Financial Services

Jonathan Wozny is passionate about his career as a Technology Analyst at Dun & Bradstreet, and grateful that he got his start as a graduate student in the company’s internship program.

“It has been very rewarding working at Dun & Bradstreet, first as an intern and now as an employee,” said Wozny. “I have experienced tremendous opportunities to grow in my career.”

Dun & Bradstreet is a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, which enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Dun & Bradstreet has more than 6,000 employees around the world.

In 2023, Wozny was selected for Dun & Bradstreet’s Technology Analyst Program, a 24-month rotational program for recent college graduates. The program provides hands-on technical training, professional development and exposure to various technology career paths within the organization.

“We are a global data driven company that provides services to so many,” Wozny said. “Our company is a leader in business data and analytical insights.”

Wozny was born in Clearwater, Florida. At age 3, his family moved to Arizona, where he attended high school. When applying to colleges, his parent encourage him and his identical twin brother to consider schools in Florida. The brothers enrolled in Florida State University. Jonathan Wozny earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

His interest in programming along with his dedication to always challenge himself led Wozny to pursue a master’s degree in computer science at the University of Florida. After completing his first year, Wozny was accepted into the 10-week summer internship program at Dun & Bradstreet.

“The great thing about the internship program is that you are involved in and contribute to challenging and meaningful projects,” Wozny said. “It’s extremely satisfying to contribute and see the results.”

At the end of internship, Wozny returned to University of Florida to complete his master’s degree. After graduation, he knew he wanted to return to Dun & Bradstreet and Jacksonville.

​​As a Technology Analyst at Dun & Bradstreet, Wozny works independently as well as collaborates with leadership and team members. His position requires strong organizational, decision making and analytical skills for trouble shooting and problem solving. ​​

For success, Wozny says it is vital to be adaptable, willing to take on challenges and have strong communication skills. Wozny appreciates Dun & Bradstreet’s people-focused culture and is grateful for the guidance he has received from his mentors.

For those interested in a technology career, Wozny recommends taking an introductory programming course while experimenting on your own. “It’s helpful to tackle your own projects – something that is important to you and that you find meaningful – and think outside of the box,” Wozny said.

Like many young professionals, Wozny also discovered that Jacksonville is one of the best places to live and work.

“I am so impressed by the lifestyle the city has to offer,” Wozny said. “It’s a growing city with a lot of young professionals, and it offers a great environment if you like to do things outdoors, such as going to the beach or playing sports.”

VyStar Credit Union puts significant energy into its VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch Program. Company leaders started the program to bolster student financial literacy and have also enjoyed the opportunity to develop students both personally and professionally. This internship has not only contributed to building young professionals, but this has ultimately helped students decide on what career path they will pursue and have equipped them to be strong candidates with marketable skills fresh out of high school. Colleagues and Academy alumni Gabrielle Bokretsion and Lindsey Thomas launched their careers in the financial services industry as high school students nearly a decade ago.

“The Academy was such a positive experience,” said Thomas, a Digital Experience Program Analyst at VyStar Credit Union and 2012 Fleming Island High School graduate. “It offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical hands-on experience and interact with company executives. It allowed me to develop relationships that have helped shape my career.”

“The Academy provided me with the opportunity to gain work experience that I couldn’t learn in a classroom,” said Bokretsion, a Senior Business Process Analyst at VyStar Credit Union and 2013 Jean Ribault High School graduate who participated in the Academy the first year it was offered at Ribault.

The VyStar Academy of Business is an academic and internship program for high school students. Students participate in an engaging real world experience that brings their learning to life while focusing on the inner workings of financial services, growing technology and essentially what it takes to run their own business. The cornerstone of the academy is an operating VyStar branch run exclusively by students and available to everyone on the high school campus. With the exception of lending services, the 18 high school branches stretched across eight school districts have everything other VyStar branch locations have to offer.

