Developing Communication and Problem-Solving Skills via Retail Banking

This summer I worked at Scotiabank’s New Kingston branch, one of the busiest Scotiabank locations in the Caribbean. The Bank of Nova Scotia developed its roots in the Caribbean and Latin America with the opening of its first branch in the region in Kingston, Jamaica in 1889. Since then, the company has been committed to “being the choice institution in the financial sector, providing superior products and services, and being a good corporate citizen to the benefit of our customers, shareholders, and staff.” ​

From the very first day, I was engulfed in the hectic lifestyle of retail banking, often assisting several customers at the same time. Consequently, I was increasingly able to provide clients with: ​

• Access and navigation of Scotiabank’s online banking platform ​
• Information about accounts and details of transactions ​
• Activation and information regarding the usage of credit and debit cards ​

At Scotiabank, I also got the opportunity to shadow some of our personal banking officers who demonstrated their role in managing client portfolios. ​

Working at Scotiabank helped me hone my communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills when encountering unique customer issues. ​

I have always been interested in finance and this internship opened my eyes to the many facets of banking. ​

I particularly enjoyed the satisfaction of being able to assist a client with a prolonged issue;  their relief and gratitude were evident, and it is heartwarming to see the difference this makes to their daily lives and relationship with the bank going forward.

Internship funded by the Scott and Anne Perper Internship Fund.     ​​