By Erin Dunlop, ’19

Out of thousands of applicants and 100 interviewees, Josh Sannes, ’19, was offered and accepted a position with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as a financial institution specialist in Columbus, Ohio.

Sannes’ four-year position includes almost two years of training to make him an expert in consumer protection and risk management. He will be looking at banks and their investments to ensure they are responsibly insuring consumer deposits. For any banks earning an unsatisfactory grade, Sannes will give suggestions for improvements and has the responsibility of making sure the bank follows through.

Sannes, who grew up in Manchester, Mich., recounts that Albion economics and management professor Jon Hooks had wanted to work for the FDIC and even been offered a position, which he ultimately didn’t pursue. “It’s cool to see that one of my favorite professors got this job, even though he decided to teach instead,” says Sannes. “I get to accept it now, and I’m very excited.”

Sannes points to two other Albion-specific experiences he believes made him stand out amount the hundreds of other applicants. As Tau Kappa Epsilon treasurer, Sannes helped TKE brothers manage their finances while simultaneously ensuring that the fraternity collected the dues necessary for its own fiscal health. He also completed a minor in cell and molecular biology, an accomplishment that caught the FDIC’s attention.

“During my interview process, people kept telling me they appreciate a student that stays true to themselves and their interests, who is willing to accept the challenge of studying in two different areas,” Sannes says.

The hard work of studying in two areas paid off—not just because it may have gotten Sannes the FDIC job, but because it helped him consider applying in the first place. “You can put a lot of work in—and I did—but without other people, I wouldn’t have had the motivation to apply,” he says. “Albion has helped me out a great deal, and I thank everyone for that.”