Forging a career in banking and finance is a solid move because it’s work that’s both essential and rewarding as it helps America grow and run smoothly.

 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial operations occupations are projected to grow 10% through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.

Pay and benefits are commensurate with the responsibilities of managing money, but there are also intangible rewards, such as serving country and communities by protecting equity, enabling families to purchase their dream homes, building businesses, and helping people retire without hardship or worry.

Here are some people thriving in the banking and finance sectors, which are essential the overall U.S. economy and the health of local communities. Glean career advice and learn their stories.

 

USAA’s McCloud Is Powered by a Hunger for Learning

Being skittish is decidedly not how Monique McCloud, JD, MBA became chief diversity officer and vice president for USAA, which has approximately 33,000 employees working at 12 campuses in six cities across the U.S. and two international offices (London, U.K. and Frankfurt, Germany).

“The important thing is to step into the fear, not to run away from it,” she maintains.

However, McCloud’s professional success also didn’t come from blindly stepping into her fears. She further upgraded her competencies by utilizing help from her colleagues.

“I’ve [become] comfortable asking questions and probing people who have the subject matter expertise that I didn’t have. That’s how I’ve learned. I’ve always worked to become proficient in areas of weakness,” details McCloud.

Pluck has also been part of her success equation. “It’s always scary when someone asks you to do something you haven’t done before. I’ve navigated this fear by having confidence in my skills and ability.”

McCloud’s success has also been boosted by being in the right insurance company that aligns with her dreams, ambitions and values.

“Make sure you join a company that will help you learn best practices in your industry. Do your homework and find out if they have the processes, tools and learning systems in place to develop a strong foundation for your learning,” she elaborates.

USAA isn’t just a strong foundation for learning. It’s also a point of pride for McCloud.

“I’ve been most surprised by how much employees really do care about our members. Most companies have a brand on the outside that doesn’t necessarily reflect what’s on the inside,” she observes.

“USAA’s brand is even stronger on the inside than what’s reflected externally. I’m so excited to share our brand as an employer with the external community.”

Part of McCloud’s excitement is that USAA serves those who serve.

“I love USAA’s mission, and that our employees come to work every day to serve and facilitate the financial security of our members, associates and their families,” she shares.

McCloud leads the diversity and inclusion strategy and practice across USAA to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce where all employee voices are respected, valued and heard. If such work appeals to you, then she has some advice.

“There are multiple disciplines that can lead to becoming a diversity and inclusion professional,” she counsels.

“My advice is to understand the various aspects of the field and, equally, to understand the business you’ve joined. It’s important to be a business partner and bring business solutions to your organization as it relates to diversity and inclusion.”

Don’t just study an organization where you’d like to work. Differentiate between sectors, too, McCloud adds. “Different industries have unique opportunities, and it’s important to know your industry and its gaps.”

A job search is also about finding a fine fit, where you dovetail, according to McCloud. “Understand who you are and the kind of environment you can thrive in, and make sure you’re joining an organization that will feed your growth.”

And if you’re hired? “Focus on learning how to do your current job very well first. Often new hires are focused on getting promoted instead of learning how to be proficient in their role so they have a solid foundation to build upon. Do not shortchange yourself by checking the box and moving on too quickly,” she answers.

And do what McCloud does, gleaning as much as possible from peers.

“Learn from the people around you and absorb everything from technical proficiency to leadership skills,” she recommends.

“If you accelerate too quickly in your career and skip key learning opportunities, you may not see where you have development needs, which may ultimately shorten your career path.”

USAA’s corporate headquarters are in San Antonio, TX, and you can explore more of its story via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Instagram. Find job paths at usaajobs.com.

 

U.S. Bank’s Cunningham Realizes Success by Being Authentic

Today Greg Cunningham is confident in his role as head of diversity and inclusion at U.S. Bank. But early in his career, he struggled to find his voice and reveal his authentic self.

“I was trying to be somebody I wasn’t, and I wasn’t successful. I used to show up at meetings at a packaged goods company where there were a lot of MBAs from Harvard and other really big schools. I tried to mimic their style and language; I didn’t even recognize myself,” he recalls.

So, down the road, Cunningham leveraged authenticity.

“Fast forward to another organization where I walked into a meeting and talked about taking my kids to see the Starbucks-underwritten movie, Akeelah and the Bee, and how Starbucks said they weren’t in the coffee business, but the experience business,” remembers Cunningham.

“That resonated with the group, and sparked this long conversation with what business we were in.”

It resonated with management, too. “I got a note from my boss thanking me. She appreciated what I said, and said how invaluable my experience was,” he elaborates.

It was an invaluable lesson for Cunningham, too. “Show up as you. Your authentic self is good enough.”

U.S. Bank recognizes the power of authentic selves. “We draw strength from diversity: it’s our secret sauce! Your own unique attributes separate you from anybody else and add to your company’s secret sauce,” he points out.

Cunningham’s job is to keep U.S. Bank’s secret sauce complex and, therefore, powerful.

“My job is to make sure we’re closing the gap between people and opportunity, stakeholders, customers, communities and employees, and I’m so proud to work for an organization that thinks about creating space for everyone to be their authentic self at work every day,” says Cunningham.

