ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Jennifer Brownrigg immersed herself in the financial trenches as an intern at Educational Employees Credit Union. Through the African American Credit Union Coalition's internship program, the Florida A&M University graduate student got a hands-on approach in a number of departments at the credit union this summer, leaving with a wealth of knowledge on what impacts the bottom line. "Not only did I get the opportunity to learn more about the job possibilities within a credit union, but I also learned more about personal financing, conducting effective performance reviews and increasing productivity," Brownrigg said. She attended several training sessions and spent time testing a automated phone teller program, designing a marketing brochure and completing and presenting a peer analysis, among other things. Many of her experiences at EECU expanded upon her education from Florida A&M, where she is working toward a Master's degree in business administration. Hubert Hoosman, president/CEO of EECU said one of AACUC's fundamental belief is that there is strength in racial diversity and the internship program allows for that understanding. "It promotes awareness of the credit union movement and encourages junior- and senior-level African American college students to consider the variety of solid career choices available within the movement," Hoosman said. EECU serves 65,000 members and has $430 million in assets. The coalition's internship program partnered with eight historically Black colleges and universities this summer to place 19 students at 15 credit unions across the nation. So impressed with the caliber of interns, federal agencies including the NCUA and Fannie Mae have expressed interest in sponsoring students with paid positions. Brownrigg was most impressed with the level of commitment she found at EECU. She said summer internship has also opened her eyes to a new world of financial possibilities, including joining a credit union in her native Ohio. -

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