Banking on her future

Shaylie Kester envisioned a future as a veterinary technician.

After working as a student teller at Cornerstone Bank's Clearwater branch, the Summerland FFA member is consider a career change.

"This experience opened my eyes to the world of finance and made me realize how much I enjoy working in the field of business. Now, I plan to pursue a career in something on the financial side, like ag business."

Kester, who serves as the local chapter president, initially considered showing fair cattle for her supervised agricultural experience.

Plans changed once she started work at the bank and "gained a different perspective on what to pursue."

"I have never encountered anyone who has chosen to do their SAE based on working in a bank, so I thought it would be more unique," Kester said.

Through her employment, Kester assumed a variety of responsibilities, including assisting customers with transactions, primarily processing deposits and withdrawals.

"I also balance my drawer multiple times throughout the day to ensure accuracy," she said. "Occasionally I was tasked with completing customer information profiles for new account holders or for customers making changes to existing accounts."

She also handled the night depository.

Summerland FFA Advisor Jacob Goldfuss said, "The main skills she has learned are developing her customer service and interpersonal skills visiting with customers."

Kester agreed with her advisor's assessment, noting that working with customers and addressing their needs has led to strong customer service skills.

"My role also requires me to be detail-oriented and accurate, especially when balancing the drawer or handling transactions, which has improved both my attention to detail and numerical skills," she said. "Overall, this experience has helped me become more organized, responsible, proficient in managing financial transactions and has helped me build a stronger work ethic."

Learning teller procedures presented challenges.

"With lots of practice and great help from all of the wonderful employees, I became very familiar with the procedures and gained confidence in my abilities," she said.

Kester will continue to work occasional Saturdays, during school breaks and next summer.

"It's a great way to gain more experience and stay connected with the job," she said.

The skills learned at the bank, such as attention to detail, good customer service, organization, responsibility, and financial management, will be essential for a business career.

"My experience as a student teller has given me a solid foundation to build upon, and I am excited to apply what I have learned to my future career," Kester said.