As part of our ongoing series that highlights NHTI alumni, the following blog post is written by Kirby Clang, 2011 General Studies grad who works at Bangor Savings Bank as a consumer banking relationship manager.
In 2007, I was a recent N.H. high school graduate and, like many others, I was unsure of what to do after high school. Many of my friends were gearing up for college while I still had not made a concrete plan of what I wanted to do with my life.
After contemplating and understanding that I wanted to continue my education, NHTI became my plan. I enrolled in the Associates in Science in General Studies program to understand more about myself as a young adult, and I am so thankful that I did. I learned so much during my time at NHTI; it provided me the resources, tools, and network to succeed while allowing me the ability to afford my education without knowing truly where it would take me. I also met lifelong friends and learned the value of relationships both personally and professionally and how important those relationships are.
The General Studies degree program gave me the flexibility to pursue my interests while building towards my degree. It also helped me learn a lot about who I am, what I love to do, and how I could build off of that professionally. I eventually focused on Business Management while taking Sports Management electives to round out my degree in 2011, all of this while working full time.
I immediately entered the workforce full time in an entry-level banking position upon finishing my degree. I learned that helping people is my passion and have worked in banking in Concord for the last 9 years in various roles, including management and personal banking. For the past 3 years, I have enjoyed navigating financial challenges for my customers. In my current role, I work for Bangor Savings Bank providing financial education and services to the Greater Concord community at our two locations. I hope to continue my development and work in commercial lending in the future.
There is a serious sense of reward when you take the time to help someone. In my time in banking, I’ve helped countless community members build homes, purchase homes, start businesses, provide resources for budgeting and saving, obtain the dreams of retirement, assist non-profits in our area, volunteer, and much more. There is nothing more rewarding for me than seeing someone reach their goals or accomplishments and having my impact positively affect that.
NHTI gave me the foundation to do these things and the sense of community that allows for personal growth and development and making a difference. I will forever be thankful for that, and I will never forget where it all began: a dorm room in Strout Hall back in 2008.
Thank you, NHTI faculty and staff, for truly making a difference in my journey and allowing me the ability to grow my career to what it is today and what it will be in the future.
