<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), inclusion is much more than a word. It’s a promise to provide a work environment where every team member feels essential and supported.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Leo’s Journey</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">One inspiring example of UWM’s commitment is Leo P., a dedicated member of the Mail Services team. Leo, who lives with a disability, has shown remarkable perseverance and dedication, making his journey a testament to the impact of support and the <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/diversity-and-inclusion">inclusive culture</a> we strive hard to uphold.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Leo first learned about UWM through his father, a team member in IT. With the encouragement of his father and the UWM Talent team, Leo was given an opportunity on the Building Services team. Despite challenges, Leo completed the process and began his career at UWM.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">After some time, Leo's leaders recognized his potential and exposed him to different roles within Building Services, ultimately leading him to the Mail Room, where he found his perfect fit.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“Having the ability to try different roles gave me an opportunity to identify where my talents could be best used,” Leo shared.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Today, Leo plays a key role in timely and accurate delivery of internal communications and packages across campus. His attention to detail and commitment to service make a daily impact, proving that when people are supported and empowered, they thrive.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/uwm/image/upload/v1760102897/UWM.com/Images/UWMCareers/blog-post-inclusion-image1-2.jpg" height="auto" width="80%" />
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Recognition and Advocacy</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Leo’s impact doesn’t stop there. His influence extends into the broader community, where his resilience and advocacy continue to inspire. He was recently honored with the <a href="https://www.tedlindsay.org/courage-award">Ted Lindsay Foundation Courage Award</a>, which celebrates individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who exemplify exceptional courage and perseverance. This recognition reflects not only Leo’s personal journey, but also the inclusive spirit that defines UWM.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Nominated by FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation, Leo’s journey to receiving this award was a collaborative effort. FAR’s president reached out to Leo’s father for additional insight, and together they felt it would be meaningful to include an endorsement from Leo’s team leader, Marsha.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“Between the endorsement from FAR and the support from UWM, I was selected as one of the 2025 recipients,” Leo shares. “I hope to bring awareness that individuals on the autism spectrum are just as capable as any other human being.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Leo is also an active member and advocate of United Abilities, one of UWM’s <a href="https://uwmcareers.com/blog/our-differences-make-all-the-difference">Team Member Resource Groups</a> (TMRGs). With over 300 members and growing, United Abilities supports team members with disabilities and those who want to learn, develop and foster a safe, inclusive environment.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“Being part of United Abilities has given me the platform to not just share my story, but also to listen and learn from others,” says Leo. “It’s a community where every voice matters, and that’s incredibly empowering.”</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">The Power of Community</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">What makes UWM's approach to inclusion unique is the recognition that diversity isn't about numbers but about creating genuine connections and opportunities for every team member.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Kim B., a founding member of United Abilities and part of the Legal team, shared that the group has always emphasized solidarity. She noted that UWM’s inclusive environment helps employees with disabilities feel connected and supported as part of the broader workplace community.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Sam T., also a member of United Abilities, values how the group uplifts individuals and amplifies their voices. “As a person who has had to be creative throughout their life to accomplish things, I enjoy developing relationships with others in similar environments.”</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/uwm/image/upload/v1760104108/UWM.com/Images/UWMCareers/blog-post-inclusion-image2-2.jpg" alt="blog-post-inclusion-image-2.jpg" height="auto" width="80%" />
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Building an Inclusive Culture, One Member at a Time</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">These stories aren’t just examples of inclusion; they’re proof of what’s possible when people are allowed to be themselves and support what matters to them. That’s why you belong here, too.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Your background, your abilities and your unique perspective aren’t just accepted at UWM — they’re celebrated. Whether you're joining a TMRG or simply supporting your teammates, you're contributing to something greater: a culture built on respect, connection and opportunity. We’re ready when you are.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">If you have questions or want to learn more, join our team.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 50px;">&nbsp;</p>

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Inclusion in Action: You Belong Here

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, we’ve found that the act of inclusion doesn’t always have to be a grand gesture. It can also be found in subtle, everyday accommodations that help our team members feel valued and supported. From meditation rooms and quiet spaces to flexible schedules, these small but significant efforts contribute to a culture where everyone can thrive.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">How Small Accommodations Make a Big Impact</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Inclusion at UWM starts with recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of our workforce. Our campus amenities and accommodations play a crucial role in this effort. For example, meditation rooms provide space for team members to take a moment for mindfulness and reflection. Lactation rooms offer a private and comfortable environment for new mothers.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">These simple accommodations have a significant impact on the well-being and productivity of our team members — and when team members feel their personal needs are met and respected, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and invested in the company. Moreover, these accommodations support a diverse workforce by recognizing and valuing different cultures and personal needs. At UWM, we understand that fostering an inclusive environment is essential for creating a culture where everyone can succeed.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Quiet Spaces for Focus and Productivity</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">In addition to accommodating the unique needs of our diverse workforce, UWM also believes in providing spaces where every team member can work, make a phone call, or have a meeting in private. These spaces come in a variety of forms throughout our campus, from privacy coves to casual nooks and even a restored vintage phone booth.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">In UWM’s modern, open work environment designed to increase collaboration, these small spaces give our team members a place where they can focus, discuss sensitive or confidential topics, brainstorm and more. They also offer a peaceful retreat where team members can relax, de-stress, or simply take a moment to themselves.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">The Flexibility to Succeed</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Another UWM initiative is Flex 60, which gives team members the flexibility to start work within 60 minutes before or after their scheduled shift. By acknowledging that life happens — even during work hours — we empower our team members to take control of their schedules and find a balance that works for them. Whether for parents with school-aged children, individuals pursuing further education, or those with unique commitments, Flex 60 is just another simple way UWM supports our team’s unique needs and lifestyles.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, we strongly believe inclusion practices are essential to creating a supportive and empowering work environment, and we are committed to providing the resources our team members need to feel and perform their best. If you're interested in learning more about how UWM supports diversity and inclusion, we invite you to explore our initiatives, career opportunities and additional campus offerings. Then, check out our open roles to discover how you can be a part of our team.</p>

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A Space to Breathe, Thrive at UWM

<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Unlock Your Potential</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Looking to grow, pivot or reignite your career? UWM’s Rotational Program offers experienced professionals the opportunity to explore more than 20 teams, develop leadership skills and accelerate their growth within the mortgage industry. While the program only opens for hiring during select months of the year, and there are no roles available at this time, it’s a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact. We help make the dream of homeownership a reality for borrowers and ensure a seamless experience for our broker partners.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Inside The Program</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Within this 12-month rotational program, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of key teams such as Underwriting, Sales, Operations, Technology and Client Experience. These immersive rotations are designed to foster deep learning while giving you a cross-functional experience and leadership exposure. After completing the program, you’ll be placed on a permanent team tailored to your strengths and your potential to make an impact.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“From the opportunity to be mentored by executive leadership and program alumni, to rotating through 20+ lanes of business, the network participants are able to create for themselves in such a short amount of time is incredible” says Nick D., program graduate and now Team Leader.</p>

