Finding our footing in the 2026 Internship Program
Starting an internship often comes with a lot of assumptions.
We wonder what day-to-day tasks will look like, how quickly we will adjust, who we will meet and whether we will know enough to make a meaningful contribution. Somewhere between orientation, team introductions, new projects and everyday responsibilities, those first impressions begin to evolve.
For us, the first few weeks of the program have been a time of learning, adjusting and finding our footing. While our internship experience is still unfolding, we are already seeing how our expectations compare to reality and how our perspectives have changed in such a short amount of time.
In recognition of National Intern Day, we reflected on what we expected from our internship, what surprised us so far and how we are learning, contributing and making an impact at The Bancorp.
The responses below offer a closer look at how we are experiencing the program so far, beginning with the sense of community and support we have found at The Bancorp.
What is one moment so far that has made you feel welcome or supported at The Bancorp?
Victoria, Fintech Solutions intern
One moment that made me feel welcomed and supported at The Bancorp was the guidance I received from my coach. After my first meeting, he took the time to check in with me, answer my questions and make sure I understood what was discussed. If he does not know the answer, he connects with someone who does. This has helped me feel included and encouraged me to ask questions throughout my internship.
Hana, Credit Solutions intern
The moments that made me feel welcomed and supported here at The Bancorp were the coffee chats and the many meetings we had with employees across various areas of the office. Whether on Zoom or in person, the team was full of encouraging and lively people who gave us great insight into their specific roles, the bank’s evolution and their personalities. This was meaningful because it helped me understand the strong foundation and goals The Bancorp is built on, which are clearly reflected through its people and the progress being made.
What have you learned about The Bancorp, your department or the professional world that you did not expect?
Isadora, Credit Solutions intern
In the talk that the interns had with the CEO, I found it interesting to hear about The Bancorp's unique structure. This helped put my work with the Real Estate Bridge Lending team into context as one of the firm's highly specialized, niche lending platforms that supports the broader business model.
John, Audit intern
I have learned the in-depth processes and regulations with how to audit a fintech company. I have learned how to audit from both a SOX perspective as well as an operational perspective, while also gaining new knowledge in things like generative AI and different applications, or software used in the banking industry.
Nardos, Technology intern
What surprised me most was how approachable everyone is, regardless of their title. I expected a big financial company to feel formal, but I actually had meetings with senior leaders who were willing to sit down with me and walk me through what their departments do and how everything fits together. It changed my perspective on what a professional workplace can feel like, collaborative rather than intimidating.
Complete the sentence: “Before I started, I thought ____. Now I realize ____.”
Thomas, Fintech Solutions intern
Before I started, I thought being an intern would mostly mean observing and learning from the side. Now I realize that interns can be involved in real work, attend important meetings and learn directly from the people and processes behind the business. I also realize how important workplace culture is. Having supportive and welcoming people around has made it easier to feel comfortable, ask questions and grow.
Sean, Marketing intern
Before I started, I thought I would be doing a lot of observing and taking notes. Now I realize that my role is integrated into the team, allowing me to be a project lead, do vital research and create content myself.
What has helped you build confidence in your role so far?
Alex, Legal intern
I think the biggest confidence booster so far has been the ability to continuously have substantial work. By having a flow of assignments, I am constantly getting chances to get feedback and then have opportunities to apply that feedback soon after.
Taylor, Fintech Solutions intern
My confidence has been built from having coaches that are willing to answer any questions.
What has been the biggest learning curve so far?
Jake, Financial Crimes Risk Management intern
The biggest learning curve was adapting myself to new technologies. A lot of trial and error was necessary when learning new technologies. When it came to advancing my skills in previously known technologies, experience was the best way for me to learn. Thankfully, my coach gave me plenty of opportunities to gain experience.
What advice would you give to a future intern starting at The Bancorp?
Tejas, Technology intern
My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of every opportunity the internship offers. Ask questions, be open to learning and don't hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. One thing I realized is that The Bancorp doesn't just want to grow as a company, it genuinely wants its interns to grow alongside it. If you stay curious, seek feedback and make the most of the support and networking opportunities available, you'll gain far more than just technical experience.
Hayden, Credit Solutions intern
One piece of advice I would give to a future intern if it was their first day is to ask as many questions as you can. You will learn so much more from the people around you than you ever will be able to from a book or online resource. The people around you are your greatest resource as they have been doing the job for years so use them.
As we continue through the 2026 Internship Program, we are carrying these early lessons, moments and perspectives with us. From feeling welcomed by our teams to learning how our departments connect to the larger organization, each experience has helped us better understand the work in front of us and the role we can play in it.
This National Intern Day, we are grateful for the opportunity to grow, contribute and reflect on what this experience has taught us so far. As our internships continue, we look forward to building confidence, strengthening our skills and growing as individuals.