“There’s no daylight between who I am as a person and what I get paid to do every day. I’m so fortunate to be able to say that.”

Of course, a corporate culture of diverse, authentic individuals presents challenges.

“You have to make room for people who are different than you and might see the world differently than you do. You might be super passionate about a cause, but know there’s someone across the table who is just as passionate about the opposite side of that issue,” states Cunningham.

The challenge in such a situation is finding common ground. “You have to come together around a common cause and work through your differences. Inclusive means inclusive of everybody, even those who don’t agree with what you do around diversity.”

There are other challenges, too, at U.S. Bank. “We’re performance-based, so focus on your performance. When you do, opportunities open themselves to you in ways you can’t imagine.”

Cunningham realized this early in his career. “I was working at a retailer on various marketing campaigns, and I told my boss that I wanted to start a multicultural campaign. She said, ‘You don’t have to sell me on you. You just have to sell me on the idea.’”

Cunningham had already built up capital with his boss, and capital counts, both on the balance sheet and in relationships.

“I had done enough for her to take a chance on something she didn’t understand. Building capital by performing at a high level builds trust, and trust allows you to make mistakes, which will happen,” he says.

One of 74,000 employees, Cunningham feels fortunate to work in such a giving company.

“I really dig our culture of philanthropy. We have a platform called Community Possible that’s built upon the notion we can make real impact in communities if we focus on home initiatives,” details Cunningham.

“You can’t build vibrant communities if people aren’t working, and aren’t playing. I was really refreshed coming to this company and learning how important philanthropy and volunteerism is here. It’s one of our crown jewels.”

U.S. Bank is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Learn more via Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Glassdoor, Instagram and Twitter. Find job options at usbank.com/careers/index.html.

 

Fannie Mae’s Harrison Ascends the Career Ladder

Chanelle B. Harrison now has lofty letters and words trailing her name: MBA, PMP. Analyst II, capital markets at Fannie Mae. However, she began her Fannie Mae career on the lower rungs.

“I started as an administrative assistant, but I wasn’t limited in my career or development. I had a great manager at the time who really mentored my growth,” she recalls.

To better ascend the ladder, Harrison added the first three letters.

“Obtaining my MBA really enabled my career to flourish. I was able to advance from administrative assistant to a business specialist in the consumer resource center at the height of the housing crisis. I was responsible for researching the Fannie Mae Selling/Servicing Guide and responding to consumer inquiries,” says Harrison.

It wasn’t just about a promotion. It was also about doing important work. “It was a great opportunity to really learn about the business and help homeowners who were facing hardships,” she remembers.

Harrison added three more letters and more responsibility. “I later obtained a project management professional (PMP) certification and moved into project management roles.”

And she’s reached a wonderful rung. “In my current role in capital markets, I really do love the excitement of my work. There are always changes to the market, which requires flexibility, and there are challenges that require what I call ‘deep thinking exercises.’ When I’m able to think through a complex problem or issue, and come up with a solution that works, it’s quite a thrilling experience.”

One of approximately 7,200 employees, Harrison initially foresaw a different career than finance. “I graduated from undergrad with a plan to be a physical therapist. My first job post-graduation was in a physical therapy office and I did not enjoy it.”

So Harrison changed course. “I had to make adjustments and come up with another plan. I knew how I wanted my work to make me feel and what I wanted to accomplish. I didn’t know that Fannie Mae was part of that plan and it’s been an awesome experience.”

You might assume that the weighty responsibilities of mortgages would preclude “an awesome experience.”

However, according to Harrison, “as serious and complex as the mortgage market is, we do find ways to have fun. The company has social events sponsored by a different group in the organization every week, which gives employees the opportunity to unwind a bit and catch up with colleagues. Capital markets leadership also finds ways to put a bit of fun in our work. We recently held a pie cook-off contest for Pi Day.”

And there are further ways to connect with one’s diverse colleagues. “There are a number of Employee Resource Groups, e.g., African Ancestry, Veterans, Christian, etc., that serve as their own community to acknowledge and celebrate differences. How awesome is that!” she points out.

Harrison was struck by the diversity her first day: “One of the things I noticed when I first joined the company and instantly loved was how diverse Fannie Mae is and how ingrained it is in the culture of the company.”

The tasks at Fannie Mae are as diverse as its workers, and Harrison reaches out to colleagues outside of her wheelhouse.

“Get out of your comfort zone. I’m an introvert and feel awkward in some social settings, but networking is part of the job and part of your development,” she advises.

“Go to lunch or grab coffee with someone outside your team. Ask about what they do and how they got there. You never know the connections that you make.”

Another strategy that’s worked for Harrison is tweaking all tasks, turning them into invigorating challenges.

“My best friend’s Dad gave me great advice many years ago. He told me to ‘take what you have and make it what you want,’ which I hold dear. My interpretation of that is take something you have to do [and make it] into something you want/like to do. Find the silver lining.”

Fannie Mae is headquartered in Washington, DC. Learn more via Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn. Find career possibilities at fanniemae.com/portal/careers/index.html.