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<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">While 5 years of experience is recommended, UWM prioritizes leadership potential, strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset. No prior mortgage industry experience is required.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">As Nick explains, "The UWM rotational program has been a life-changing experience for professionals at a career crossroads."</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Day-To-Day Insights</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Starr L., a team member who joined the UWM Rotational Program in 2025, shares, “The most valuable learning came from hands-on projects tied to specific business processes. They gave me practical insight and helped me understand how each area contributes to the bigger picture. I had to become comfortable with discomfort,” she explains. “That mindset helped me grow and sharpen my communication, emotional intelligence and leadership skills.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Throughout the program, participants are supported by a dedicated mentor, build a strong peer network and form meaningful connections across the company. Mentors provide guidance and feedback, while the peer network fosters collaboration and idea exchange among participants.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Success Stories</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Graduates of the program are well-prepared to take on impactful roles at UWM. Taylor M., Class of 2023, and now a Marketing Business Specialist, shares, “The greatest success from my time in the program came from the strong relationships I built and the vast knowledge I gained across different teams.”</p>

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<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Ben G., Class of 2017 and now Vice President of Lending Support, was among the youngest members of his group. “I came in each day with a positive attitude and was ready to work hard,” he says. “During my rotation we launched an initiative to recognize strong performance, which had a lasting impact across teams.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Once placed on a permanent team, you’ll be equipped with the <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/training"><u>training</u></a> and insights gained from the program to make a meaningful impact and thrive in your role.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Your Path Starts Here</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Your journey toward a fulfilling and impactful career begins now. Discover how you can take the first step by exploring our <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/career-resources/hiring-process"><u>hiring process</u></a> and visiting the UWM careers website.</p>
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Accelerate Your Career With the UWM Rotational Program

<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">We Make New Hire Training Only the Beginning of Your Professional Growth</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Don’t worry if you don’t know mortgages. Pursuing a career at UWM comes with endless opportunities to gain experience, and all new hires receive the tools and training necessary to succeed.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">From the moment you join our team, you’ll feel welcomed and supported. Our friendly culture ensures that questions are encouraged, and help is always available. Regardless of your background or experience level, our structured training programs are tailored to set you up for success, with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Just ask David, AVP, Product Delivery, who previously worked for 17 years as a Television Producer before joining UWM. “Our new hire training breaks down the nuances of a complex process in ways that are easy to remember and apply.” As the nation’s #1 mortgage lender and a <a href="https://trainingmag.com/uwm-is-newest-training-hall-of-fame-member/"><u>Training Magazine Hall of Fame</u></a> company, we know how to start you off strong.”</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">A Future You Are In Control Of</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Every team member’s first day at UWM begins with our <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/training"><u>New Hire Training</u></a> program, which may be followed by an additional 1-10 weeks of training depending on your role. Once you hit the floor, we make sure your ongoing training matches your goals for a successful career at UWM.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Our commitment to your growth includes clear paths for advancement, mentorship opportunities and ongoing educational opportunities. It’s all an integral part of how we’ve become the leading mortgage lender in the nation.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Andre, Team Leader and Operations Specialist, had already established himself in the mortgage industry, but quickly confirmed UWM offered him a better way to succeed. “UWM’s training is by far the best I’ve ever had. Despite my prior mortgage experience, the comprehensive training I received allowed me to refresh and expand my knowledge, boosting my confidence and comfort in my role.”</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">A Proven Path To Your Success</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">No matter what your background, experience or industry expertise, UWM has a proven blueprint for your success. Always supported by a strong foundation and built through a supportive work environment.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“As a sales leader, UWM’s weekly trainings have been instrumental in enhancing my ability to lead effectively,” said Dustin, Sr. Team Leader, Senior National Account Executive. “The continuous support and comprehensive training ensure that we’re well-equipped to manage and inspire our teams for years to come.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Are you ready to turn your talents into an epic career at UWM, supporting thousands of entrepreneurs and their borrowers across the country? Start your journey at <a href="https://careers-uwmcareers.icims.com/jobs/search?ss=1&searchCategory=&searchCompany=&searchZip=&searchRadius=20&_gl=1*16q14br*_gcl_au*NjY4NDM0NDEwLjE3NTA0NDI3MTU.*_ga*MTE1NTkxMzY5MS4xNzUwNDQyNzE1*_ga_26BWEV664H*czE3NTI1MDQ5MzQkbzI2MiRnMSR0MTc1MjUwNjM2MyRqNTAkbDAkaDA."><u>UWM Careers</u></a>.</p>
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Discover How Our Award-Winning Training Empowers Every Team Member

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">With a “continuous innovation” mindset, UWM is a forward-thinking company that continues to set new standards for technology and customer service. Our team members are constantly working to create new products and unveil new capabilities that have helped make UWM the #1 mortgage lender in the country for 3 consecutive years AND the #1 wholesale lender for the past 10 years in a row. And with a just-announced 3-year goal that aims to have 90% of all UWM loans receive a perfect rating from our brokers and borrowers, we’re already planning future innovations to help us get there.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">It all happens with a singular mission in mind: to grow and support our mortgage broker partners, and make them the obvious choice for consumers buying or refinancing their homes. Innovation is also the reason we host the UWM LIVE! event in Pontiac for brokers, their real estate agent partners, investors, media and more. This annual event is full of bold announcements, industry-disrupting tech introductions, and endless examples of pushing the envelope to dramatically impact our partners’ success.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">An Epic Event With Industry-Wide Impact</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Having just wrapped its 4th year, UWM LIVE! is the largest mortgage event in the country, bringing thousands of mortgage professionals to the UWM campus to network, share best practices, and learn new things to improve their game. With over 5,000 partners in attendance this year, the energy and momentum of the wholesale channel and broker community was on full display.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Game-Changing Innovations</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">This year’s UWM LIVE! saw the introduction of a suite of connected, AI-driven tools built by our team of 1,800 IT team members to create an easier, more streamlined loan process.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Highlights of these newly launched solutions include <a href="https://www.housingwire.com/articles/uwm-ai-tools-leo-mia-offer-analysis-virtual-borrower-assistance/"><u>Loan Estimate Optimizer (LEO)</u></a> which gives loan originators a detailed analysis of any loan estimate document with tips on how to win the loan and the UWM tools they can use to help push it over the finish line.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Another first-of-its-kind innovation is <a href="https://www.housingwire.com/articles/uwm-ai-tools-leo-mia-offer-analysis-virtual-borrower-assistance/"><u>Mia</u></a>, a virtual loan officer assistant that can make and take calls from borrowers, ask and answer questions, schedule follow-up calls and meetings, and much more. The goal of both: to simplify our broker partners’ workflow, supercharge their client relationships and empower them to scale faster and smarter.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">It’s All About Mindset</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">As important as cutting-edge technology is, another key to our partners’ success is having a growth mindset. That’s why each UWM LIVE! event also features notable speakers, ranging from mortgage experts who share their industry expertise to successful figures from other walks of life, who model how the right attitude and professional hunger can produce results. The industry professionals who attend — mortgage brokers, real estate agents, investors and others — consistently bring these lessons back to their own businesses to transform their mindset and drive their success even further.</p>

