This summer, the Waterford Bank intern program swapped our campus routine for hands-on banking. It quickly became one of the best decisions we’ve made in college.
As part of Waterford Bank’s first-ever Credit Intern Program, we (Ryan, Isabella, and Tucker) spent the summer learning from the inside out. We were based in Toledo and Troy, but worked together. We dove into commercial lending, credit analysis, and what it means to work at a community bank, making big business happen in the Midwest.
Meet The Intern Team
Isabella Shirey (Toledo)
A senior at the University of Toledo, Isabella is double majoring in Accounting and Finance. Outdoorsy, driven, and always up for a Cedar Point day trip, she brought incredible energy and focus to her time with us.
“My favorite part about working at Waterford was being able to meet so many people with incredible backgrounds and being able to hear their stories,” said Isabella.
“Learning what brought everyone to Waterford and how they reached their positions has been incredibly informative and inspiring to hear.”
Tucker Ludwig (Toledo)
Also entering his senior year at UT, Tucker is majoring in Finance. A Sylvania Northview graduate with a passion for golf and family, Tucker’s thoughtful questions and detail-oriented mindset made him a standout on our Credit Team.
Ryan Bovee (Troy)
Hailing from Saginaw Valley State University, Ryan balanced his internship with collegiate soccer. His team recently made it to the NCAA Elite Eight. On and off the field, Ryan brought determination, curiosity, and a team-first attitude.
How the Intern Program Built Real-World Skills
From day one, we weren’t just sitting around taking notes — we were in it. Our teams gave us real tasks, real expectations, and real support.
We learned to review credit files, prep for client meetings, pull reports, and dive into business loan details. There was a learning curve, but it was awesome to see how class lessons apply in real deals.
“The most impactful thing I have learned in my time here is the power of asking questions,” said Tucker. “Seeing how everyone on the credit/portfolio management team works together to help one another has been very cool to see.”
“There are so many knowledgeable individuals throughout the bank that it seems like you are always one question away from learning something new.”
Our Intern Program’s Impact on Our Community
One of the best parts of the internship was how much we got to do outside the office. Some highlights include:
- Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in Ohio and Michigan
- Cooking lunch at the Ronald McDonald House for families
- Networking with other young professionals at a Mud Hens Game
- Attending Lunch & Learns all summer, hosted by department heads across the Bank
- Taking home a win at the EPIC Toledo Golf Outing
These weren’t just extra events — they were chances to meet people, ask questions, and see what life at Waterford is really like.
“The bank does a great job getting out in the community, which is something that I was grateful to be a part of,” said Ryan.
“One memorable event was the Rock the Block with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County. A team of coworkers and I cleaned up three properties in Pontiac, Michigan, for residents.”
“The dedication of our team made this experience unforgettable, as we worked together to make a positive impact on the community.”
Learning from People Who’ve Been There
Each of us had mentors or younger professionals to work with who were super helpful and easy to talk to. All of them had been in our shoes at some point, which made it easier to ask questions or admit when we were a little lost.
“My time at Waterford this summer has been an all-around great experience,” said Ryan. “I was able to learn many things from people with years of experience. In particular, Jill Macbeth, SVP, Credit, has done a great job teaching me the roles and responsibilities of an analyst here at Waterford.”
Whether we were working with Commercial Lending or sitting in on a Lunch & Learn with Treasury, people always made time for us, and that was valuable.
Final Takeaways
This internship gave us a lot more than we expected. We walked in hoping to build experience, and we’re leaving with a better understanding of what we’re good at, how to communicate in a real workplace, and what kind of careers we want to build.
“Our interns showed us that when you provide opportunity, mentorship, and meaningful work, great things happen — for the interns and the organization alike,” said Sara Glass, VP Human Resources.
“We’ll be accepting applications for our 2026 Summer Intern Program this November, and we encourage students interested in banking, finance, or credit analysis to keep an eye on our careers page for more details,” Sara continued.
If you’re even thinking about applying next year — do it. You’ll learn a ton, meet great people, and get a true feel for what a career in banking could look like.
Applications for Waterford’s 2026 Summer Intern Program open in November, so keep an eye on the Bank’s website and social pages. We’re happy to be the first group, but we definitely won’t be the last.