 

Wells Fargo’s Fatheree Buckles Down When Others Buckle

Currently Natasha C. Fatheree is relationship manager, corporate and investment bank, technology group at Wells Fargo & Company, which has more than 263,000 team members in 8,300-plus locations in 42 countries and territories. However, not that long ago, she was scrapping to launch her career.

“Three months before I graduated from Columbia Business School in 2009, my full-time employment offer was rescinded as a consequence of The Great Recession,” Fatheree recounts.

“I had accumulated significant business school debt, I was living in New York, and the national job market was bleak. The finance job market in New York was non-existent.”

So what did she do with circumstances that threatened to crush her fledgling career?

“I busted my hump - and my hustle was real,” she emphasizes.

“I used the relationships I forged with professors during office hours and in class to secure part-time, post-graduate positions. I joined forces with other displaced professionals on sweat-equity (non-paid) projects to stay relevant, and immersed in the recession-solution generation.”

She even squeezed cash out of her tiny apartment: “I lofted my living room and got a roommate in my 447 square-foot, one-bedroom apartment to make ends meet.”

She kept her head above water until the economy recovered. “I leveraged my network and stayed in touch with my professional sponsors until the market returned, and I negotiated another full-time employment offer (nine months post-graduation). Be resourceful,” she shares.

Fatheree encourages students to utilize established networks.

“A number of organizations exist to help educate and broker engagement among financial institutions and fintech,” she says.

“I maintain on-going involvement with the following organizations: Harlem Educational Activities Fund, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, Robert Toigo Foundation, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, The Consortium and Inroads.”

Once hired, keep the networking pedal to the metal, Fatheree recommends.

“Partner with established players to maximize your financial services understanding and opportunities. Finance touches all industries and has the ability to change the socioeconomic status of individuals and institutions,” she elaborates.

The reach and importance of finance means positions are coveted, according to Fatheree. “Careers in finance remain highly competitive, but there are a number of opportunities to get your foot in the door during every stage of one’s career life cycle.”

And what does Fatheree do? “I advise corporate technology customers on financial strategies that leverage the capital markets (debt and equity) and treasury management solutions to help them make a meaningful impact in their respective industries and communities.”

It’s essential work. “Capital is the life blood of business, and it’s extremely gratifying to empower corporations with the resources they require to innovate and expand. The products and services that my company develops make a difference in every stage of a business’ life cycle. Our technology group has the chance to advise companies from start-ups to S&P 500 constituents and beyond.”

Once upon a time, Fatheree never imagined there was work like hers.

“Growing up in the suburbs of Orange County, CA, my only perspective of a job in banking was that of a teller. My exposure to financial institutions was limited to retail branches and ATMs,” reflects Fatheree.

“It was not until I got to college in the financial capital of the world (New York) that I appreciated the difference between retail and institutional banking.”

Fatheree loved what she saw. “I was drawn to the energy, excitement and earnings potential of the banking industry. I discovered banking could provide ambitious, young, new college graduates with access to significant business decision-makers (i.e., CEO, CFOs) and industry leaders.”

Fathereee’s acquired acumen even serves her personal life. “I recognized that working in banking could supplement the lack of financial education I received in secondary school and at home,” she says.

“Through my employment in financial services, I have aggregated an invaluable finance toolkit that extends beyond basic solutions (i.e., student loans, mortgage and retirement) to the instruments of wealth creation and preservation (i.e., equity, investing and asset management).”

And wherever you’re going in finance, walk through the door ready to go, Fatheree counsels.

“Proactively empower your sponsors with the tools to recommend you! Be prepared to articulate a customized value proposition that relates your skills and experience. Be ready, don’t get ready,” she concludes.

Explore San Francisco, CA-headquartered Wells Fargo via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. Find career options at wellsfargo.com/about/careers.

 

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Fintech Prospects Promising

Did you know that 75% of financial services firms plan to adopt blockchain technology? Or that C-suite executives plan to increase investment in artificial intelligence by 50%?

Fintech, the intersection of technology and financial services, is a red-hot industry as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology - which is heavily used in bitcoin - are changing the way financial institutions function.

More students and professionals are entering this growing space as there are many high-paying jobs, and it’s only going to increase. 

The team at BusinessStudent.com today recently released a report about the 10 Best Fintech Careers for the Future.

The report also highlights which companies are currently hiring such as Bank of America, Citi Coinbase and others. 

If you want a successful future in fintech, then here are a few of the jobs to consider:

• Cybersecurity Analyst: Research from IBM has found the financial services industry has been cyber attacked more than any industry since 2016. It’s expected there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021.

• Blockchain Developer: Upwork has seen a year-over-year increase of more than 35,000% for people posting jobs for blockchain developers. 

• Apps Developer: The demand for mobile payment solutions is being driven by younger, tech-savvy consumers. Visa has indicated nearly 35% of their users made a peer-to-peer digital payment this year.

• Compliance Expert: As the regulatory burden in fintech grows, there will be a need for more compliance experts. The Wall Street Journal has reported that compliance officer is one of the hottest jobs in the country.

For more insights visit businessstudent.com/careers/best-fintech-careers-and-jobs-for-the-future.

Source: businessstudent.com