Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Summer Ritter

Bedford,IN

Summary

Dedicated and results-driven Financial Services Specialist at Western Governors University known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Expert in active listening and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, I foster collaborative environments that enhance performance and drive efficiency. Successfully guided new hires through complex financial aid processes, ensuring their readiness for independent roles.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Financial Services Specialist

Western Governers University
Salt Lake City, UT
05.2023 - Current
  • Led hands-on training classes to acclimate new employees to their financial services roles and responsibilities.
  • Collaborated with department leaders to create new hire training assessments for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Evaluated trainee performance through assessments and feedback sessions, ensuring readiness for independent job responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills by fostering positive relationships with new hires, supporting them through the learning process, and promoting a collaborative environment.
  • Utilized active listening to understand employee needs, ensuring clear communication and providing timely, constructive feedback.
  • Applied empathy in addressing trainee challenges and adapted training approaches to support diverse learning styles and skill levels.
  • Provided real-time support to employees through multiple chat channels, resolving inquiries related to financial services, policies, system navigation, and student accounts.
  • Provided ongoing mentorship and support, addressing questions and reinforcing best practices in financial services operations.
  • Worked with the Training Team to facilitate best training practices and procedures for our new employees.
  • Guided new employees and students in grasping FAFSA specifications.
  • Advised students and new employees on financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loan programs, ensuring they understood eligibility and application processes.
  • Collaborated with other teams to resolve students' concerns regarding their accounts.
  • Stayed up to date with financial aid policies, university regulations, and training requirements.

Unit Manager

Lia Sophia
Bedford, IN
01.2011 - 03.2015
  • Analyzed and implemented sales strategies to meet company objectives.
  • Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
  • Maintained a professional network of potential clients and business opportunities.
  • Created a cohesive team environment that allowed for trust and partnership.
  • Achieved market expansion by collaborating with international clients.
  • Boosted revenue and facilitated sales activity while developing consistent employee measurements for exceeding goals.
  • Conducted hiring and supervising operations of employees.
  • Capitalized on expansion opportunities while increasing profit margins.
  • Delivered sales presentations focused on offerings and unique advantages over competitors.
  • Verified accuracy and sorted information to prepare source data for computer entry.
  • Maintained an organized filing system of paper and electronic documents.
  • Coordinated communications, taking calls, responding to emails, and interfacing with clients.
  • Input client information into spreadsheets and the company database.
  • Led training courses on emotional intelligence.

Personal Fitness Trainer

Curves Fitness
Bedford, IN
03.2001 - 04.2005
  • Motivated clients to stay committed to preset goals.
  • Helped clients utilize fitness equipment properly, using verbal instructions and demonstrations.
  • Kept track of clients' goals, progress, and personal records.
  • Notified clients about class prices, promotions, and available payment options.
  • Coached and encouraged participants during exercises and routines.
  • Conducted an initial assessment of the client's physique, BMI, and health history.
  • Scheduled class times and appointments according to client availability.
  • Assessed customer needs, explained complex technical information, and provided information regarding useful products and promotions.
  • Updated and organized records of customer accounts, contact information, and transactions.
  • Listened to customers to identify and recommend products and services to best fit their individual needs.
  • Built strong, professional relationships through the identification of client needs, which increased overall sales and opportunities.
  • Generated sales by prospecting leads, cold calling, and negotiating advantageous deals.

Manager of Business Development and Sales

Nature's Health Sports and Nutrition
Bedford, IN
08.1997 - 01.2001
  • Developed the organization's marketing strategy.
  • Launched customer service protocols.
  • Oversaw sales operations within the organization.
  • Established goals and supervised operations to increase sales volume.
  • Researched and communicated competitive activity to influence marketing plans and sales tactics.
  • Organized and led team meetings.
  • Performed employee evaluations.
  • Initiated strategies to achieve team goals.
  • Analyzed databases for prospects in market expansion and sales production.

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration And Management

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
06-2026

High School Diploma -

Bedford-North Lawrence High School
Bedford, IN
05.1999

Skills

  • Verbal and written communication
  • Team recruiting and onboarding
  • Customer service
  • Computers and technology
  • Employee training and development
  • Coaching and mentorship
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Adaptability
  • Active listening
  • Conflict resolution
  • Presentations and demonstrations
  • Public speaking
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • eLearning Development Tools (Articulate Storyline 360)

Accomplishments

  • Award Recipient: Lia Sophia #1 in Personal Regional Sales 2012-2013
  • Award Recipient: Lia Sophia #1 Personal Regional Recruiting 2012-2013
  • Award Recipient: Lia Sophia #1 Unit Manager in Team Sales and Team Recruiting 2012-2014
  • Award Recipient: Lia Sophia top 10 in the company; Sales and Recruiting 2014
  • NASFAA Credential Student Eligibility 06/2023
  • NASFAA Credential Application Process 05/2024
  • WGU Earned Trust Award Recipient, 2024
  • WGU Excellence Award: Composition; Successful Self-Expression (Issued by WGU Academic Credentials) 04/2024
  • WGU Strategic Thinking & Innovation Certificate (Issued by Academic Credentials) 05/2024
  • WGU Financial Services Star Employee 05/2024
  • WGU Excellence Award: Introduction to Communication; Connecting with Others (Issued by WGU Academic Credentials) 06/2024
  • WGU Certificate: Management (Issued by WGU Academic Credentials) 10/2024
  • WGU Certificate: Leadership (Issued by WGU Academic Credentials) 11/2024
  • Certificate of Completion WGU Resilience and Well-Being Program 11/2024
  • WGU Inspire and Develop Award Recipient, 2025
  • Certificate of Completion Project of Management Institute LinkedIn Learning: Developing Your Emotional Intelligence 03/2025
  • Certificate of Completion LinkedIn Learning: Emotional Intelligence for Project Managers 03/2025
  • Certificate of Completion LinkedIn Learning: Transform Classroom Training to E Learning with Articulate 360 03/2025
  • Certificate of Completion LinkedIn Learning: Articulate Storyline 360 Advanced Learning 03/2025
  • Certificate of Completion National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) LinkedIn Learning: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving 03/2025
  • Member of The National Society of Leadership and Success, 2025

Timeline

Financial Services Specialist

Western Governers University
05.2023 - Current

Unit Manager

Lia Sophia
01.2011 - 03.2015

Personal Fitness Trainer

Curves Fitness
03.2001 - 04.2005

Manager of Business Development and Sales

Nature's Health Sports and Nutrition
08.1997 - 01.2001

High School Diploma -

Bedford-North Lawrence High School

Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration And Management

Western Governors University
Summer Ritter