In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 17-23, Regional Opportunity Initiatives is excited to share the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, providing valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path to career success.
Meet Owen Snyder, a driven young professional whose UpSkill apprenticeship played a key role in shaping his future career path. A graduate of Edgewood High School, Owen’s journey began with a passion for finance and a desire to explore new opportunities. Through the UpSkill program, he gained hands-on experience working at German American Bank, where he learned the ins and outs of customer service, banking operations, and financial services. As he progressed through the program, Owen’s initial interest in physical therapy evolved, leading him to pursue a finance major at the IU Kelley School of Business. Now on track to achieve his goals, Owen reflects on how his UpSkill apprenticeship not only helped him develop valuable skills but also solidified his career aspirations. Read on to learn more about Owen’s story and the impact UpSkill has had on his personal and professional growth!
This week, and every week, ROI is proud of Owen, and all of our former — and current — UpSkill apprentices who have demonstrated dedication, worked hard, and found success in the Indiana Uplands, contributing to both their personal growth and the region’s vibrant economy.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining the UpSkill program?
I grew up in the Ellettsville and Bloomington area and attended Edgewood schools starting in kindergarten. I was active in basketball, show choir, and several school clubs. In high school, I focused on my studies, worked a part-time job, and spent quality time with friends and family.
What are your interests or passions, and how do they align with the skills you learned in the UpSkill program?
I am passionate about finance and growth, so working at German American Bank has broadened my understanding of these areas. I have always been interested in how finances work, how businesses make money, and how borrower/lender relationships are built. I am around these subjects nearly every day, which is one of the positive experiences as an UpSkill apprentice.
Can you share your journey in the UpSkill program? What motivated you to join, and what were your initial expectations?
I was a student manager of the Mustang Coffee Corral at Edgewood High School. Through this, I met Jen Staab with ROI who urged me to apply for the spot at German American Bank. When presented with the opportunity to apply, I realized how much an apprenticeship could change my trajectory, so I applied. I expected an apprenticeship to be more of a shadowing role, yet I realized soon after starting that I would be a meaningful part of the team. I was given the same expectations as all the other employees, which allowed me to fit in and motivate me to learn as much as possible.
What was your UpSkill position and where did/do you work? Share a few sentences about what work you did in this position.
As an apprentice, I floated between three Bloomington German American Bank branches and the Bedford branch as a customer service specialist. I worked each day on the front line assisting customers with their banking. I handled a cash drawer, cashed checks, made payments, sold products, detected fraud, disputed charges, and made referrals.
What are the top five skills/abilities that helped you be successful in your UpSkill position? How have these skills helped you in your career or education?
My top five skills were customer service, communication, problem-solving, developing customer relationships, and attention to detail. These skills helped me adjust to college and build relationships with professors and students.
Have your career aspirations changed since you started the program? If so, how? What long-term career goals are you aiming to achieve in the next few years?
At the start of my junior year of high school, I decided I wanted to major in kinesiology and become a physical therapist. But after starting with UpSkill, I changed my mind. I am now majoring in finance and I aspire to work in corporate finance after graduation at the IU Kelley School of Business. My dream is to have job offers by my senior year and to grow my skill set significantly.
How has UpSkill helped you build connections with industry professionals or peers that have been beneficial in your career journey?
I have been able to meet people involved with retail banking and commercial banking. Furthermore, I have met people who work with loans, mortgages, management, etc.
Can you describe any real-world experiences or projects from your time with your employer that were particularly impactful for you?
I remember a time when multiple employees had unexpectedly called out due to illness. This left only one coworker and me to run one of the branches on a Friday. I was fairly new, so I was nervous at first. As the day went by, I realized I was making it through the busiest day of my apprenticeship. My coworker explained how helpful I was and how much my skill set had developed in a short amount of time. This gave me confidence, and from that day on, I wanted to learn as much as possible to become an important part of the team.
Looking back, how do you think participating in UpSkill has changed you personally and professionally? How have you changed or grown as a person since starting the UpSkill program?
Joining UpSkill made me realize what I wanted to major in at college and showed me what career I would like to pursue. I believe that my apprenticeship helped me build meaningful connections and has taught me how to act professionally and how to carry myself in a professional setting.
What are your personal aspirations for the future, both in your career and in your life?
I aspire to have a lengthy professional career with numerous opportunities for growth and promotion. I also aspire to have a good work-life balance. I want my work to be fulfilling and provide a great balance in my life.
What accomplishment during your time in the UpSkill program are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my direct admission to the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.
What advice would you give to young people considering joining the UpSkill program?
I would tell anyone considering joining UpSkill that they are never too young to make a difference. There are no set rules on what you can achieve at your current age. I also would urge them to use their time wisely. You will never regret doing more work than necessary, but you might regret not doing enough.