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<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">A Longtime FinTech And Industry Leader</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">UWM LIVE! is known for its dramatic industry innovations — and UWM’s position as an innovative company goes back much further. A large reason for this success is the strategic partnerships we’ve developed with other industry leaders. For example, Google was a key partner in the development of Mia, the new AI loan officer assistant. “Google actually said, ‘Slow down, it’s not possible at this scale, giving out 50,000 phone numbers and inbound lines and making all these calls concurrently,’” said Jason Bressler, Chief Technology Officer at UWM. “<a href="https://www.mpamag.com/us/specialty/wholesale/mortgage-giant-launches-ai-powered-loan-officer-assistant-this-has-never-been-done-ever/536038"><u>I said, ‘We’re going to figure it out together,’ and we did.</u></a>”</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">A Celebration Of Innovation — And You’re Invited</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Ready to be part of our growing team that’s generating big headlines? Explore our <a href="https://careers-uwmcareers.icims.com/jobs/search?ss=1&searchCategory=&searchCompany=&searchZip=&searchRadius=20"><u>Open Roles</u></a> for career growth opportunities! You can also follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/uwmlife/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D#"><u>social media</u></a> for the latest news and updates, including additional highlights from UWM LIVE! and other exciting company events throughout the year.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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UWM LIVE!: Where The Mortgage Industry Meets Innovation

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">If you’re a recent or upcoming college graduate, you’re probably wondering what your first steps in your career should be. We know this can be daunting — so let’s hear from someone who has been in your shoes. Today, we’re highlighting the journey of Cam E., who made the leap from college to a thriving career at UWM. In just over 7 years, Cam earned four promotions, from his first position as a Business Innovation Specialist to his current role as Senior Team Leader in Sales.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Cam’s Transition From College to UWM</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Cam graduated from Michigan State University with a minor in Sales Leadership — and throughout his studies, United Wholesale Mortgage was on his radar. “UWM would come to the career fairs at school,” Cam recalls. “I remember Nic G. sharing his UWM story, and I was impressed how the company was quickly rising to take the spot of the #1 wholesale mortgage lender. They were looking for young talent and offered opportunities for advancement, without having to wait 20 years for a promotion. It was clear to see they were offering opportunities for advancement from the start.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Cam was particularly impressed by the group interview process and the personal attention from UWM President and CEO, Mat Ishbia. “Mat came in and talked to us for 10-15 minutes. It spoke volumes to me that the CEO would take the time to talk to college students, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing opportunities for advancement and personal fulfillment. UWM was clearly ready to offer jobs to recent college graduates.”</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">A Culture That Promotes Career Growth</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Cam speaks highly of UWM’s supportive work environment and positive company culture. “I mentioned my interest in sales leadership, and they suggested the Business Innovation Group (BIG) program,” he says. “The BIG program was a unique opportunity to learn the business, build relationships and prepare for a leadership role. I learned so much about mortgages and the process, which really gave me confidence. The opportunities for advancement combined with the positive culture at work made a real difference, contributing greatly to my personal fulfillment.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Cam appreciates how UWM fosters a supportive and collaborative environment. “You can’t do it without the team here. The inside sales atmosphere and having everyone under one roof, even outside of sales, helps with collaboration. Leaders are approachable and available, which was crucial for my professional growth.” Cam was also impressed by UWM’s focus on work-life balance, which helps keep morale high among team members.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Now It’s Your Turn</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">From personalized onboarding to continuous professional development, Cam’s journey at UWM highlights the company’s unique and supportive environment for recent graduates. As Cam says, “If you come in and give 110% every day, the sky’s the limit at UWM.” It’s time to take the first step towards a fulfilling career where your personal and professional development is a priority. Apply today at UWMCareers.com!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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From Campus To Career, Professional Development Lives At UWM

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Continuous Improvement is one of the six guiding principles or “pillars” <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/our-culture"><u>here at UWM</u></a>. It’s also why we created our regular Lunch &amp; Learn workshops — to feed the appetite for knowledge and growth in our team members year-round!</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Why We Hold Lunch &amp; Learn Sessions</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Many of our elective lunch workshops are designed to provide first-rate mortgage training for UWM team members who are new to the industry. However, they’re often focused on helping our people grow personally, with guest speakers and experts who provide experienced perspectives in a friendly environment where questions are welcomed, and continuous growth and learning can happen.</p>

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<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">UWM’s Lunch &amp; Learn sessions feature a wide range of topics. The UWM Training team selects topics based on survey feedback to address team members’ interests and what’s relevant in the mortgage industry. By addressing these subjects, we always ensure that our sessions remain relevant and impactful.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Popular Topics From Past Sessions</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Two of our recent Lunch &amp; Learn workshops were among our most popular yet: “<a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/technology-at-uwm/2025/03/14/how-ai-innovation-transforms-our-work-at-uwm"><u>How UWM Leverages AI</u></a>” and “Conversations On Cybersecurity.” These gave team members in attendance a chance to dive further into our innovative technologies and learn vital skills to protect our organization.</p>
<p>Another topic chosen due to high demand from team members was “First-Time Homebuying Knowledge and Tips.” This session fulfilled a need for those who wanted greater mortgage literacy to use for their own homebuying dreams — during a free midday masterclass over lunch.</p>
<p>Other topics covered during lunch workshops:</p>
<ul style="margin-left:25px;">
  <li>Understanding wholesale lending and expanding the broker channel</li>
  <li>Insights into important tax concepts for team members</li>
  <li>An exclusive Q&amp;A session with UWM President and CEO Mat Ishbia</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Professional Benefits Of Coming To A Lunch &amp; Learn</h2>
<p> style="margin-bottom:20px;"The goal of every session is to help our team members gain new skills to bring to their current position. A Lunch &amp; Learn is a fun way to add new tools that significantly aid career growth. They’ve been extremely successful, with one team member saying, “My entire team attended last week’s Lunch &amp; Learn with Mat. Major takeaways centered around advice on work habits like time management and juggling priorities.”</p>

<img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt3dc3a9b5f53c7020/68d4274d7bf08ecd18977e50/uwm-blog-lunch-image2.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-lunch-image2.jpg" height="auto" />

<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Personal Benefits Of Attending An Upcoming Session</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Continuous Improvement isn’t just about growing at work. While these elective lunch trainings educate you and give you tools to improve your career, they’re also designed to help you grow personally. Whether it’s helping you understand mortgage lending as it applies to your first home or learning tips from our experts to achieve financial well-being and more, you’ll gain new skills you can put to good use and that make a difference in your daily life.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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UWM Lunch & Learns Offer Personal & Professional Growth

