September 2021
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we would like to introduce you to several ESL employees who took the time to share thoughts about their unique career journey here at ESL. Their stories are an inspiration to us all, and we are proud of their accomplishments! Once you learn more about them, learn more about our continued commitment to creating and maintaining a diverse workplace that provides equitable growth opportunities for all employees.
Meet Elias Nieves Jr., Branch Manager, Hudson
Why do you think it’s important for companies and their employees to recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
I think it’s important for companies and their employees to recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because by doing so you’re celebrating the heritage of some of your valued employees and members. The way I see it, you only celebrate things that are important in your life, birthdays, anniversaries, certain milestones, etc. ESL is saying I’m important and my heritage is important enough for us to want to celebrate it, and that’s pretty awesome.
Tell us about your current role at ESL.
My current role here at ESL is being the branch manager of the Hudson Branch. It’s been a blessing to be able to function in this position here at ESL because I am able to help so many people, both employees and members, reach their respective goals, be it career goals or financial goals. I’ve been put in a position here where I can make a real difference in someone’s life, which is a huge responsibility when you think of it, but it’s also such a great privilege.
"It’s been a blessing to be able to function in this position here at ESL because I am able to help so many people, both employees and members, reach their respective goals, be it career goals or financial goals."
Everyone has their own unique career journey. Share something unique about your own career experiences.
When I started in the banking industry I was just looking for a job; instead, I found an actual career opportunity. What started off as a 12-hour part-time universal banker position has turned into a 12-year (and counting) banking career. Something unique about my career experience is being able to meet so many new people and becoming a part of their success story. As an ESL employee I play a small role, but that small role really does make a big difference to a lot of people.
What has provided the best opportunities for career growth?
The best opportunities for career growth come through a mixture of a few different factors. First, as an individual you always need to put your best foot forward. One of our core values at ESL is accountability, and, in my opinion, if you want career growth it first starts with you. The other important factor is working for a company that can offer you those opportunities for growth, development, and advancement. You put a good work ethic together with a good employer and you have a recipe for success.
What career advice would you offer to those starting out?
The best career advice I can offer someone who is starting out is to focus on being the best employee you can be in your current position. Even if it’s not the job or position you plan to retire from, master your current job. Someone will take notice and career advancement will be inevitable. You make those small sacrifices now and they’ll end up paying huge dividends down the road. Also network and meet as many people as you can. Take advantage of the extra stuff going on. Attend the voluntary seminar, take the extra class, go on the voluntary visit. That show of initiative will get you somewhere.
"Even if it’s not the job or position you plan to retire from, master your current job."
Has ESL provided support to help you manage your career? Have you taken advantage of any of the learning & development options available to employees?
ESL is a great place to work and it’s been proven time and time again through the different accolades ESL has received for being just that, a great place to work. One of the reasons ESL is a great place to work is because of the learning and development they offer. Not only is it offered, but you are also strongly encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. One example that comes to mind is a class I took called Emerging Leader. When I was an assistant branch manager I was encouraged to take this class, and I’m glad I did. I was able to sharpen my leadership skills, learn new ways to actively listen, problem solve, help my staff reach their goals, etc. ESL taught me how to be a better leader then gave me the opportunity to do so. It’s pretty obvious that ESL doesn’t shy away from investing in their employees.
What is your favorite part of working at ESL?
There are a lot of important reasons why I enjoy working at ESL, things like a 401(k) match, PTO, other benefits… but my favorite part? My favorite part about working at ESL is all the giveaways! I mean you just never know what ESL has up their sleeve for their employees! I have ESL socks, polo shirts, jackets, gift cards, cups, pens… let’s just say my wife gets pretty jealous with all the extra ESL goodies I bring home. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference.
