When Senthil joined Association House’s Financial Careers Training program, he was ready for the challenge of juggling class and full-time work as a Grubhub delivery driver, but he hadn't expected it to lead to a full-circle moment that would give him a chance to uplift his community.
After emigrating from India with a background in financial services, Senthil found his career back at square one, in a new country full of unwritten rules and expectations. After working in a gas station and driving deliveries, he joined the Financial Careers Training program at Association House, hoping to get his foot back in the door.
While he expected a crash course in American bank work, he had not anticipated that the class would break him out of his shell, giving him a newfound confidence in his people skills.
"This class really pushed me to socialize with people," Senthil shared. "We changed seats in class every day, so we'd get used to talking to new people with different backgrounds. In the banking industry, this is an absolute must."
Senthil was also surprised by the class's focus on etiquette and professional attire, both of which he found to be the most intimidating things about the banking positions he'd been applying for. With access to Association House's Career Closet of free work wear, and behind-the-scenes tours of major banking offices around the city, he was able to carry out his interviews with less fear of the unknown.
"When I came to the U.S. and went to open my first bank account, I remembered thinking 'Ooh, these people have nice offices, suits and ties...' It was kind of a lot. But now that's part of my life! The expectations for work here are so different," Senthil explained. "Through this class, I've learned how to make bank work relational, not transactional-- so customers can come back and feel comfortable sharing their needs every time."
Our Financial Careers Training instructor, Sherri Richardson, told us that the problems Senthil encountered on his career journey were the exact reasons she felt motivated to teach the course.
"Part of my role as a Branch Manager was to interview people for open positions, and I saw a big knowledge gap in proper interview etiquette and attire, especially among minority candidates and young candidates," Sherri elaborated. "It wasn't their fault. They thought what they were bringing to the interview was appropriate, but somewhere along the way, they didn't have these important standards communicated, so they were missing out on jobs."
With these important lessons in his back pocket, Senthil secured a Relationship Banker position with Bank of America before graduation, while still driving for Grubhub. In his final days with the company, he was honored as one of their top drivers, selected for his outstanding customer service and on-schedule delivery record.
With this distinction, he was given the opportunity to nominate an organization for the Driver Community Grant Program, providing financial support for a nonprofit in his community. Senthil submitted a glowing testimonial of his experience at Association House, and it paid off: with his help, Finanical Careers Training was awarded a $5,000 grant.
Senthil was thrilled to give future students a fighting chance, and was filled with pride to have his past unlock a new future for others facing the same situation.
"My advice to anyone who decides to take this class is to give your 100%," Senthil says. Follow the trainer, give your best, and success will follow. If you want to get your foot into this industry, trust these instructors-- I know firsthand they'll put you on the right path." ■
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Learn more about our Finanical Careers Training program or apply to join our next cohort at associationhouse.org/fct.
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