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">We’re excited about the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace and aren’t waiting around for others to lead the way. Instead of choosing ready-made tech solutions, we believe in a <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/technology-at-uwm/2022/09/08/innovation-that-makes-an-impact"><u>build vs. buy approach</u></a> and create our own AI tools at UWM. By developing our own technologies, we’re not just keeping up; we’re setting the pace in the mortgage industry. Let’s explore some of our AI innovations and how they’re elevating our game.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">The Role Of AI In Modern Businesses</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Companies are using AI to get things done faster and provide better service by automating tasks or crunching large amounts of data. As exciting as these changes are, they also raise the concern of AI taking over jobs. It’s important to acknowledge that while AI can replace jobs, it can also create opportunities and improve existing roles. At UWM, we see AI as a powerful tool to support our workforce, not replace it. By embracing machine learning and artificial intelligence, team members can learn new skills, complete their tasks faster and more efficiently and potentially even take on roles that didn’t exist before. This integration of technology not only helps our team members grow in their careers but also ensures that everyone benefits.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">AI Tools and Technology at UWM</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At UWM, our proprietary tools like ChatUWM and BOLT demonstrate how we’re leveraging AI innovation to support our clients and team members and improve the overall mortgage experience for borrowers across the country.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">ChatUWM</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">ChatUWM is an advanced AI-powered technology designed specifically for UWM. It helps brokers and team members reduce manual, repetitive and time-intensive tasks from paperwork to guidelines and processes. ChatUWM’s advanced language modeling and data validation allows it to understand and process text better, while also checking that the information entered is correct and complete.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Clients and team members can upload PDFs and interact with the documents, while ChatUWM automatically pulls information from them, reducing mistakes that can happen when manually entering data. It makes it easy to find, summarize and validate data and can answer common questions for both our clients and team members.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Our commitment to innovation and the impact of our AI development has not gone unnoticed, as ChatUWM received the honor of being named one of <a href="https://www.housingwire.com/company-profile/2025-tech100-winner-united-wholesale-mortgage/"><u>HousingWire's Tech100 Award</u></a> winners for companies and solutions that revolutionize the mortgage process.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blted4d45bc993fe8b6/68d4265996697d1dec5382c6/uwm-blog-ai-image.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-ai-image.jpg" height="auto" width="80%" />
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">BOLT</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">In 2021, UWM launched a proprietary technology that cleared the path for a record number of loan approvals and helped borrowers get to the closing table faster than ever before. The Best Origination Loan Tool, or BOLT, is a self-service mortgage underwriting platform that provides independent mortgage brokers with the ability to get an initial approval for qualified borrowers in as little as 15 minutes, as opposed to hours. As we introduced AI into our BOLT technology, the tool became even faster, allowing underwriters to approve up to 14 loans a day, compared to just 6 loans before — more than doubling their volume.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">We’re not only using AI to improve our operations and support our team members, but we’re also <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/workplace-culture/2023/03/21/our-rise-to-1"><u>leading the way</u></a> in the industry. By integrating our advanced AI innovations, we break down barriers and create a one-stop shop where brokers can easily access everything from UWM policies to training resources. And this is just the start.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At UWM, you can expect to be part of a forward-thinking team that values technology as a tool to enhance our team members’ roles and support their growth. See for yourself and become part of our team!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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How AI Innovation Transforms Our Work At UWM

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Black History Month is an opportunity in February to honor the achievements of the Black community and embrace the culture that inspires us all year long. At UWM, we strive to acknowledge each team member’s background and journey and provide community resources to help them feel comfortable and heard. Read some of the ways we’re celebrating this holiday and our team members.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Celebrating Black History Month at UWM</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Black History Month highlights the strength, creativity and impact of Black people who have shaped our world. At UWM, one way team members can learn about the achievements of remarkable people is by walking across the bridge and reading the informational banners that line the path. By highlighting their stories, we grow our understanding of their contribution and how they impact our lives and the people around us.</p>

<img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt33fe5aeb763f840d/68d42346a5f8154f630037e7/uwm-blog-bhm-image1.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-bhm-image1.jpg" height="auto" />

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">UWM also hosts interactive events like Jenga Trivia and a Black History Month Panel, which provide a dynamic mix of activities to come together and learn interesting facts about Black culture and its history. The game encourages team members to learn more about relevant topics and reflect, while the panel offers an opportunity for team members to ask questions and create an inclusive dialogue.</p>

<img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt4616f336018fde7b/68d423598286ed0ef0a22b2a/uwm-blog-bhm-image2.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-bhm-image2.jpg" height="auto" />

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">In addition to reflecting on the past, UWM celebrates Black culture by embracing opportunities to lift each other up to foster pride and belonging in the workplace. One way UWM does this is by hosting a variety of pop-up shops on campus featuring local Black-owned businesses to showcase their incredible talent. “These events act as a platform for Black entrepreneurs to grow and connect with a wider audience,” noted one participant, DeSheria H. of Madison &amp; Grayce Candles.</p>

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<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Likewise, the United Black Leadership Summit embodies this spirit by connecting team members with inspiring leaders at UWM. It’s a networking opportunity all team members can join to learn about current leaders’ career paths and stories that <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/leadership/2024/11/04/leadership-development-opportunities-at-uwm"><u>demonstrate success is attainable</u></a>.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">United Black</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">UWM’s Team Member Resource Groups (TMRG) are another one of our vital networks supporting team members and advocating for DEI. Founded by Aaron Sims, our Diversity and Inclusion Coach, the United Black TMRG is dedicated to developing, cultivating and supporting Black culture and leadership.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Throughout the year, United Black offers a variety of initiatives and programs to grow and empower team members of our Black community. One key opportunity is the Mock Blitz Interview, a chance to take part in trial job interviews with immediate feedback from leaders. This provides practical training and helps team members prepare for career advancement within the company. Additionally, the Book Club is a fan favorite that opens up room for discussion. It serves as a space to share and explore relevant topics and authors that cultivate an appreciation for Black culture. United Black also organizes events to <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/diversity-inclusion/2024/07/11/this-is-how-we-celebrate-pride-at-uwm"><u>spread awareness and unite people</u></a>. Whether it’s a Juneteenth celebration, marching together at the Freedom Walk or bringing the community together through cookouts, something is always going on.</p>

<img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt2913e1031212eaeb/68d4237b2c3afdb97c09ea68/juneteenth-bhm.jpg" alt="juneteenth-bhm.jpg" height="auto" />

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Another way the group stays connected is through a collaborative online space where they share fun anecdotes, celebrate milestones and more. Here, any member can spotlight their own small business or a Black-owned business they support. This increases visibility and spreads awareness while also strengthening the sense of community United Black stands for.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, our <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/diversity-inclusion/2023/10/16/our-differences-make-all-the-difference"><u>commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion</u></a> is part of our workplace culture year-round. Supporting Black culture is an example of how we support our team members as part of our work community. Join us to feel connected!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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United For Black History Month And All Year Long

