Since its launch several years ago, BrightStar’s internship program has been making a significant impact. This year, the program is hosting 16 interns across various departments, including IT, Marketing, HR, Lending, and Training & Development, among others. Their projects, such as creating salary bands for pay equity and developing automation tools, are not just tasks but impactful contributions that are shaping the future of the credit union, resulting in increased efficiencies.
What’s particularly inspiring about BrightStar’s program is how it not only provides students with meaningful hands-on experience but also serves as a pipeline for full-time talent. Interns have already transitioned into essential roles within the credit union, including a recent IT graduate who’s helping their ongoing technology transformation.
“During my internship, I noticed that many of the tasks I was given were repetitive and time-consuming, so I took the initiative to automate them with code,” shared Gustavo Salama, a former intern who is now a Junior Programmer/Analyst at BrightStar. “The impact was immediate—teams across multiple departments began requesting automation tools to improve their own workflows. The value these solutions brought to the organization eventually led to me being offered a full-time position, where I continue to build tools that save time and increase efficiency.”
Additionally, marketing interns are helping BrightStar connect with younger members through innovative social media campaigns on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, reinforcing BrightStar’s commitment to improvement and inclusion.