By Amanda N. Wegner

 

The rapidly changing banking and finance field needs talent who bring ideas and innovation.

 

In Ernst & Young’s (EY) 2016 global banking outlook, Transforming Talent - The Banker of the Future, the consulting firm stated that “banks will need an adaptable, ‘intrapreneurial’ workforce, with the diversity of thought that promotes innovation. Few banks have such a workforce today - most will need to build it.”

It’s a bold statement, but it also leaves the door wide open for new and young talent in this rapidly changing field. It’s not only a shining beacon to those considering a career within banking and finance, but also an opportunity to help evolve this industry now and in the future.

Here, four established professionals who forged successful niches in finance and banking share how they are promoting innovation and pushing change in the industry. They also offer advice about succeeding in this ever-growing and ever-changing industry.

 

Maxberry’s Multifaceted Role at Fifth Third Ensures Quality & Security

Especially in the financial industry, there’s a need for people who can identify and manage risks in their organization. Adoria Maxberry is that person at Fifth Third Bank, a global banking and financial services firm headquartered in Cincinnati, OH.

Maxberry is a vendor specialist in the bank’s chief administrative office, helping to secure the data bank vendors use, monitor vendor performance to ensure quality and efficiency of work, and ensure vendor services align with the company’s business strategies.

“As companies leverage more suppliers to do certain functions or activities, it’s critical we monitor and manage those relationships to ensure quality delivery and the security of information,” she states.

For instance, Maxberry recently served as an ambassador for a new system Fifth Third integrated into its vendor risk management and sourcing departments, in which she had the opportunity to work intimately with various departments and individuals.

“As the central point of contact for inquiries, I’ve been the liaison between these groups and the vendor,” says Maxberry, who joined the company in November 2009. “From answering inquiries to providing mini training sessions, a saying has been coined that I’m humbled to say rings true: ‘Ask Adoria!’”

What Maxberry appreciates most about Fifth Third is its “focus on making sure people are engaged, bringing their true self to work and really living the core values of teamwork and collaboration, integrity, accountability, respect and inclusion….Having formal leadership programs, great learning curricula and courses, strong business resource groups and dedicated leaders were all reasons that I can wear my pin proudly.”

To be successful in the banking industry, Maxberry says five key characteristics are necessary. These are:

• Focusing on the Customer: “That’s necessary in this field and in any role at the bank and beyond. Do what’s right for them and think from all perspectives,” she says.

• Being Inquisitive: “You have to ask the right questions and think through whether the information you’ve received is what you need. Also think through the needs of those impacted both internally and externally to ensure you’re doing what is best,” she explains.

• Thinking Critically: “It’s important to be able to sift through data to make decisions and recommendations. Think through the impacts in the near and distant future,” she advises.

• Being Engaged: “Be ready to actively learn, teach and interact with many different groups. We work with people from so many different departments in lots of different roles. It’s critical to develop and maintain strong relationships,” she counsels.

• Being Knowledgeable: “For this field that means understanding the laws, rules and regulations that affect our industry and having knowledge of the vendor management business and the businesses you support,” she outlines.

While the financial industry is highly regulated, it’s ever-changing, thereby providing the opportunity to grow.

“In coming years,” observes Maxberry, “I see the field expanding as long as businesses continue to collaborate to help complete any function from consulting to janitorial services [and] payroll processing. Establishing, evaluating, maintaining and auditing these relationships will be what keeps these businesses functioning as a healthy organizations.”

Learn more details about career paths at Fifth Third Bank by visiting 53.com/careers.

 

Smith’s Determination Yields Success & Homeownership at Associated

Companies do best when they - and their employees - reflect the communities they serve. Denise N. Smith helps Green Bay, WI-based Associated Bank achieve that.

As senior vice president and director of multicultural and affordable lending for Associated Bank - a leading Midwest banking franchise and one of the top 50, publicly traded, U.S. bank holding companies - Smith is responsible for affordable and multicultural strategy, managing relationships with the bank’s non-profit organizations, real estate partners and government entities that focus on affordable and minority lending, and overseeing a team that manages community lending loan officers.

It was about 15 years ago when Smith was seeking a career change at her previous employer and she saw a community loan officer position that was posted.

“I didn’t have any mortgage lending experience or background,” she says. “However, I had very good communication, relationship management, strategic thinking, customer service and organizational skills, so the manager took a chance on me. Once I became a community lending loan officer, I found tremendous fulfillment in helping people who didn’t believe homeownership was possible. I knew right away I had found my passion.”

Smith started at Associated in September 2015 after being downsized by her previous employer. Undeterred by the event and with a strong desire to stay in the affordable housing and multicultural lending field, she began researching companies and found a newspaper article about Associated Bank.

“I knew they had a need for someone with my skills and experience,” recalls Smith. “I called everyone I knew at Associated Bank and sent them a resume. They forwarded it to the recruitment area and got it in the hands of a few senior managers, and I received a call from the recruiter to start the interviewing process.”

What Smith particularly enjoys about her job is her team and watching them grow to reach their full potential. But that’s not all.

“I also enjoy knowing that we are affecting real change in low- to moderate-income and minority communities by working with our partners to educate [people] around homeownership and making them financially capable. For many of our customers, purchasing a home may be the biggest investment they will make. In the end the real impact is putting people in homes,” she relates.

That said Smith believes the job outlook for her field is good: “I believe there will always be a need for multicultural and affordable lending. There’s been increased attention from a regulatory view to ensure all communities are serviced equally, and this area requires a concentrated focus. The demographics are constantly changing and the opportunity is great.”

The best way to position one’s self for success in multicultural and affordable lending, believes Smith, is to continuously broaden your skills and knowledge.