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">It’s always the right time to try and improve yourself. However, the start of a new year provides the perfect reason to hit the reset button and make a change for the better. After all, setting goals is vital for positive development. At UWM, there are several ways team members are encouraged to set and exceed goals, both personal and professional.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">How To Set Goals The SMART Way</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">You’re more likely to reach your goals when you add details that help you to increase motivation and stay accountable. Making your target specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based gives you a roadmap to follow.</p><ul style="margin-left: 25px;"><li><strong>Specific:</strong> Clearly define what you want to achieve.<br />Example: Instead of saying “I want to save money,” specify “Save $3,000.”</li><li><strong>SMeasurable:</strong> Determine how you will measure progress.<br />Example: “I will save $750 each quarter.”</li><li><strong>Achievable:</strong> Make sure to set realistic goals that aren’t out of reach.<br />Example: “After reviewing my budget and cutting unnecessary costs, my funds cover all my expenses and still allow me to save $750 each quarter.”</li><li><strong>Relevant:</strong> The goal should matter to you and align with other relevant goals.<br />Example: “Saving $3,000 will allow me to buy a car, which will reduce travel time and costs.”</li><li><strong>Time-Based:</strong> Set a deadline. The goal should have a clear and specific start and finish date.<br />Example: “I will save $3,000 by December 31.”</li></ul><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Vague or unclear goals often lack actionable steps, leaving you with uncertainty as to how to start. With a SMART goal-setting strategy, you know exactly what you want to achieve and why.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt82d80584b22e59be/68d421cd56b656b64743034c/uwm-blog-newyear-image1.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-newyear-image1.jpg" height="auto" width="80%"/><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">As a UWM team member, you’ll have monthly one-on-one sessions with your team leader called YourTimes where you can set personal and professional goals and measure your progress. Your leader is there to help you set SMART goals and break those down into manageable steps, while also checking in regularly to see how you’re doing. YourTimes help you achieve your goals by providing a framework that supports you.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Accountability is important for ongoing motivation and commitment. At UWM, we have an internal task system that keeps everyone on track. Whatever you’re working on, from cross-team projects to personal to-do items, this system allows for organization, communication and collaboration. Not only does this keep everyone informed, but it also holds you accountable and helps you stay motivated.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">What Can UWM Do For You?</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At UWM, you’re not alone. No matter your goal, there is a community of like-minded people to share insights, experiences and encouragement, as well as various resources on campus to support you.</p><h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Goal #1: Saving Money</h4><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Is this the year you’ve decided to get your finances in order? UWM offers various resources and benefits to help you stay on top of your financial goals. UPerks, for example, are special discounts and deals from local businesses that help you save money. UWM also partners with Spartan Wealth Management to give you free and easy access to financial advisors on campus who can help you reach your personal financial goals.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/bltb9eb2b1255e73604/68d421dca5f815f3ea0037df/uwm-blog-newyear-image2-3.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-newyear-image2-3.jpg" height="auto" width="80%"/><h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Goal #2: Getting Healthy</h4><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Why not level up your fitness game at work? UWM’s on-site, state-of-the-art gym is free and open 24/7, and the indoor basketball court is perfect for friendly games throughout the day. More than 15 sports leagues allow you to stay active during the year, while bicycles are available throughout campus for the warmer months. Plus, UWM’s wellness team organizes various wellness workshops to cover everything from physical to mental health.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">If you’re more of a competitive spirit, challenges like the nutrition or hydration challenge will have your motivation up in no time. The most anticipated competition is the annual Win By Losing Challenge. It’s a 10-week weight loss challenge with weekly weigh-ins, fun raffles and exciting prizes that has helped team members change their lives. UWM’s cafeteria also has a variety of healthy food options and the convenience store offers nutritious snacks for every craving — no guilty conscience needed.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt287ef43ac19cd24a/68d421e72d9eb06720ff1005/uwm-blog-newyear-image3.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-newyear-image3.jpg" height="auto" width="80%"/><h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Goal #3: Career Growth</h4><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Want to focus on your career this year? Mock interviews give you the opportunity to sharpen professional skills and get valuable feedback from leaders afterward. Job shadows are a chance to gain insights into different roles across the company. A perk called Career Chat also lets you sit down with a career coach to set professional goals and determine the best route to reach them. And with a whole team focused on leadership development, there are resources and support to help you step up and grow.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blte3751316a72797f2/68d421f30b6e915a8d1747d0/uwm-blog-newyear-image4-2.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-newyear-image4-2.jpg" height="auto" width="80%"/><h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Goal #4: Saving Time</h4><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">We could all use a little more time, right? At UWM we bring convenience to team members to help them save time. The on-site doctor’s office, chiropractor, massage and hair salon make staying on top of appointments easy. No need for traffic or long wait times. Lockers from Huntington Cleaners offer easy laundry drop-off, packages can simply be handed over to the mail room and useful service calls can take care of a tire change while you sit comfortably at your desk. You can even get your shopping done without leaving the campus thanks to a variety of events hosting local businesses throughout the year. The on-site ATM ensures that you always have access to cash when you need it.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Whatever your aspirations, setting goals and ensuring you take advantage of the resources around you will help you stay motivated and on track throughout the year. Remember to make your goals SMART, so you know what you want to accomplish and how to measure progress and success. UWM is committed to creating a work environment that empowers our team members and offers them the resources and support they need to succeed. As you embrace the new year, make sure your workplace enables you to set, pursue and achieve professional and personal goals. Not in the UWM family yet? Apply now to join a team that supports your goals!</p>

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New Year, New Goals: How To Set Goals And Reach Them With UWM

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Are you wondering <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/career-tips/2023/06/14/unlocking-your-potential-after-high-school"><u>how to get a job without experience</u></a>, when even entry-level positions today often require multiple years of work history? Instead of just considering your resume, your personality and work ethic play a big role in our hiring decisions at UWM. Most entry-level roles actually require no prior experience in a specific position or in the mortgage industry, focusing instead on offering new team members the tools and training they need to succeed.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Here are 5 reasons why you should consider UWM for your next career opportunity:</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">1. From Mortgage 101 to Role Expert</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">We will teach you everything you need to know, and we’ll pay you while we train you. At UWM, we’re only as good as our people, which is why <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/training"><u>we take training seriously</u></a> and have even been inducted into the <a href="https://trainingmag.com/uwm-is-newest-training-hall-of-fame-member/"><u>Training Hall of Fame</u></a>. Every new team member is considered entry-level at UWM and participates in “New Hire Training.” The first week is spent going through “Mortgage 101,” learning the basics of mortgages to provide you with a robust foundation to build on.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">That isn’t the end of our well-rounded training exercises for newcomers, though. Many new team members proceed to job-specific training that spans multiple weeks or even months, depending on the role. During this time, you will follow an in-depth curriculum that directly relates to your role and teaches you everything you need to know. This ensures that, when these classes are completed and new team members meet their teams, they are prepared and equipped for their position with the knowledge and skills to hit the floor running.</p>

<img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/bltd4d5bac5566c470f/68d420dcffc85a116ae23883/uwm-blog-fivereasons-image1.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-fivereasons-image1.jpg" height="auto" />

