Interning at the Intersection of Art and Finance: Campbell Hill ’25 in Nigeria

Imagine a high school senior given a unique window in a multinational financial institution to combine her artistic passions with her aspirations in finance. Campbell Hill ‘25 did just that she embarked on an extraordinary five-week Co-Curriculum internship with Access Bank, Nigeria’s leading financial institution by customer base that left her more inspired than ever to pursue a future at the intersection of art and investment. 

Stationed in the executive department and reporting directly to a supervisor under the CEO, Campbell rotated through several departments, including Treasury, Corporate Communications, Corporate Banking, Global Trade, and Oil & Gas. Each rotation offered a firsthand look into the bank’s day-to-day operations — from shadowing executives to attending high-level meetings. 

“One of the most eye-opening experiences,” she recalled, “was going on a site visit with the Oil & Gas department to verify how a company was using its loan — kind of like accreditation. I learned how seriously they take trust and compliance.” 

Though immersed in the structured world of finance, she found her greatest sense of belonging in the Corporate Communications department. “That was my favorite. It turned out most of the people in that department came from creative backgrounds — artists, engineers, even a former contestant on The Voice Nigeria. It showed me that people with diverse paths can thrive in the finance world.” 

As an artist herself, Campbell was drawn to Access Bank after attending its Art X convention the year prior — one of several annual initiatives that reflect the bank’s commitment to balancing professionalism with creativity and community engagement. “They don’t just want to be seen as serious bankers. Through events like marathons, school supply drives, and art conventions, they make banking more human.” 

Her internship culminated in a book report presentation on The Psychology of Money — personally assigned by the CEO — which she delivered in front of senior staff. “It was nerve-wracking,” she laughed, “but I think I did well. They seemed impressed.” 

Looking ahead, Campbell plans to double major in economics and art in college, with dreams of launching a career in investment banking — and eventually using her skills to support artists through art investing. “I want to help bridge the gap between the creative and financial sectors,” she explained. “Art is valuable, and artists deserve exposure and economic empowerment.” 

The experience, she said, helped affirm her ambitions. “It was powerful to see that I don’t have to choose between art and finance. I can do both — and maybe even help reshape how people see both worlds.”