Are you a creative, curious, and ambitious problem-solver? Are you looking for exposure in different business lines to build new skills and launch your career at Canada’s most international bank? I chatted with Ana and Alex, Program Managers of our Velocity Student Development Program to learn more about how the internship program is designed to provide students with a rapid career kick-start.
Meaghan: Hey Alex and Ana! Before we get into learning about Velocity, can you tell our readers a little about yourselves?
Alex: Hi! My name is Alex, and I am the Program Manager for the Velocity Program. I oversee all our Technology co-op/internship roles across both Tangerine & Scotiabank. I’m originally from Brazil, therefore I’m a fan of the 3 S’s: Soccer, Sun, and Samba. I started my career in technology and recently pivoted to HR to help future technology leaders find their own career paths.
Ana: Hey everyone, I’m Ana and I’m also the Program Manager for Velocity, covering Corporate Functions across Scotiabank and Tangerine. I’ve been with the bank for about 4 years in Talent Acquisition and have been loving every moment of it! When I’m not developing our future leaders at the bank, you’ll find me exploring new restaurants and bike trails nearby.
Meaghan: Thanks for sharing! Now, onto Velocity. What are some of the unique features of the program and why it was developed?
Alex: Velocity started out as a Technology development program for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students. We pride ourselves on providing a unique work experience focused on our student’s growth and continuous learning via our 3 pillars: Development, Mentorship, and Community. There are three intake opportunities for Velocity: Winter (January-April), Summer (May-August), and Fall (September-December). We have over 300 students join the program each year!
Ana: After receiving such incredible feedback from our students and business leaders, we’ve grown to encompass Corporate Functions (Finance, Audit, Risk, HR, etc.) and Tangerine. Velocity offers our students a myriad of opportunities and a programmatic experience with the goal of growing the next generation of Scotiabank leaders.
Meaghan: Why would a student want to join Velocity, and what type of career could the program lead to?
Ana: This is not a typical internship experience where you clock in, do your work, and clock out. This program truly sets you up for success by offering an exclusive orientation, development workshops, a designated social committee, a support network to guide you along your journey, and more. As for the career path, it truly depends on what YOU want out of your career. Velocity allows you to explore a variety of opportunities across both Scotiabank and Tangerine, and the career options are endless.
Alex: We could honestly spend all day talking about all the opportunities and structured support our program offers. The reasons listed by Ana are just some of the ways we ensure you truly feel included and confident about your career. This is an extremely flexible program. Within it, you’re able to find your passion and create your own career path! There is a tremendous amount of opportunity to grow your career at Scotiabank and Tangerine and you always have us, the program managers, here to support and guide you.
Meaghan: When you’re recruiting talent for Velocity, what do you typically look for? What qualities stand out to you in students?
Alex: Somebody with 20 years of experience who speaks 5 languages. Just kidding! We understand students usually have little to no experience in the field they want to get into. We look for authentic individuals with strong potential and drive.
Ana: In the end, you can have a great resume (which we don’t look at anyway), but what really matters is someone with a great Attitude, and sense of Ownership, and an Opportunistic mindset. You’ll always hear us preaching AOO (Attitude, Ownership, Opportunity) within our student programs!
Meaghan: Thank you both so much for teaching us more about Velocity! Before you go, what’s one piece of advice you have for students?
Alex: Come out to our events! We are relationship-driven, and we want to get to know the real you! Not just the 8.5’’ by 11’’ piece-of-paper you. Our events are the best way to get connected with us. A large part of career growth is dependent on building genuine relationships and connections, no matter what stage of your career that you are in.
Ana: I couldn’t agree more with Alex – relationships are key. The only other advice I’d like to share for students is to not be afraid to be your authentic self. You don’t need to be someone you’re not for the opportunity – If you’re not loud and talkative, you don’t have to be! Be who you really are, and you will always shine.
Applications for Summer 2022 Velocity internships are now open! Click here to apply.