In 2023, Watson Institute launched the Career Accelerator Fellowship with a strategic mission: to identify, develop and place high-potential talent in leadership-track roles at Colorado financial institutions facing critical workforce shortages. Addressing the widening gap between rapidly evolving industry demands and available skillsets, the fellowship provides a comprehensive solution that transforms qualified candidates into long-term financial professionals. By focusing on both technical expertise and professional development, Watson Institute created an innovative pathway that simultaneously solves employers’ pressing talent needs while accelerating career trajectories for ambitious job seekers.
The Challenge: Colorado’s Financial Services Talent Crisis
The financial services sector in Colorado faces an unprecedented talent shortage. With job skill requirements evolving rapidly and expected to change by 41% in 2025, banks are struggling to find qualified candidates who can meet their current and future needs. For Colorado financial institutions, particularly community banks like Alpine Bank, this talent gap threatens their ability to serve diverse communities effectively and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly digital marketplace.
A Legacy of Internal Development
Alpine Bank led the way as the inaugural partner of the Career Accelerator Fellowship, bringing decades of experience in developing talent from within. As Regional President Matt Teeters explains, “20 years ago, I personally started with the bank in the bank’s Officer Trainee Program. This program allowed me to learn all areas of the bank, from operations to lending, and with a personal desire to find proficiency in each of these different areas, I’ve been able to ascend from the role of trainee to regional president.”
This culture of internal development made Alpine Bank the perfect founding partner for a program designed to identify promising talent who could grow within the organization. The Fellowship extends this proven approach by providing structured support and training that accelerates career progression while ensuring candidates develop the specific skills needed in today’s financial landscape.
A Powerful Partnership with Significant Benefits
The Fellowship has achieved an important milestone by becoming a Registered Apprenticeship in partnership with the Boulder Chamber. This designation unlocks powerful financial incentives through Colorado’s New and Emerging Industries Apprenticeship Tax Credit (HB24-1439), allowing participating banks to offset program costs completely.
As Matt Wiggins, associate VP of economic vitality for the Chamber, explains, “The more employers involved, the stronger these programs become.” With potential tax benefits of up to $126,000 in a single year, financial institutions can invest in talent development while simultaneously reducing their tax burden — creating a compelling business case for participation.
How the Fellowship Works
The Career Accelerator Fellowship operates through a comprehensive four-stage process:
- Source and Screen: Watson Institute identifies high-potential job seekers across the Front Range who are committed to building careers within the financial industry. Candidates are screened based on career aspirations, relevant experience and employment barriers.
- Prepare: Selected candidates join Watson Institute’s Talent Pool and receive personalized career coaching focused on career clarity, networking, personal branding and interview preparedness.
- Match and Hire: Candidates are matched with aligned roles at banking partners and guided through each partner’s formal hiring process. Banking partners retain final hiring authority, selecting candidates that best meet their specific needs.
- Accelerate and Retain: Hired candidates become fellows and receive eight months of dynamic workshops, expert coaching, individualized career mapping and access to monthly sessions led by subject matter experts.
This structured approach ensures both candidates and employers receive maximum value from the program while building a foundation for long-term success.
Early Success Stories
The program’s effectiveness is already evident through the experiences of its first fellows. Brandon Gutierrez and Alex Aleman joined Alpine Bank in 2024 and have quickly proven their value. Alex has since been promoted from teller to personal banker and leads his region in both new account openings and quarterly sales. Brandon has expanded his teller role to include greater responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
These early successes validate the Fellowship’s approach to identifying high-potential candidates who might otherwise be overlooked by traditional recruiting processes. As Matt Teeters notes, “We recognize that to best engage with all communities along the Front Range, it’s critical that we recruit and employ individuals who live and work in each of the communities we desire to serve.”
Creating Value Through Diversity
The Fellowship emphasizes finding talent who reflects the communities that banks serve, helping financial institutions build more authentic connections with diverse populations. By demystifying the financial sector and making it more accessible, the program attracts candidates who might not otherwise consider banking careers.
For banks like Alpine, this represents an opportunity to accelerate growth while strengthening community relationships. “Given the Watson Institute’s work with the Boulder Chamber, its proven track record of recruiting, developing and mentoring individuals from diverse communities throughout metro Denver, and its strong reputation, we identified the Watson Institute as a natural partner,” explains Teeters.
A Model for the Future
The Career Accelerator Fellowship represents more than just a training program — it’s a comprehensive talent ecosystem that addresses immediate workforce needs while building a pipeline of future leaders. Through its registered apprenticeship status, the program aligns with state priorities around workforce development while providing tangible benefits to both individuals and employers.
As Wiggins explains, “As a whole, adult apprenticeships and Career Accelerator Fellowships support individuals who aim to find success in a new career path — not just a job. When we have the opportunity to build tiered apprenticeships with employers — one path leading to the next, scaling work-ready skills — we do.”
The Watson Institute Career Accelerator Fellowship offers a powerful solution to Colorado’s financial services talent gap. By combining personalized development, expert coaching and strategic matching with financial incentives for employers, the program creates a win-win scenario for all stakeholders.
For financial institutions looking to strengthen their talent pipeline while diversifying their workforce, the Fellowship provides a proven, cost-effective approach. For job seekers aiming to build meaningful careers in the financial sector, it offers a structured pathway to success with ongoing support.
To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, contact Emanuel Wilder at emanuel@watson.is or visit watson.is/career-accelerator.
Watson Institute is a place where rising entrepreneurs and leaders can find their community, discover their calling and accelerate their careers. In partnership with leading corporations and foundations, Watson Institute powers Fellowships to support highly promising, historically disenfranchised rising entrepreneurs and leaders. The Career Accelerator Fellowship provides award-winning leadership skills training, dedicated coaching, long-term alumni support and access to a global community of peers, mentors and opportunities.
