2 minute read
Where Are The Next Generation of Community Bankers?
John McNair
President & CEO Community Bankers Association of Georgia
(Hint- closer than you think)
During her first semester at the University of Georgia, my daughter Lauren came home for the Thanksgiving break. As was her custom, the second she entered the car, she would adjust the radio to a station more suitable for her listening preferences over mine or my wife’s. Picking her up from the airport, Lisa and I were so happy to see her, we didn’t even notice the station that she had tuned into until we were halfway home. Much to our surprise, she tuned into the country music station in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (which we did not even know existed). Lauren immediately began singing along with the first song she heard, and we knew at that moment she was hooked on country music.
Over the next few days, we spent a lot of time together in the car driving around to visit family and friends and all we listened to was Lauren’s country music station. A favorite band of hers was (and still is) the Zac Brown Band- hailing from Atlanta. Their hit song “Home Grown” makes me think about the amazing opportunity community banks have to secure the next generation of community bankers for their respective institutions. Georgia is home to over 200 colleges and universities. In the southeast, only Florida has more with over 400. For Georgia’s community banks, this means a fresh influx of well-educated, “Home Grown,” students and graduates looking for internships and full-time employment every year. With a strong supply of newly minted graduates every year, creating awareness amongst students regarding the benefits of a career in community banking is needed.
In 2019, CBA started a college outreach initiative and attended career fair held by the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern, Georgia College, and Kennesaw State University. At each event, we spoke with dozens of students from several degree paths seeking internship and full-time employment opportunity. Much to our surprise, many of the students were hoping to find employment post-graduation in or close to their hometowns. As a result, we were able to facilitate many introductions for students to their local, hometown community bank and helped place several students for internships and full-time employment. Our featured article in this edition highlights the journey of Ms. Jasmine Brown from graduation into full time employment with CBA member Cadence Bank. CBA will once again participate in career fair days this fall and spring; however, we strongly encourage community banks to participate as well in the career fair days of the 200 plus colleges and universities throughout our great state.
Clearly, the “Home Grown” talent is here in Georgia and between CBA and Georgia’s community banks, we can perpetuate community banking for generations to come! Please contact CBA for assistance.
