NEW ORLEANS – On Tuesday afternoon, Delgado’s business students inched closer to their career goals.
The community college and Algiers Development District, in partnership with four local banks, launched the Financial Institute at Delgado’s West Bank campus and expanded their course offerings, giving students a greater chance to develop their academic, technical, and professional skills, and ultimately succeed in the competitive financial sector.
The celebration included presentations from guest speakers, and a panel discussion, featuring representatives from the institute’s four founding bank partners: Fifth District Savings Bank, Gulf Coast Bank, Investar, and Regions Bank. They spoke about their individual career journeys, offered advice to students hoping to work in the banking business, and answered questions from them.
“It was a very successful event,” said Mark McLean, Ph.D., the assistant professor and assistant chair of Delgado’s Business Studies program. “The room was packed.”
Members of Delgado Community College and banking professionals gathered for the launch of school's new Financial Institute.
Beginning this fall, the Financial Institute will provide courses on banking and consumer lending. But eventually, it will offer a certificate in technical studies in banking, along with a concentration in banking as part of Delgado’s business and management degree. Faculty members will help students strengthen their resume writing and interviewing skills, and also connect them to invaluable internships in the banking industry.
“Banks are interested in getting the message out that they are a great place to work,” said McLean, adding that although banks are focused around their accountants, they need human resource employees, office managers, and IT experts to operate effectively. “They want to convey a message to students that there are career opportunities for students across the board.”
Peter Cho, the executive dean of Delgado Community College West Bank, and senator Troy Carter, chairman of the board of Algiers Development District, also participated in the event, which was held inside the student life center of Delgado Community College’s West Bank campus (2600 General Meyer Avenue).
“One of the most valuable things we can do for our future is invest in our workforce, and this Finance Institute will be a great addition to our district,” said senator Carter. “Delgado’s presence in Algiers continues to be a driving force for economic development and the new Finance Institute is proof of the success and growth in our thriving West Bank community.”
Suzanne Pfefferle Tafur is the associate news editor of BizNewOrleans.com. Follow her on Twitter @SuzPfefferle.
