For Preston Wood, a summer internship at Community Bank is providing more than workplace experience – it’s offering an inside look at the many facets of the banking industry while helping him connect classroom concepts with real-world applications.

Wood, a Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, native and graduate of Jefferson-Morgan School District, is majoring in marketing with a minor in management at PennWest California. This summer, he is working in Community Bank’s commercial banking and credit division, where he is gaining experience across multiple areas of the organization through a rotational internship.

“My responsibilities include contacting bank clients to obtain information and documentation needed to keep our systems accurate and up to date,” Wood said. “I also collaborate with colleagues on various projects, assisting with tasks that help improve efficiency while allowing me to learn from experienced professionals. In addition, I have the opportunity to observe and participate in meetings, which provides valuable insight into the banking industry and professional decision-making processes.”

Beyond his internship, Wood balances several commitments that have helped shape his leadership and communication skills. He has worked as an online grocery shopper at Walmart for more than three years and serves as an assistant volleyball coach at his alma mater, Jefferson-Morgan High School. On campus, he is a member of the executive board for the club volleyball team and participates in TRIO, which supports first-generation college students. Through these experiences, Wood has developed strong skills in time management, leadership and collaboration.

The internship has given Wood the opportunity to see how concepts from his coursework translate to the professional world.

“As a marketing major with a management minor, this internship has allowed me to apply many of the concepts I have learned through my business coursework,” he said. “Working in commercial banking, loan operations and treasury management has strengthened my understanding of finance, business operations and information systems. This experience has also broadened my overall business knowledge beyond the classroom.”

Because the program rotates interns through different departments, Wood has been able to develop relationships with professionals from a variety of backgrounds while exploring potential career paths.

“This experience will benefit me both academically and professionally by helping me build a strong network of professional connections and gain exposure to different areas of the banking industry,” Wood said. “Because the internship is rotational, I have the opportunity to work with a variety of departments, meet professionals with diverse backgrounds and develop a wide range of skills. These experiences will help me make informed career decisions and prepare me for future opportunities.”

Wood believes internships are an essential part of the college experience because they provide opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

“Completing an internship is important because it provides hands-on experience that cannot be fully replicated in a classroom setting,” he said. “It allows students to apply their knowledge in a professional environment, develop practical skills, build confidence and expand their professional network. Internships also encourage personal and professional growth by challenging individuals to step outside of their comfort zones.”

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Wood plans to continue his education in PennWest’s MBA program with a concentration in Healthcare Management.

“I am excited to begin working toward this goal, as I will be starting some graduate-level coursework during my senior year,” he said. “My goal is to further develop my leadership and business skills while preparing for advanced career opportunities.”

As he continues to explore the financial services industry, Wood is using his internship experience to build a strong foundation for graduate studies and future career success.