Inspiring Futures: Insights from Discover’s Diversity Accelerator Program
The Diversity Accelerator Program gives sophomore college students nationwide the opportunity to learn about digital banking at Discover, building a professional network, enhancing interview skills, as well as the chance to hear personal career and industry insights from Discover leaders.
Participants are encouraged to be curious and actively participate so they walk away from the program with a better understanding of the corporate world and what Discover has to offer those who choose to begin their careers here as an intern the following year.
This year’s Diversity Accelerator participants.
This year, 85 participants from 55 schools across the United States joined us for this immersive 3-day program. During the first two days, students interacted with leaders from across the enterprise through employee-led sessions on Business Technology, Data and Analytics, and General Business, where they were able to learn about career paths and journeys, successes and failures, and the impact of work at Discover. They also had the chance to connect with members of Discover’s Employee Resource Groups and Diversity Accelerator Program alumni, now full-time employees. These interactions highlighted how ERGs foster a sense of community and belonging and demonstrated how the program effectively prepared participants for successful careers at Discover.
A few students sat down and shared their thoughts on the program after day two came to a close. Here’s what they had to say:
“I decided to join the program because I wanted to meet fellow students with different backgrounds, and I certainly did. I also wanted to learn more about Discover, and it might sound corny, but I've absolutely fallen in love with it here.”
Jasmine, Finance, University of Houston
“I was curious about meeting other students of diverse backgrounds; to fly out to Chicago and experience the [Discover] campus in real life and see what working in the corporate world would be like.”
Serena, Computer Science, University of Pittsburgh
“The standout session to me was the technical session. We discussed interview skills and what to expect in technical interviews. It helped me to know what to expect and what to study for the upcoming school year. In school, they don’t touch on what to do or how to prepare [for technical interviews].”
Jenna, Computer Science, Ohio State University
“My favorite session was the case study interview. Personally, I've never had exposure to a case study. Learning how to implement that knowledge into my professional development was really big for me.”
Ethan, Marketing, Illinois State University
“My favorite session was with Moji [Akinde]. She talked about diversity, equity and inclusion at Discover. A big part was asking yourself, ‘who are you?’ That's the first step of self-discovery. It led to an activity where we shared our names and the story behind them. It reminded me the power behind my name and why I was given it.”
Harland, Computer Science & Finance, New York University
Leaning into our community involvement and volunteer-based values, students got together on day three to partake in a volunteer activity – writing uplifting and thoughtful cards for the elderly.
A big thank you to the students who joined us for the 2024 Diversity Accelerator Program!
Interested in learning more about our Emerging Talent programs and what we offer at Discover? Click here to explore.