For over a year, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s career coaching and workforce intermediary, Goodwill TalentSource, has partnered with BMO Bank to bring opportunities in banking and financial services to untapped talent in Indianapolis through BMORE. This program strives to remove barriers that may prevent people from moving into a career in banking. One example of a barrier is limited education.

“The program also gives the opportunity for people to understand what working at a bank is like,” said Justin DeGuzman, TalentSource’s employer partnership manager. “They realize that it can be a welcoming environment and not a stuffy one.”

Through their experience in the program, participants can be influenced to truly pursue a career in banking and financial services – even outside of BMO Bank.

Beyond career discovery and barrier removal, the BMORE program also helps participants prepare for their interview and polish the skills needed for the role. Participants take a customer service training and sales course as well as hone their resume and interviewing skills through a workshop. 

Not only has BMORE opened doors for participants to earn higher wages, it also allows them to have the opportunity to grow in their roles. Once hired, participants receive an intentional onboarding, as well as ongoing mentorship and support from their respective branch.

Thanks to the partnership between Goodwill and BMO Bank, three hiring cohorts  have been completed since 2024. 12 participants have been hired at BMO Bank branches and many have celebrated their one-year anniversaries. The retention rate for the hires from the partnership is 100%.

“None of the hires have a financial services background, so it’s cool to see that they’ve found something in that industry that has kept them there, ” said Justin. “It’s been a fulfilling experience for all of them.”

Samuel Thang, for example, learned about BMORE through The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults. After completing the program, he was hired at a BMO Bank branch in Indianapolis and quickly found meaning in his role.

“When I first joined BMO, what stood out to me was the warmth and genuine welcome I received across the organization,” said Samuel. “I love connecting with my customers, taking the time to understand their financial needs and walking alongside them in their journey. For me, it’s about creating meaningful relationships and making a genuine difference in the lives of the people I serve.”

The program is open to Goodwill alumni and their connections. To learn more about the BMORE program, please email Justin DeGuzman at justin.deguzman@goodwillindy.org.