<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">2. Shadowing Opportunities to Learn the Ropes</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Everybody knows the feeling of starting something new and having more questions than answers. To help create a positive onboarding, new hires continue their training by shadowing people on their team. A shadow provides the opportunity to observe a specific role, get a feeling for the processes and the people while clearing up any questions that might pop up along the way.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Team members can shadow people across the company, too — even those who have nothing to do with their own position. Do you want to understand what our Operations team does? Are you curious about underwriting? You can simply request a shadow, spend some time with them and find out! UWM also offers virtual job shadows as a flexible and innovative alternative to the in-person option. Through a series of virtual sessions, team members can connect with different teams and observe their workflows. This format not only works around varying schedules but gives all team members the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues and explore potential career paths within the company.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">3. AI-Powered Tools for Instant Answers</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">With AI on the rise, UWM is a trailblazer. What company can say that they developed their own AI-powered tools to support their team members and clients? ChatUWM is UWM’s proprietary AI that helps entry-level new hires master the learning curve of the mortgage industry.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">ChatUWM is more than just a generic AI chatbot. It’s a comprehensive tool that efficiently guides clients and team members through documentation, idea generation and loan processes while offering quick answers and solutions. ChatUWM also provides industry information and guidelines as well as articles and announcements, making it a virtual treasure trove of knowledge. Forget searching for something online or endlessly trying to find information in different folders and documents. Just ask ChatUWM and get what you need in seconds. When it comes to mortgages, nobody can know everything, and with ChatUWM you don’t have to.</p>

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<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">4. Virtual Resources</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Continuous improvement is one of the pillars UWM is built upon and our Academy is a major contributing factor. Team members can access this online platform and its resources from the get-go. This makes the transition to UWM and the mortgage industry smooth and easy, especially when starting in entry-level roles.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Through a variety of assigned and optional courses, new hires can dive into anything they might need to know to succeed in their role. This ever-growing library ensures that everyone is well-prepared and always up to date. Team members are also encouraged to search the Academy for any course that might pique their interest, such as platform and software tutorials, products and guidelines, <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/leadership/2024/11/04/leadership-development-opportunities-at-uwm"><u>training and leadership skills</u></a> and much more.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">5. Fueling Collaboration With Team Training</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">A well-oiled machine needs constant attention to stay that way, and teams function the same way. UWM fosters ongoing team training, designed to create a collaborative and supportive dynamic. Team leads are encouraged to enroll their team in sessions on a wide variety of topics, from industry-specific knowledge to soft skill development and even simple teambuilding exercises. By taking part in these training opportunities, team members not only improve individually but also contribute to a positive team dynamic.</p>

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<p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/career-resources/entry-level-hiring"><u>Joining UWM in an entry-level role</u></a>&nbsp;means getting access to tools and training to build a foundation of growth and success. New hire training provides an in-depth crash course on the mortgage industry, followed by an intensive curriculum that teaches role-specific skills. Job shadowing bridges the transition from theory to practice, helping you get settled into your role, while team training encourages a mindset of continuous improvement. The Academy ensures a seamless introduction to the mortgage industry, and ChatUWM offers a massive database of information and acts as a guide and assistant. Whether you are interested in mortgage career opportunities, are a recent graduate or have no work experience at all — you can start your career at UWM. Join our team!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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5 Reasons Why Entry-Level Jobs At UWM Lead To Career Success

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">One of our core pillars is that ‘Our People are Our Greatest Asset.’ What makes our company great stems from the unique talents and diverse perspectives of our team members. Therefore, we view it as our responsibility to support your growth and are enthusiastic about the growth opportunities available to help you become the best version of yourself.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Leaders Started Like You</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Throughout the company you’ll find leaders who <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/career-tips/2024/08/09/from-working-in-retail-and-restaurant-jobs-to-uwm"><u>began in entry-level roles</u></a> and became senior team members, team leaders and even Assistant Vice Presidents (AVPs) and Senior Vice Presidents (SVPs). We know the best leaders are those who have been there before, who understand the challenges and opportunities in your day-to-day role and can provide first-hand experience on how to overcome those challenges. That’s why we intentionally look to promote team members into these leadership opportunities.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“I sat in the same seat you’re sitting in now. I went through the training myself,” noted Scott S., current Vice President (VP) of Underwriting, who began his career as an underwriter. “If I can do it, you can do it, too.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">In fact, most of our leaders have been promoted from entry-level positions and other roles within the company. The truth is that leadership isn’t simply earned by tenure or a lengthy resume — it’s a mentality. In-depth knowledge of a role, matched with a genuine care for helping others succeed, create the foundation for effective leadership at UWM.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“<a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/workplace-culture/2024/09/06/from-summer-internships-to-full-time-team-members"><u>I started as an intern</u></a> back in 2016 and got hired full time once I got my degree,” said Ana R., current AVP in Closing. “That’s my favorite thing about UWM. If you work hard and put in the effort, you’re able to continuously grow and develop the career you want.”</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/bltdd40a0f3bd4d1bb8/68d40c9610e0001f4630445b/uwm-blog-potential-image1.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-potential-image1.jpg" height="auto" />
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">The Power of Mentorship and Leaning on Others</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Another important element of reaching your full potential is to lean on those around you and engage with a mentor. Doing so can help you work through obstacles, provide a better understanding of how to advance your career with confidence and better identify leadership opportunities.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“Coachable, team player, positive attitude — those qualities really set you up for success,” Renee H., VP of Leadership Development, who began at UWM as an account executive, shared. “Something I noticed when I first came in is the team dynamic. It’s not an individual effort — everyone helps support your growth whenever possible.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">This collective effort to help everyone get better is supported across all aspects of the company. “When I was starting my career at UWM, I frequently met with the Chief Risk Officer to talk about my goals and what I needed to work on,” remarked JR B., AVP of Quality Control who started out as an underwriter. “She helped hold me accountable and in retrospect, that was incredibly life-changing. It meant a lot that someone that high up found the time to sit with me bi-weekly before I was even in a leadership role.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">One of the most valuable things a mentor can offer is constructive feedback that allows you to focus your development on the areas that need it most. The journey toward growth is not linear. You may face setbacks or obstacles, and that’s a normal part of the process. A mentor is someone in your corner who can help your career-progression opportunities, navigate challenges effectively and stay focused on your long-term goals.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“My mentors helped show me I have more to offer,” said Marcus J., who began his career as an underwriter and now serves as AVP of Underwriting-. “They pushed me to achieve more. Most of them were my leaders and would still reach out to me even after I left their team to check on my progress and share advice. That shows they really care about wanting to see me succeed.”</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blta99c852b1a1af21c/68d40ca4df68f6cccfff094a/uwm-blog-potential-image2.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-potential-image2.jpg" height="auto" />
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Resources to Help You Thrive</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Developing the skills to advance to the next stage in your career can be a rewarding challenge that requires time, effort and commitment. While obstacles may arise, we provide the <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/training"><u>resources to build your capabilities</u></a> to help you excel in your role and explore various leadership opportunities.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“A lot of companies provide a couple weeks of training and that’s it,” stated Anthony F., who started at UWM 25 years ago as a courier in the mailroom and now serves as the SVP of Sales. “At UWM we offer <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/technology-at-uwm/2024/10/08/it-career-paths-for-all-levels"><u>continuous training opportunities</u></a>. Whether it’s classroom sessions with our training team or monthly one-on-ones with leaders, I’ve always felt like there was an unmatched level of support that allowed me to overcome the inexperience I had.”</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt1be180916feb2d41/68d40cda2c3afdfef509e9d7/uwm-blog-potential-image4.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-potential-image4.jpg" height="auto" />
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">A program UWM offers to help team members develop is Emerge, an 8-week leadership development program that is designed to cover fundamental leadership skills. We also have a variety of Team Member Resource Groups, such as United Black, Veterans United and United Pride, which offer valuable networking opportunities and the chance to connect with a community that can better understand your challenges and provide essential support.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At UWM, the opportunities are endless for those with a hard work ethic and an eagerness to improve. If you’re interested in finding professional growth and developing your career, join our team!</p>
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Unlocking Your Potential: Leadership Development Opportunities At UWM

