It was a triumphant return for Yesenia Arroyo. Just four months after completing the class, here she was, speaking to students who aspire to achieve what she has accomplished.
Yesenia is now working as a teller at the Chase branch in southwest Detroit at Vernor and Springwells. She is a graduate of the first cohort of Southwest Solutions’ bank teller training program. The eight-week class teaches participants about the responsibilities of a bank teller, customer service, job etiquette, how to interview for the job, and more.
Yesenia with class instructors Joan Smith (left) and Rosetta Kincaid
“If not for this class, I would not have gotten the job at the bank,” Yesenia told the students enrolled in the second cohort. “The program prepared me well in many ways, like how to speak to customers. The teachers here are inspiring, and they helped me gain in confidence to apply for a job that I had not done before.”
About a week after she graduated last December, Yesenia sent her resume to the Chase branch, which is a few blocks from her home. She heard back the next business day, asking her to come for an interview two days later. Then, right after Christmas, the branch informed her that she got the job. She started two weeks later.
“I really enjoy the work, learning new things, and meeting new people,” said Yesenia, who is 26 years old. “Over 90% of the customers I help are Spanish-speaking.”
Yesenia works three days a week now for a total of 20 hours. Because she and her husband have two young children, the part-time hours suit her schedule.
“When the kids are grown more, I want to grow from being a teller into a higher position,” Yesenia said. “I’m going to take the training that the bank offers. I’ve always wanted to work in a bank, ever since I was a girl. I think I can build a career, and it will be good for my children, too. They’ll see that they can become whatever they want to be, if they’re motivated and work hard.”
The manager of the Chase branch where Yesenia works is Sandra Gutierrez. Sandra and representatives from other banks come to the class and speak about teller opportunities and duties. Sandra met Yesenia in class and also was at the class graduation.
“At the graduation, Yesenia immediately introduced herself to me with enthusiasm,” Sandra said. “I personally did not interview her for the job, but I was at the interviewing event and heard great feedback from the interviewer. He immediately recommended her hiring. The short period that she has been at my office, she has demonstrated to be very coachable, and proactive in learning and assisting with tasks.”
Our next bank teller class will begin in mid-April. The program is free.
To take advantage of this opportunity, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old and allowed to work in the U.S.
- Have at least a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have experience in retail or cash handling
- Have no criminal record
- Be interested in working with people
Bilingual speakers who are fluent in English are strongly encouraged to apply for this training. It’s an 8-week program, meeting on weekday mornings at our Harris Learning Lab in southwest Detroit. . Once you complete the program, we’ll provide job placement assistance.
To inquire about taking the class, contact Jordan Rhines at 313-297-0095 or via email.
