PD WEEK 3: Overview
By Week 3, interns are beginning to settle into the rhythm of the summer experience. Many students are building stronger workplace connections, growing more comfortable with professional expectations, and gaining increased confidence through hands-on learning.
Agility Focus: Critical Thinking
This week, interns are focusing on critical thinking and how to thoughtfully navigate situations within professional environments. Students are learning how to analyze information, ask meaningful questions to make informed decisions where there may not be one clear answer.
As interns continue developing work-ready skills throughout the summer, critical thinking becomes an important tool for problem-solving. Employers can help reinforce this learning by encouraging curiosity, allowing space for thoughtful decision-making, and engaging students in conversations that challenge them to think beyond the first solution.
This Week’s Featured Speakers
Throughout the summer, interns will hear from featured speakers representing a variety of industries. These sessions are designed to support intern growth by exploring topics related to career readiness, professional development, and life beyond ProX.
Employers are encouraged to stay informed about featured speaker topics, as these sessions often reinforce the work-ready skills interns are developing throughout the internship experience and can serve as valuable conversation starters in the workplace.
** Week 3 will feature the same speakers as Week 2, but interns can expect new content and discussions.
Angelique Cheatem
Adult and Youth Program Manager, Pathway Financial Education
Angelique Cheatem is a highly dedicated and skilled professional in the financial services industry, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Financial Counseling earned in 2017 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. During her academic journey, Angelique actively engaged in the Financial Planning Association, demonstrating her early commitment to mastering the complexities of financial literacy.
Her passion for community service began in her youth, where she volunteered with the nonprofit organization Ladies/Teens of Essence, contributing to programs aimed at supporting and uplifting those in need. This dedication to service has remained a cornerstone of Angelique’s career, as she strives to empower individuals and families through financial education.
With four years of extensive experience in the finance industry, Angelique has honed her expertise and continues to focus on improving financial literacy for everyone she meets. Currently, she serves as the Financial Education Program Manager at Pathway Financial Education, where her work reflects her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Ryan Bryant
Vice President, Regional Delivery Manager, UMB Bank
Ryan Bryant is vice president and regional delivery manager for UMB Bank. In this role, Ryan leads a multi-state territory of branch locations, driving sales growth, operational excellence and strategic execution while helping teams deliver exceptional client experiences and achieve performance goals.
A seasoned banking and business leader, Ryan brings nearly 30 years of experience spanning sales, marketing, customer service, and community development to the team. He has more than 11 years of experience in the financial services industry, including branch manager and client relationship manager at UMB. Prior to banking, Ryan spent 17 years as an on-air radio personality for Kansas City-area stations, developing expertise in communication, audience engagement and community outreach.
He has a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Missouri - Kansas City and currently serves on the board of the UMKC Alumni Association. Active in his community, Ryan serves as marketing chair and board member for Wings 4 Water, helping advance access to clean water in underserved communities, and is involved with chambers of commerce across his region.
This Week’s Featured Speakers
Throughout the summer, featured speakers will lead conversations and sessions centered around important topics connected to your growth, career readiness, and life beyond ProX. While speakers may come from different industries and backgrounds, each session is designed to help strengthen your work-ready skills and learn through real experiences from seasoned professionals.
Come ready to engage with ideas that will support you during your internship and beyond.
Angelique Cheatem
Adult and Youth Program Manager, Pathway Financial Education
Angelique Cheatem is a highly dedicated and skilled professional in the financial services industry, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Financial Counseling earned in 2017 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. During her academic journey, Angelique actively engaged in the Financial Planning Association, demonstrating her early commitment to mastering the complexities of financial literacy.
Her passion for community service began in her youth, where she volunteered with the nonprofit organization Ladies/Teens of Essence, contributing to programs aimed at supporting and uplifting those in need. This dedication to service has remained a cornerstone of Angelique’s career, as she strives to empower individuals and families through financial education.
With four years of extensive experience in the finance industry, Angelique has honed her expertise and continues to focus on improving financial literacy for everyone she meets. Currently, she serves as the Financial Education Program Manager at Pathway Financial Education, where her work reflects her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.