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From Rookies to Seasoned Vets: Creating a Pipeline for Future Talent

In pursuit of General Motors’ goal to become one of the most inclusive businesses in the world, GM Financial continues to embrace a vast array of talent recruiting methods. The Sophomore Leadership Internship Program (SLIP), a component of GM Financial’s participation in the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Partnership Challenge, is an initiative aimed at fostering relationships with talent from HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions. The program, which began in the summer of 2021, stands apart from GM Financial’s traditional internship program because it caters to college sophomores rather than rising juniors and seniors.

Lyndsey DeWitt and Braylon Shavers, students at the University of Texas at Arlington and Prairie View A&M University, respectively, are graduates of SLIP, having participated in the inaugural program. This summer, the two students returned to GM Financial for the company’s internship program to further develop their skills and build experience toward their academic and professional careers.

“My time as a SLIP intern highlighted the importance of being ambitious and inquisitive,” said Lindsey, who worked as a Marketing intern this summer. “As I keep exploring opportunities, my willingness to learn and build relationships with those around me will propel me to success, both in my personal and professional endeavors.”

Braylon shared similar sentiments, attributing his passion for underwriting and financial wellness to his time in SLIP.

“I’m fortunate that I was chosen for such an enriching experience,” he said. “Because of SLIP, I was able to explore various career paths and opportunities. Using both these opportunities and my newfound skillset, I’m now better equipped to help empower other students.” 

Braylon, who served as a Sales and Credit Operations intern, used his experience to make an immediate impact on his peers shortly after returning to Prairie View. It was there that he was able to bring a KEYS® by GM Financial workshop to the university’s Leaders in Management Association. During the workshop, participants learned about managing personal credit and steps in the car buying process, some of the many topics covered by the KEYS curriculum.

“Being knowledgeable about the different facets of financial literacy is very important,” Braylon said. “As students, we aren’t always afforded the opportunity to explore financial wellness outside of the classroom and in the real world. My hope is that the KEYS Live workshop gave participants that opportunity.”

Braylon acknowledged that he envisions the financial workshop being a regularly held event. He affirmed that KEYS influenced him to make smarter financial decisions.

Lyndsey and Braylon both noted the differences between their SLIP tenure and their first year as traditional interns, saying their former roles in SLIP helped prepare them for their most recent positions. Despite these differences, the former SLIP interns were adamant that GM Financial’s company culture remained the same. They agree that this culture attracted them to further opportunities with the company.

“I’m immensely proud to have participated in GM Financial’s Sophomore Leadership Internship Program,” Lyndsey said. “I encourage anyone interested to apply. As a former SLIP intern and then a Marketing intern, the network I’ve created with peers has opened a door of endless possibilities.”

Shunda Robinson, Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for GM Financial, champions SLIP and the opportunities the program bring.

“Lyndsey and Braylon are two of many important stories waiting to be told,” Shunda said. “To fulfill our commitment of becoming a global leader of diversity in the auto finance industry, we must remain persistent in our efforts to seek out diverse talent. The Sophomore Leadership Internship Program has been a significant addition to that pipeline — a pipeline we welcome with open arms!”

By Kris Scott, GM Financial

Kris Scott has a passion for writing and often uses his talent as a catalyst for social change, increasing knowledge and building communities. When he’s not spreading positive vibes, you’ll find him yelling “Hail Tide” — a moniker of support for both Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama.