Students Gain Real-World Budgeting Skills and Explore Career Opportunities

Alabama A&M University welcomed alumni back to campus for Regions Day, an event focused on financial wellness and career readiness. Held in the Clyde Foster Multipurpose Room and the LINQ at the New School of Business, the day featured interactive sessions, an alumni panel, and exciting giveaways.

Regions Bank held three “Reality Check” sessions, where students took on simulated financial scenarios to practice real-world budgeting.

“The reality sessions can really be eye-openers,” explained Talesha Oliver, social media coordinator for Regions. “Each student is given a persona. One may be a single mom who makes $40,000 a year and has rent, a car note, groceries, unexpected expenses, school, and daycare costs. It’s important that they develop good financial habits early so that when they enter the real world and start earning more, they’ll know how to manage it wisely.”

Students also gained career insights during the “Alumni Panel,” which included alumna and Regions Business Enterprise Transformation Manager Lashaunda Cain King, who earned her bachelor’s in telecommunications and another in marketing, and has been with Regions for 25 years.

“Oh, I love being back on The Hill,” said King. “It’s important to be here because just the ability for someone to see somebody from where they came from doing something can start a spark. They might think, ‘Oh, I never thought about working at a bank.’ I’m not a banker, but there are so many careers in banking. This may give them a different perspective.”

Jonathan Pitts, a technology project manager at Regions for 13 years who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science and was a drum major with the Marching Maroon & White Band, also shared his journey.

“You don’t think banking when you major in computer science,” Pitts said. “But when you consider it, every financial transaction, whether it’s using a bank card, transferring money online, or withdrawing funds, relies on technology. As a technology project manager, my job is to oversee and implement these systems. Ultimately, we work to make banking easier and more efficient for customers.”

Pitts also encouraged students to take advantage of all the University has to offer. “I didn’t know until it was too late about places on campus that can help manage internships,” said Pitts. “If you can’t communicate like I am right now and hold yourself properly in an interview, dress and present yourself properly, Career Development Services can help you with that. “I wasn’t prepared. I was a janitor cleaning up bathrooms after I graduated.”

The alumni panel also featured Sonya Monroe, a 1996 psychology graduate who manages two Regions branches in Birmingham. With 26 years at the company, she encouraged students to keep an open mind about career opportunities, explaining that regardless of their major, there is always a place for them in the banking industry. Keandra Montgomery, a 2020 psychology graduate, also shared her experiences working at Regions for the last two years.

“I just came here to get some insight on Regions Bank,” said Kinnedi Lewis, a sophomore finance major from Gary, Indiana. “Seeing so many alumni working there is encouraging.”

After the discussion, alumni continued to engage with students one-on-one, sharing advice, networking, and exchanging contact information. Jason Phillippe, Senior Vice President of Regions Huntsville Commercial Department, emphasized the importance of the longstanding partnership between Alabama A&M and Regions and spoke with students about potential career opportunities.

The event wrapped up with several giveaways and Eric Wilson, a junior accounting major from Phenix City, Alabama, won a brand-new bike.

“We are excited to collaborate with Regions to enhance financial literacy among our student body,” said Annual Fund Director Kim Davis. “We hope that through this experience, participants will develop a fresh perspective on the importance of managing their finances both during their college years and beyond.”