Invested in the Future
Consumers Credit Union and GVSU are Shaping Tomorrow’s Talent
Grand Valley State University and Consumers Credit Union have built a strong relationship over the years. Most recently, Consumers has connected with the GVSU community through the Laker Accelerated Talent Link program – an initiative that bridges the gap between students and West Michigan businesses.
Students in the program participate in a tech-focused internship, gain access to scholarships, enhance their degree with certificates, and learn crucial networking skills. Eighty-seven percent of graduating students from the 2024-25 cohort were hired full time or had contracts extended, showing that West Michigan businesses like Consumers want the chance to discover quality young professionals who can help grow their organization into the future.
In February, Consumers introduced the TellerPlus+ Hub in the L. William Seidman Center on Grand Valley’s Robert C. Pew Campus. The TellerPlus+ station combines the convenience of an ATM with advanced video technology to deliver full-service banking. It features workstations where students can interact with and support members as full-service virtual tellers. This experiential learning opportunity introduces students – especially those from liberal arts programs – to the tech-heavy world of banking.
Laker Talent in Action
Once a Grand Valley student herself, Ally Garlitch ’20, a talent specialist at Consumers, understands the positive mindset and driven attitude Lakers bring to West Michigan businesses.
“Our hope for this program is to retain every single student who participates,” Garlitch said. “When a student graduates, we will help them find their forever department at the credit union.”
As a management and marketing major, Allie Hawkes ’25 wasn’t thinking about banking as a career until she got involved with Talent Link. Thanks to the program, she gained hands-on skills that are crucial for staying competitive in today’s job market. “GVSU does a great job of offering all sorts of different opportunities and events to get you plugged in,” Hawkes said. “I never really thought I would be in finance or in a credit union setting.”
Through her experience as a virtual teller at the Seidman Center, Hawkes earned a promotion to member service representative. That opportunity allowed her to focus on finishing her final semester strong, without the added stress of job applications and interviews.
“I was able to immerse myself in the company for almost a year before I even graduated,” Hawkes said. “It's way less stressful throughout your school year to have a job lined up already, so I have really valued the opportunity to be able to grow, and I feel like I'm way more confident,” she added. “This program has definitely set me apart.”
Community Support
“My advice to students is: don't say no to anything,” said Garlitch. “As you come across different opportunities and people as you network, if someone ever throws an opportunity your way, don't say no to it and embrace the experience. You never know where the opportunity could lead.”
Life-changing opportunities like the Laker Accelerated Talent Link are only possible thanks to the generosity of the West Michigan business community. By providing room for Grand Valley students to gain hands-on experience outside of the classroom, more young professionals are guaranteed to stay in West Michigan.
“Grand Valley has always been such a great community partner, and growing the relationship between Grand Valley and Consumers Credit Union has been fun,” Garlitch said.