“Never stop learning. The banking industry is constantly changing and evolving. It’s important to stay relevant. Extend your professional network by meeting as many people in this industry or related industries as you can. Utilize social networks and technology to extend your reach,” she emphasizes.

Log onto careers.associatedbank.com for further information about job opportunities at Associated Bank.

 

Regions’ Simmons Makes Financial Literacy Relatable

Candie Simmons wears many hats for Birmingham, AL-based Regions Bank, one of the nation’s largest, full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, mortgage and insurance products and services.

As regional marketing director for the state of Mississippi, Simmons manages advertising, marketing, contributions and sponsorships for the state, is a point of contact for local media and provides sales support for Regions bankers.

“My job is to make Regions the choice for individuals who want to ensure their banking needs are fulfilled,” says Simmons.

Regions has a 16-state footprint, including more than 130 branches in Mississippi.

While her work is multifaceted, one of Simmons favorite ways to market the bank is Regions “Reality Fair” partnership with the University of Mississippi, “Ole Miss.”

This financial event, which began in 2015, helps teach student athletes the true cost of living. Each student athlete starts with a $1,500 monthly budget and moves through stations to make choices regarding housing, utilities, car payments, groceries and cellphone plans. Each choice comes at a cost, which is deducted from their monthly budget. They’re also confronted with other scenarios as they proceed, such as flat tires or gifts, which can change the monthly budget.

“The exercise is to teach financial literacy and show students how to budget, but also that you can’t budget every last dollar. You need to be prepared for the unexpected. It’s a fun experience, we get positive feedback, and the student athletes are engaged and enjoy it,” says Simmons.

Regions Bank has been a participant in similar financial reality fair events at high schools for the past 10 years; the Old Miss partnership is the first time the bank has run the entire show.

“Events like the reality fair, teaching kids how to budget and write checks, that’s taking the bank outside the bank, extending the experience and making banking and financial literacy enjoyable,” says Simmons, who came to Regions after working in alumni affairs for Ole Miss.

Simmons also works with non-profits on sponsorships and contributions. “My passion is to do for others. I really enjoy this part of my work - and all my work - with Regions,” she says.

Being in a job she enjoys is a big change from what Simmons was initially seeking when she graduated from college. That also serves as the basis for her top job-search advice.

“When I first graduated, I couldn’t find job paying more than $30,000; I wanted to make $50,000 or $60,000…that was frustrating, and I was on a roller coaster. That’s when my dad told me, ‘You have to work and take what you can get, but keep moving forward. Meet people. Do what you love and the money will come later. I was so focused on salary versus finding something that I would enjoy. Once I changed my perspective, things began to happen,” she remembers.

Her work with the bank also serves as a reminder that the banking and finance industry employs more than just individuals with degrees in accounting or finance.

“While there are positions in banking that require those degrees, there are many that don’t, that you can learn on the job,” shares Simmons. “We have many bankers who started in branches, working with customers. If you have good customer service skills, are organized, can communicate effectively with your peers and manager, those skills are invaluable and will take you throughout your banking career.”

Visit regions.com/about_regions/careers.rf for more information about career possibilities at Regions Bank.

 

BMO Harris’ Ransone Helps Customers Find the Right Solutions

Josh Ransone is in the business of solutions. As a sales associate in commercial banking, treasury and payment solutions for Chicago, IL-based BMO Harris Bank - one of the largest banks in the Midwest and provider of a broad range of personal and commercial banking products and solutions - Ransone works with current and potential clients to determine how BMO can help them optimize their accounts and improve their business.

“My major job function is to optimize the banking experience for current customers and prospects. I work with clients to determine ways BMO would be a better fit, look at their accounts and their activity and make recommendations. Based on their industry and activities, I offer suggestions to save them some money, meet their specific needs and be more efficient,” Ransone elaborates.

Another major part of this review is identifying any fraud gaps. “Fraud is always a prominent piece. Anyone can be a target, and we want to make sure all clients are as educated as possible,” he notes.

With the company for about one year, he was hired right out of college, but he had started following BMO prior to that.

“I really liked the company culture prior to starting the interview process,” recalls Ransone. “I had spoken with people who work here, which helped provide the introduction I needed. Based on interactions with them, learning more and doing my own research, it was an opportunity I wanted to pursue based on all I had heard and the good reviews.”

During the interview process and now as an employee, he also appreciates the company’s focus on individual growth.

“BMO takes a strong stance on growth with employees and makes sure they’re constantly evolving with the organization,” he says. “I’m seeing that already, seeing the interest they’re taking in me specifically.”

As a recent college graduate and new hire, Ransone offers a great deal of practical advice for job seekers and young employees. For example:

• Learn from Your Mistakes: “If someone provides advice, then take note of it; don’t be too proud to receive critiques or advice,” counsels Ransone. “It’s always better to know the best way forward than to be proud and stuck in your own ways.”

• Be Flexible: “While you can plan and plan and plan, things might not always go right. The ability to improvise will help you succeed; in fact, it’s going to be required of you. The ability to think on your feet and adjust will position you best for this type of position,” he observes.

• Be Open and Network: “I cannot harp enough on the importance of networking, more so than anything else. One major reason why I landed where I did is because of networking. It’s important to expand your network, because you never know how [with whom] you connect can lead to more business opportunities or something else. This field has shown me how much relationships matter…we grow the business on a daily basis just by building relationships,” he emphasizes.

For individuals who possess these skills and characteristics, Ransone believes they’re poised for success both in this field and the company.

“BMO is strong, and the industry as a whole is strong, especially if it continues to go the way I think it will. This is definitely a growing field. There’s a need for it and there always will be a need for it,” he adds.

Further details regarding career opportunities at BMO Harris can be viewed at bmoharris.com/us/about/careers/career-opportunities.