Published on : 7/29/2025
Bangor, ME — This month, Bangor Savings Bank proudly marks the 10th anniversary of its Management Trainee and Internship Programs, which have cultivated rising leaders and strengthened talent retention across Maine and New Hampshire. Launched in 2015 to grow the pool of skilled commercial credit professionals, the Management Trainee Program has since evolved into a leadership track, producing 32 alumni, half of whom are now officers at the Bank or working towards their career journey.
“This program is about supporting good people as they grow into thoughtful, community-minded leaders,” said David Pease, Director of Talent, Diversity, and Belonging. “We see them develop confidence, character, and a strong sense of purpose. That’s what makes this so special, and why it continues to shape the kind of leadership our region needs. It’s not just about building talent at Bangor Savings Bank, it’s about investing in the future workforce of Maine and New Hampshire and keeping that talent here.”
Initially launched as the Commercial Credit Development Program, the Management Trainee Program has evolved into a 12-month structured experience featuring departmental rotations across the Bank’s service lines, mentorship opportunities, and personal development. Many alumni now hold key leadership roles, including officer positions, and often return as mentors for the Summer Internship Program, fostering strong cross-cohort connections.
The Bank recently celebrated the program’s 10-year milestone with a July event honoring current and past participants. Community partners include Husson University, the University of Maine, Thomas College, the University of New Hampshire, Southern New Hampshire University, and Saint Anselm College. Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi, president of Thomas College, attended the event and praised the program’s immersive model.
The program is unique in its approach, encouraging participants to reflect on their future careers and the impact they want to have. Through personal branding exercises and leadership coaching, trainees build leadership skills and find meaningful ways to give back to their communities.
Beyond the Management Trainee Program, the Bank also offers a project-based Summer Internship Program for students focused on applied learning, cross-functional exposure, and leadership development. In 2024, 50% of interns converted to full-time employees, demonstrating the program’s impact on local talent retention. The Bank also offers part-time internships for student-employees, allowing them to split time between their work roles and internship projects.
In addition to the Summer Internship Program, the Bank partners with The Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland to host graduate STEM students through its co-op program. Many of these students come from international backgrounds, bringing diverse perspectives and global insights to their six-month placements. Working alongside Bank teams, they contribute to key initiatives in data analytics, software development, and artificial intelligence. To date, eight co-ops have participated in the program, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to innovation in emerging technologies. The Bank has also partnered with the Sustainability Institute - University of New Hampshire to host student fellows to support sustainability-related efforts, making a positive impact across the organization.
Looking ahead, Bangor Savings Bank is committed to evolving its programs to meet the changing workforce. That includes increased flexibility, emerging complementary technologies like AI, and rethinking how to support long-term career balance and non-linear professional paths. The Bank’s leadership team remains closely engaged in the success of these programs, regularly connecting with management trainees, interns, and co-op students, and incorporating their insights into future workforce strategies.
“Each new cohort brings a fresh perspective that encourages us to think differently,” Pease added. “Their curiosity and ideas help us grow, adapt, and continue to build a workplace where people and communities thrive.”
Learn more about Bangor Savings Bank’s Management Trainee Program and Internship Program.
About Bangor Savings Bank
Bangor Savings Bank, with over $7 billion in assets, offers retail banking, business and comprehensive commercial banking, payment and corporate services, HR and payroll technologies, and merchant solutions. Wealth management, investment, and financial planning services are offered through Bangor Wealth Management, a division of Bangor Savings Bank, and Bangor Wealth Management of New Hampshire, LLC, a New Hampshire trust company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Bangor Savings Bank. Investment information can be found at bangor.com/investments.
Headquartered in Bangor, Maine, the Bank was founded in 1852 and is in its 173rd year, and currently has 70 branches in Maine and New Hampshire and business and/or loan production offices in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Bangor Savings Bank and The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation invested more than $3.6 million into the region through sponsorships, grants, and partnership initiatives last year. Bangor Savings Bank is an equal-opportunity employer. To learn more, please visit us at bangor.com. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender.
Media Contact:
Jaclyn Fish | Bangor Savings Bank
Jaclyn.Fish@bangor.com