For Southeast Missouri State University graduating senior Skyler Neels of O’Fallon, Missouri, launching his career with Commerce Bank is an opportunity to positively impact the local business community.
Im incredibly excited about my future, and what excites me the most about starting my career at Commerce Bank is Ill be helping people achieve their financial goals and help them reach their life goals, Neels said.
Neels begins his career with Commerce Bank June 10, taking part in its Ascend Training Program in St. Louis, Missouri, where he will hone the skills hes acquired at Southeast, performing credit analysis and credit underwriting.
As part of the program, Neels will focus on financial statement spreads and commercial loan packet underwriting. Hell also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences by attending loan committee meetings with senior management, learning about industry analysis and financial modeling.
Neels will return to Cape Girardeau in December to work full-time at the Commerce Bank branch on Broadview Street.
I will be transitioning back to Cape Girardeau to assist with commercial credit applications for the surrounding area, he said. Im looking forward to helping people achieve their business goals through Commerce Bank. To be a part of that process and to help others start and grow their dreams in our community is an amazing opportunity.
Earning his finance degree at Southeast has provided him the skills and tools he needs to be successful and to help others succeed as well. Neels will cross the stage along with 1,401 other spring graduates at Southeast on May 11, marking the completion of a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in finance.
The experiences I have gained while at Southeast have been instrumental in preparing me for my career, he said. During my time here I have made countless lifelong friends who have mentored me and supported me in everything I did. Southeast is unique in the sense that both students and the faculty are always more than willing to lend a helping hand. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for all the amazing people that have molded me along the way.
Southeasts faculty and staff who are dedicated to his personal and professional success allowed him to turn his interests in finance and the banking industry into a career.
Under the guidance of Dan Presson, director of Southeasts Career Services, Neels was able to channel his skills into a position with one of the regions well-known, reputable and personal banks.
Skyler is an amazing and talented student who knew he wanted to be somewhere that could support his interests and provide training programs and future professional mobility, Presson said. Commerce Bank is a solid place for our finance graduates and a perfect fit for Skyler to begin his career.
Landing his new position with Commerce Bank felt like the hard work hed done the past four years was worth it, and Southeast helped him get there.
Ive never seen a university or employee invest so much time and effort in helping someone reach their goals, Neels said. Dan was always incredibly helpful when I asked a million questions and was able to ease my nerves when I was stressed. Sharing my excitement with someone who played a major part in me getting there is something I will always look back on and smile about.
Neels is looking forward to graduating and helping other launch their dreams.
The thing that excites me the most about starting my career at Commerce Bank is all of the people I will meet and things I will learn, he said. The people at Commerce have been very welcoming, so I’m thrilled to be joining a talented staff and start making a positive impact in our community.