Shelby Mrgich and Morgan Finnegan both began their careers as Tellers at Hills Bank.

Mrgich started at the bank in 2008, working part time while she attended Kirkwood Community College to obtain her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. “I didn’t have any experience in banking, I just knew Hills Bank was in the area I lived and thought I would apply for a job there while in college.” As she continued at the bank and got to know her coworkers, it really began to have a family atmosphere that she didn’t want to leave. Mrgich was able to see and experience different areas of banking in her time there and eventually moved into the Mortgage Department after only a year of being a Teller. She stayed in that position for nine years. Mrgich took a leap of faith and is now a Placement Coordinator in the Human Resources Department. “I didn’t have a background in Human Resources but decided to go for it anyways because I began to realize how much I enjoyed interacting with other individuals.”

“Because of the belief Hills had in me to take on a role where I had interest but no experience, I have enjoyed it so much I’ve decided to pursue my bachelor’s degree,” said Mrgich. “I’m now in my second semester at the University of Iowa pursuing a degree.”

Morgan Finnegan also became a part time Teller while going to Kirkwood for Business Management. Finnegan had dreams of using her Business Management degree to one day open her own daycare center. While she was at Kirkwood she not only obtained her Associates Degree, but also got two certificates, one in Human Resources and one in Entrepreneurship. The Human Resources experience really sparked her interest. Coincidental or not, after she graduated, a position in HR opened up at Hills and she got the position and has been in it for four years.

When asked what they love about the bank? “It’s definitely the people and the ability to continue my education and continue learning about the things I’m interested in. I love helping to get employees where they want to go career-wise within the bank,” said Finnegan.

“Our direct Supervisor is always very open to ideas and knowing you can freely offer suggestions on process improvement without question, is huge. Hills is a community bank and has a great reputation, I have a lot of pride working here,” said Mrgich.

When asked: “What makes a good employee?” Mrgich says, “People who care and take a sincere interest in making a connection with our customers so they continue to come back. It’s also important that employees want to be active in the community to volunteer and give back.”

Between Mrgich and Finnegan, they cover nineteen Hills Bank offices and do all of the hiring for each branch. They both shared that the uniqueness in their roles and visiting each branch is what makes it so fun and gives each day a unique spin. “When someone is offered the job and they accept, that is so exciting!” says Mrgich.

Students can learn more about Hills Bank by seeking out Community Promise job profiles provided by the bank. Community Promise job profiles were created to connect Marion and Linn-Mar students to local organizations and showcase future career opportunities. Learn more at www.communitypromise.org.