![Three students stand side-by-side while smiling with text reading "Sophomore Leadership Internship Program"](/content/dam/gmf/articles/newsroom/Sophomore-Leadership-Internship.jpg.transform/scale-small/image.jpg)
GM Financial Launches Pilot Sophomore Leadership Internship Program
By Kris Scott / 08/13/2021 / Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Because of socioeconomic barriers and other systematic challenges, for many students the sophomore year of college is a critical point in their educational career — especially for students of color and those attending HBCUs. These challenges, coupled with financial hardship and academic struggles, can hinder many students’ ability to continue their academic pursuit.
For the inaugural program, GM Financial selected students from Prairie View A&M University and the University of Texas at Arlington. Throughout their internship, the sophomore interns shadowed team members from various functions, exploring the company’s diverse job catalog and learning about the core competencies required for each. Between exploring GM Financial’s various functions, the sophomore interns participated in skill-specific workshops that covered topics such as personal branding, networking and financial wellness.
While the majority of the internship was virtual, the sophomore interns spent one week on-site at a prominent Cadillac dealership, where they gained insight into the culture and intricacies of working at a dealership. Specifically, they received a holistic view of the F&I process and how it differs from a consumer’s and dealer’s perspective. The sophomore interns also engaged in a financial wellness roundtable with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. During the roundtable, Jackson Lee offered personal insight and advice on financial literacy. She also discussed topics such as investing, career planning, her legislative priorities and her experience in congress.
As a conclusion to their internship, the sophomore interns presented to executive leadership their thoughts around how GM Financial can become one of the most diverse, equitable and inclusive companies in the world.
"After exceeding our own expectations this inaugural year, we are looking forward to growing the program with more university partnerships, which will ultimately bring more students,” said Shunda Robinson, Global Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for GM Financial. “Listening to their positive feedback tells me that we got something right! We’ll continue to build on this momentum going into next year.”
![Kris Scott](/content/dam/gmf/articles/authors/Kris-Scott.jpg)
By Kris Scott, GM Financial
Kris Scott has a passion for writing and often uses his talent as a catalyst for social change, increasing knowledge and building communities. When he’s not spreading positive vibes, you’ll find him yelling “Hail Tide” — a moniker of support for both Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama.
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