and his internship only solidified this commitment to eventually work for the federal government.
“It is rewarding work that directly benefits the lives of Americans, and it's a sphere that I want nothing more than to be a part of,” he said. “I can say with absolute certainty that I want to work within the federal government at some capacity after graduation, to truly better the lives of others.”
“I originally had immense anxiety about finding a job that I would love after college, but Sharon has alleviated so many of my concerns ... With her constant motivation and check-ins, we have identified areas that I would thrive in.”
Rodriguez received enrichment funding through the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network to participate in this internship experience. In addition to support from the Career Enrichment Network and his mentor, Rodriguez contributes his success to the Paterno Fellows Program.
“Paterno Fellows has prepared me for the rigor of government work through pushing for the utmost of academic achievement and through honors courses and seminars,” he said. “Paterno Fellows also gave me the funding that I needed to continue with this opportunity.”
“I could not have pursued this opportunity without the college's support,” he said.