My Journey from High School Internship to Post-High School Development at Merkle Retirement

My name is Advija Jusufovic, and I’m currently a student at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), enrolled in the Business Transfer Program. After DMACC, I plan to continue my education at Iowa State University, where I’ll be majoring in Accounting and Finance. But before I even set foot on a college campus, my journey into the professional world began at Merkle Retirement Planning, thanks to an incredible opportunity provided by Johnston High School's "School-to-Work" program.

The School-to-Work program was the perfect launching pad for my career. It started with 10 weeks of classroom-based training, where I learned invaluable professional skills that 'many high school students don't have the opportunity to encounter until much later in life. We covered everything from how to craft a strong resume and perform well in interviews to how to conduct ourselves in a professional environment. We also engaged in mock interviews, which were essential for building confidence and understanding the nuances of professional communication.

Our coordinators were amazing — they didn’t just teach us, they guided us. They took the time to understand our interests and career goals, and then matched us with a business that aligned with our aspirations. For me, that was Merkle Retirement Planning. At the time, I was still unsure about whether I wanted to pursue finance or accounting, but Merkle offered exposure to both fields, making it the perfect fit.

Internship Experience at Merkle

When I first started my internship at Merkle, I was given the opportunity to shadow every department within the firm. This included spending time with financial planners, the servicing team, the creative team, and the client experience department. I asked countless questions, observed their day-to-day tasks and received advice that was both practical and inspiring. The breadth of knowledge I gained from this experience was invaluable, and it gave me a well-rounded understanding of how a financial firm operates.

 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was the educational course that Merkle provided, as well as the opportunity to sit in on meetings with financial planners and interact directly with the families we served. Hearing their stories, challenges, and successes provided me with a deeper appreciation for the impact financial planning has on people’s lives. The wisdom they shared — such as the importance of enjoying your money responsibly, understanding that time is your ally, and embracing risks while learning from failures — are lessons I will carry with me throughout my career.

After my high school internship concluded, I had the opportunity to speak with Ally, the COO of Merkle Retirement Planning, about continuing my time with the firm. We agreed to extend my internship, which allowed me to become even more integrated into the daily operations of the company. I began answering phones, taking on more responsibilities and undergoing further training that deepened my understanding of both finance and accounting.

For any high school students looking to level up their careers, my biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid to go after what you want. Take the initiative to seek out opportunities and advocate for yourself—you truly have nothing to lose. People are often more than willing to help and support you, especially when they see your passion and determination.

The School-to-Work program was crucial in helping me realize what I wanted to do with my life. It gave me a glimpse into the real-world applications of the subjects I was interested in, and I’m incredibly grateful for that experience. Even if I had discovered that finance or accounting wasn’t for me, I would still be thankful for the insight and growth I gained from the internship.

If you have the chance to participate in an internship program, take it. You’ll learn more than you can imagine, and it will give you a head start in your career, just as it did for me.

It’s been almost two years since I started at Merkle, and I can honestly say that I love where I am. The journey from a high school intern to where I am now has been filled with learning, growth and invaluable experiences. As I prepare to transition from DMACC to Iowa State University, I’m excited to continue building on the foundation that Merkle and the School-to-Work program helped me establish.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host four work-based learning workshops to teach employers how to create effective work-based learning programs that benefit their community and workforce. Learn more about the workshops on The Partnership’s website.

Job opportunities and career resources are abundant in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Whether you're looking to find an internship, a job, develop professionally or grow as a student, we have the resources to help you thrive.