Both Bokretsion and Thomas got their start at VyStar working as tellers at their high school branch locations. After high school, Thomas attended St. Johns River State College and also worked in the VyStar Contact Center. After one year, she transferred to Harding University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She returned to VyStar in 2017 as a Senior High School Branch coordinator before receiving a promotion to her current position, which focuses on VyStar’s digital banking experience.

“The financial services industry is evolving and there are many opportunities if you have the drive to learn,” Thomas said.

Bokretsion attended the University of Florida before transferring to the University of North Florida. She returned to VyStar in 2015, working part-time as a Teller Specialist while she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduation, she joined VyStar full-time as a Marketing Specialist and advanced to Mergers & Acquisition Marketing Specialist before receiving a promotion to her current position.

“The opportunities for continued growth at VyStar are exciting,” Bokretsion said.

Although Bokretsion and Thomas did not graduate with financial services degrees, both are experiencing career advancement and success as a result of their initiative and employability skills.

“Our professional skills – communicating and problem solving – are critical and have helped both of us advance in our careers,” Thomas said.

For those considering applying to a VyStar Academy, Bokretsion offers this advice.

“It’s excellent work experience, even if you don’t pursue a career in this field,” Bokretsion said.

Immigrant turned American Citizen finds success in financial services industry

When Christina Massara left Syria in 2007 en route to the United States, she had no idea that her journey would lead her through many challenges. With perseverance, Christina realized the American Dream and has found success in Jacksonville’s financial services industry.

“Moving to the U.S. from a different country has been a blessing,” Christina said. “The experience has provided me with so many opportunities.”

Christina is a financial advisor with Pinnacle Financial Partners in Jacksonville. Pinnacle provides a full range of banking, investment, trust, mortgage and insurance products and services designed for businesses and their owners and individuals interested in a comprehensive relationship with their financial institution.

“Pinnacle is much more than a bank,” Massara said. “We serve as a true partner for our clients.”

Christina’s journey has been defined by sacrifice, hard work and resilience. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Tishreen University and was working in Syria before coming to America. Motivated to create a brighter future for herself and her family, Massara encountered many obstacles to navigate after her arrival in the U.S.

Christina wasn’t able to continue to work in her profession in the U.S. because of language and credentialing requirements and systems. Determined to thrive, she enrolled in language and accounting classes at Florida State College at Jacksonville and worked two part-time jobs, all while starting a family. While working part-time at a tax preparation services business, Massara discovered her aptitude and interest in working in the financial services industry. She earned an associate’s degree at FSCJ and pursued full-time work after her youngest child entered school.

“I was interested in financial services because it is a very respected industry where ethics, integrity and making the client the core of your business is most important,” Christina said.

Christina entered the financial services industry as a banker at Sun Trust, now known as Truist, where she held several different positions before joining Wells Fargo, where she served as a branch manager. Massara joined Pinnacle in 2024 as a financial advisor with 11 years of financial services experience.

While banking can be about numbers, people and customer relationships are at the heart of a financial advisor professional. Christina works with individuals, families and businesses, providing financial guidance and advice to help them manage their finances, make informed financial decisions and achieve their financial goals.

“It’s very rewarding when I see clients accomplish their goals,” Massara said. “Your guidance can make a big impact in their lives.”
Massara says being a financial advisor is an interesting and challenging career. A typical day at work combines planning and guidance with a focus on customer relationships. Massara is well suited for a career as a financial advisor. She possesses math and analytical skills, is detail-oriented and organized, and has strong communication and interpersonal skills.

“It’s also important to have strong ethical standards and a positive attitude,” Massara said.

Hiring managers typically seek financial advisors with bachelor’s degrees or undergraduate degrees in business, finance, mathematics, accounting or social science. In their careers, financial advisors continue to engage in education and training programs in finance, technology and government regulations to maintain their professional standards, knowledge and skillsets.

“Ongoing continuing education and training is important,” Massara said. “It’s vital to remain up to date to best serve your clients.”