Private Student Loan Advice & College Financing Resources

We’re proud to share that Ascent has been recognized as one of Southern California’s Best Places to Work by Best Companies Group, an independent organization that honors companies creating strong workplace experiences for their teams.  Best Places to Work SoCal is a research-driven program from Best Companies Group that reviews participating companies’ practices, programs, and benefits, then gathers employee feedback about their workplace experience. Companies that meet the program’s criteria are named among the Best Places to Work SoCal. For Ascent, this recognition reflects more than our benefits or programs. It reflects the people who make our work meaningful every day.  At Ascent, we’re focused on building a workplace where people feel supported, trusted, and able to grow. Our mission is to help students access education and move toward academic and economic success, and we know that work starts with our own team. When employees feel valued and connected to the work they do, they’re better equipped to make a meaningful impact.  Our team is curious, collaborative, and open to new ideas. Leaders encourage learning, create space for feedback, and support career growth across the company. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere, and we work to make sure employees feel heard, included, and empowered to contribute.  Supporting employees means supporting the whole person. Ascent offers flexible and hybrid work options, generous PTO and leave policies, paid parental leave, wellness support, continuing education opportunities, and a 401(k) match. These benefits are designed to help team members care for themselves, grow professionally, and build sustainable careers.  Recognition is also part of how we show appreciation. Through programs like Cosmic Kudos, professional development opportunities, and company-wide celebrations, Ascent makes time to acknowledge the work happening across the team. It’s one way we help create a culture where people support each other, celebrate progress, and take pride in the impact they’re making.  “We’re proud to have built a workplace where employees feel trusted, supported, and genuinely connected to the work they do,” said Emily Skoubo, Director of Human Resources at Ascent. “This recognition reflects the collaborative culture our team has created together and our continued focus on providing an environment where people can grow, contribute, and feel valued.”  At its core, Ascent’s culture is people-first and purpose-driven. Team members support one another, celebrate wins together, and stay connected to a shared goal: helping students and families plan for, pay for, and succeed in school. That mix of mission, collaboration, and opportunity is what makes Ascent a great place to work.  We’re grateful to every employee who helps shape that culture every day and proud of what we’ve built together. As Ascent continues to grow, we’ll keep investing in our people, strengthening our culture, and creating opportunities for employees to do meaningful work while building rewarding careers. Because when our people succeed, the students and families we serve benefit too. 

Internships offer students the chance to gain real-world experiences and grow their professional development skills. Internships may have the potential to lead to full-time roles, which can be a smooth transition for students as they enter the workforce.   At Ascent, we are proud to onboard, train, and support interns as they take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to the workplace. We talked with a few team members who first joined the team as interns to learn more about their journey from internship to full-time role. Continue reading for more on the projects they worked on and the advice they would give to other students on the job or internship hunt.  How did you two hear about Ascent as an intern opportunity?  Jen: I was a newly transferred junior attending SDSU. The internships at Ascent were recommended to me by another SDSU student who was an Ascent intern at the time.   Abigail: I became aware of Ascent’s internship opportunity via Handshake, an intern and job-hunting platform. I was in the application process for several different marketing internships, but I resonated with Ascent’s mission, and it struck a chord with me as someone who also felt lost navigating financial aid and loan borrowing.   What role were you hired to do?  Jen: My internship role here at Ascent consisted of a variety of experiences. Originally, I was a marketing intern working under our Marketing Operations Specialist at the time. I spent time supporting and coordinating various marketing campaigns including email, social media, content creation, and direct consumer marketing strategies.  Abigail: My role as a marketing intern focused on content creation, social media, email campaigns, and blog posts. Today, my role as a marketing coordinator will work a lot more with engagement. I will be focusing on our email strategy and customer lifecycle. This includes ways to better connect with students and learn about the challenges they face. How long was your internship at Ascent?  Jen: My internship lasted a little over a year, from March 2021 to May 2022. This would have been over my junior and senior year of college.   Abigail: I was able to remain an intern at Ascent for over two years! Around the one-year mark, I was promoted to lead marketing intern and received a raise.   Describe your team and the people you worked closely with on different projects.  Jen: My teams were awesome! I met a ton of people because I was able to branch out and experience tons of different marketing initiatives. I was working on real projects that had a positive impact on the company, and I was able to test out different areas I was interested in. My age and student experience were celebrated as Ascent and my teams were eager to listen to my college and financial experiences. Everyone around me was excited to see me grow and happy to teach me new skills.   Abigail: Since starting at Ascent, I have worked with nearly every team and department in some way or another. Currently, I work with our engagement team, and I love that we spend our time trying to find new ways to personally connect with our students and borrowers. My direct manager is Joanna, and she walks with me every step of the way. She has been a mentor and advocate for me since my very first day. What was your overall impression of company culture at Ascent?   Jen: I was originally nervous about working for a loan company because I had little knowledge of the industry, but the previous intern who recommended the position spoke incredibly highly of Ascent. Once I started the interview process, everything fell into place. It was a perfect match and exactly what I was looking for in an internship.   Abigail: I was concerned being the youngest person at the company would hinder my experience, but it became clear interns were seen as a valuable resource. It’s difficult being a full-time student during your internship experience, but Ascent was understanding and invested in my success as both an intern and student.  What are you looking forward to the most in a full-time role at Ascent?   Jen: I’m excited to continue my work with an incredible supervisor and experience a new position at Ascent that I was able to make my own.   Abigail: With this new role I will be getting more involved in different projects and can fully focus on my work. Previously, I was trying to navigate being a student and employee. While working as an intern I would sometimes miss out on big picture projects or meetings due to classes or studying.   Do you have any tips for other students searching for their dream internship that could turn into a full-time role?  Jen: Take the initiative! There are tons of advantages to being a student. You’re able to find organizations that match your interests and ambitions while networking with like-minded individuals and alumni. During your internship, your chances of obtaining a full-time role will be impacted by building relationships with coworkers. They will be your supporters and advocates if you’re moved into a full-time role.   Abigail: Internship and job-hunting can be exhausting, but the next application could be the one that propels you to your dream internship. If you’re an intern looking to score a full-time role, don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore different opportunities. While it’s important to show up and meet expectations, you also need to take time to decide if you like your role. I made sure to ask for more opportunities from my manager until I found my current role that fits my strengths and individuality.  

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