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">We frequently say that UWM is a tech company that does mortgages. Our IT team, with nearly 1,600 team members, is at the heart of this. With a collaborative and supportive environment, UWM offers exciting opportunities to grow your skills and make an impact, often without requiring previous experience in the industry. You’ll discover a variety of IT career paths that will help you find the right fit for your talents, interests and future goals.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Unique Training Opportunities At UWM</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">One of the reasons our software development is so successful is our <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/teams/x-program"><u>X Development Programs</u></a>. People with no prior experience in information technology — but a passion and talent for it — get the opportunity to attend our 8+ week courses and learn how to start a career in IT. These programs are stepping stones for new and existing team members combined, providing hands-on training, mentorship and tools to successfully transition into IT when completed.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">We also allow our team members to develop their careers through transitioning into different types of technology roles, like Quality Assurance (QA), Business Analyst (BA) and Developer (Dev). This gives everyone a chance to explore their interests and find where they fit best while working on fun projects.</p>

<img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt63258f2f59affe2e/68d40ae2accb2c4b4010b941/uwm-blog-itpaths-image1.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-itpaths-image1.jpg" height="auto" />

<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">IT Culture On-Site</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">We believe that the best ideas come from working together. Picture this: You’re working on a challenging piece of code and hit a roadblock. At UWM, you don’t need to set up a meeting with someone to figure it out or muddle through for hours on end. You simply <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/workplace-culture/2022/11/15/why-we-re-not-remotely-interested-in-working-remotely-at-uwm"><u>turn to the person next to you</u></a> to start brainstorming. Our experienced team members all have diverse IT career paths and are always happy to share their knowledge and help you grow, whether you’re fresh out of an X Development Program or a seasoned professional. Plus, with leadership just a few steps away on the same floor, you’ll have direct access to decision-makers and see the impact of your work firsthand.</p>

<img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt555bc1cf32abcd2f/68d40af00b6e91b84217470d/uwm-blog-itpaths-image2.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-itpaths-image2.jpg" height="auto" />

<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Build Vs. Buy Philosophy</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Many companies rely on purchasing software solutions, but we like to do things differently. We have a strong preference for building our software solutions in-house, which allows our IT team to have complete control over the functionality, customization and user experience of our applications. While we do integrate some third-party tools, having a foundation built by our own developers ensures we can quickly adapt and customize our systems to meet the specific needs of our users. This also gives our developers incredibly diverse experiences working with a wide range of tools and technologies.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Day-To-Day Responsibilities</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Within the field of IT, team members span a wide range of roles and the job responsibilities vary significantly. From Backend Developers to Frontend Architects and User Experience Designers as well as Quality Analysts, each day is a mix of collaboration, brainstorming and problem-solving.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">If you are passionate about user experience and have a knack for making things both beautiful and functional, then maybe a <a href="https://careers-uwmcareers.icims.com/jobs/12086/senior-ui-developer/job"><u>User Interface (UI) Developer</u></a> role is for you. You’ll be working with languages like SQL and C# to build the front-end components of our applications, making sure the user experience is smooth, intuitive and even a little bit fun.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves to dive deep into complex technical challenges would be a good fit for our <a href="https://careers-uwmcareers.icims.com/jobs/11810/senior-software-developer/job"><u>Senior Software Developer</u></a> role. You’ll be responsible for writing clean, efficient code, designing and implementing new features and working closely with other teams to ensure our software is top-notch.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Requiring a big-picture thinker with a passion for designing elegant and scalable systems, an <a href="https://careers-uwmcareers.icims.com/jobs/11517/ui-architect/job"><u>Application Architect</u></a> role could be your calling. You’ll be responsible for defining the overall architecture of our applications, making sure they can handle the huge volume of transactions we process every day.</p>

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<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse opportunities available within our IT team. It’s a major driving force behind our success and we’re always on the lookout for new team members who offer a fresh perspective. If you’re looking for a career opportunity in IT and want an environment that is unique, rewarding and challenging, <a href="https://careers-uwmcareers.icims.com/jobs/search?ss=1&searchKeyword=&searchCategory=8730&searchZip=&searchRadius=20"><u>check out our open roles</u></a> today. Don’t just imagine the possibilities — join our team and make them happen!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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IT Career Paths For All Levels

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Picking the right place to start a career can make a big impact, setting future professionals up for success and helping them grow, learn and excel. During <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/teams/internships"><u>UWM’s 12-week summer internship program</u></a>, Summer Team Members (STMs) gain valuable hands-on experience and set the foundation for a successful career. Whether you’re a college student or recent graduate, there are incredible opportunities as an STM!</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Not Your Typical Office Environment</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">One of the first things STMs notice when they arrive for their first day is the unique environment on campus.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“You see in the movies how an office space works; cubicles and everyone has their head down, drinking coffee, grinding away at work,” said Lucas V., an STM from Western Michigan University working on the Underwriting Training team. “I thought that’s how it was going to be at UWM because I had never worked in an office before — but it was totally different.”</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">From a full-sized basketball court and in-house Starbucks to an on-site chiropractor and hair salon, UWM’s campus resembles a vibrant community space rather than a traditional office setting. The resources and layout of the campus aren’t a coincidence — <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/discover-our-campus"><u>they’re by design</u></a>, encouraging collaboration and fostering better relationships between team members.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blta875fcd6eb1c4ced/68d40956e82751e78b7e9bdf/uwm-blog-internships-image1.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-internships-image1.jpg" height="auto" width="80%"/><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">More Than Busy Work</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">This isn’t a ‘fetch me a coffee’ internship, where interns are tucked into a corner and given busy work to keep them occupied. As soon as STMs walk through the doors, they are encouraged to share their ideas, voice their opinions and take on projects that can have a lasting impact on the company and teach them important skills.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“For one of my summer internship projects, I was looking into data from our underwriting training classes to identify common themes that might lead to more successful underwriters,” said Lucas. “I presented my findings to executive leaders including Agnes S., the SVP of Underwriting. I was nervous, but it was a great experience and, afterward, Agnes told me how they plan to use my insights, which made me feel really good about the work I did this summer.”</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“The hands-on experience has been great,” said Sierra MK., a senior from Columbia University working on the Finance Team. “I love problem solving, and they definitely allow me to work through things on my own. That’s really rewarding. At the same time, I’ve got the support around me to ask questions and get help if I’m stuck on something.”</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Striking a balance between autonomy and guidance is a key aspect of UWM’s STM program. It allows summer team members to develop critical thinking skills while providing enough room to make mistakes, learn from them and grow.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/bltfbf171433a7bb444/68d4096ae8275159657e9be3/uwm-blog-internships-image2-2.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-internships-image2-2.jpg" height="auto" width="80%"/><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Walking Out Better Than You Walked In</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Another key theme for UWM’s internship program is the <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/team-member-stories/2023/01/12/my-favorite-experiences-as-a-uwm-summer-intern"><u>immense learning opportunities</u></a> and potential for serious professional growth. This isn’t a one-way relationship; UWM’s goal is to help Summer Team Members improve during their summer internship just as much as STMs contribute to the company’s betterment.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“Everyone I come in contact with here has been nothing but helpful,” said Morgan K., a Sales STM and student from Michigan State University. “What stands out is that the trainers care most about me being successful than anything else.”</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“The initial training provided a great base level understanding of the industry,” said Josh B., a student from the University of Arizona also working in Sales. “The biggest thing for me has been the access to leadership. My leader includes me on every email she sends so I can see how she handles certain situations. Being a fly on the wall for important conversations is super valuable.”</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt0d88a7eae7940756/68d4097c0b6e9181d81746fb/uwm-blog-internships-image3.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-internships-image3.jpg" height="auto" width="80%"/><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">From STMs To Full-Timers</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Leading with a continuous-improvement mindset, UWM constantly seeks ways to maximize the potential of internship opportunities in every aspect. Whether it’s pursuing a greater role on their current team or finding a new role elsewhere in the company, UWM aims to uplift team members and put them in the best position to succeed.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“I have never heard of a company that says, ‘It’s OK if you don’t have experience. Don’t worry. We’re going to teach you,’ and actually stood behind that,” said Leah M., Team Leader in Application Development.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Leah transitioned to a full-time IT role after earning her Public Relations degree from Western Michigan University and working as an STM with the IT team. Leah’s story, while unique, reflects UWM's common practice of fostering talent and providing training resources across all teams.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Paige S., AVP in Post Closing, is another former STM who leveraged development opportunities. After securing a full-time position on the Engagement team after her internship and thriving in her position, she entered the <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/team-member-stories/2022/05/03/what-is-the-big-advantage"><u>UWM Rotational Program</u></a>, a 12-month program that allows team members to experience and learn from various teams and find their best fit in the organization.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Paige eventually found her home on our Operations team as a team leader and soon transitioned to her current role as an AVP. Her advice to potential STMs looking to follow in her footsteps? “The two most important things here are work ethic and positive attitude,” she said. “When I was working as an STM, they let me try everything and own a lot of projects. It was intimidating at first, but it also gave me confidence and helped me develop my skills. Taking on challenges like that is really going to speak volumes to what you might be able to accomplish as a full-time team member.”</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/bltba6f4e944ea0c298/68d40987ffc85aa26ae237b9/uwm-blog-internships-image4.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-internships-image4.jpg" height="auto" width="80%"/><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">If experiencing a state-of-the-art campus, owning meaningful projects and becoming the best version of yourself sounds exciting, <a href="https://careers-uwmcareers.icims.com/jobs/search?ss=1&searchKeyword=&searchCategory=24594&searchZip=&searchRadius=20"><u>apply for UWM’s summer internship program</u></a>!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;">&nbsp;</p>

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From Summer Internships to Full-Time Team Members

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Entry-level jobs that pay well and require no experience are hard to find. That is why jobs in retail or restaurants are a common starting point for many. They're accessible, can be <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/career-tips/2023/06/14/unlocking-your-potential-after-high-school"><u>started out of high school</u></a> or while in college, and can help you grow useful skills such as customer service and communication. But what if they could lead to something more? At UWM, we believe that everyone has potential, regardless of their previous job experience. Ken M.'s journey is a prime example of this.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Born and raised in the Philippines, Ken came to the United States to find a new home and a future. The restaurant industry was the perfect stepping stone for him, as it enabled him to make a living with no prior experience while working to improve his English. However, he soon started to look for something that offered more.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Serving Skills, Light On Experience</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Ken was encouraged to apply for a position at UWM by his friends and family. With no mortgage experience needed, he excitedly joined the Operations team. The training he received at the start was very in-depth and hands on. “I would say I learned a lot, but it also taught me to ask for help. Here, everybody tries to help each other, and you can rely on one another,” Ken explains. “In a restaurant, you only have your fellow servers that change often and have different amounts of experience. They sometimes come from a variety of restaurants and the rules don't always apply the same way.” That is why Ken appreciates the vast resources available to team members as well as UWM's collaborative culture.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Retail and restaurant jobs teach employees a range of skills that are highly transferable to the mortgage industry. Ken M.'s previous experience prepared him to provide excellent service to clients at UWM. As Ken puts it, “I’ve learned how to interact with different kinds of people and handle all kinds of situations.” This has been instrumental in his current role where relationship-building is key.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt3924ea098f5086e9/68d406e3b3836274e6c4e50f/uwm-blog-retail-image1.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-retail-image1.jpg" height="auto" width="80%" />
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Adaptability and problem-solving are other crucial skills honed in the fast-paced retail and restaurant world. Ken recounts how much he enjoyed learning the ins and outs of the mortgage industry. “Knowing more and more about the mortgage industry, it’s really fascinating. It’s very intricate and rewarding.” This adaptability made it possible for him to manage the dynamic nature of the mortgage industry and tackle new challenges head on.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Stability With A Side Of Benefits</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Ken notes stability as a deciding factor for making his career switch. “There's seasons in the restaurant industry, you can't be sure how much you make, but at UWM, the pay is stable.” Besides looking for regular income to support his family, Ken also wanted a regular schedule to spend time with friends and family. In contrast to the ever-changing and demanding hours common in retail or restaurant jobs, UWM offers a consistent Monday-Friday work schedule. This provides team members with a much-needed <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/workplace-culture/2022/06/22/how-uwm-helps-you-maintain-a-healthy-work-life-balance"><u>work-life balance</u></a>, something that Ken greatly appreciates. He enjoys the predictability that allows him to plan and socialize, which was often challenging while working in retail or in the restaurant industry, where someone always needs to be present. “I have friends here and everyone has the same days off, unless they use their PTO. That gives me more time to spend with them,” Ken relates.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt9197d191a810c7e2/68d406ef2d9eb0d73eff0f08/uwm-blog-retail-image2-2.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-retail-image2-2.jpg" height="auto" width="80%" />
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Moreover, UWM provides comprehensive benefits that go beyond just a paycheck. Ken highlights the “Be You Here” days as an example of UWM's unique employee perks. These are days dedicated to celebrating the team members themselves, something he hadn't experienced in his previous job. UWM furthermore offers valuable benefits like paid time off, a 401K, and an insurance plan, which are also not a given in many retail or restaurant jobs.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">A Hearty Helping Of Growth</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Career advancement opportunities were a huge factor in Ken's desire to make a change. “At a restaurant, I wouldn't call jumping from being a server to being a line cook a promotion. It's just a different role. Here, there's a line that you can follow. The ceiling starts opening up and you <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/career-tips/2024/06/06/opportunities-for-growth-at-uwm"><u>move up in leadership</u></a>. You could become a Team Lead or even an AVP,” Ken explains. The support he received, especially when it comes to looking for ways to improve, impressed him. “You can get to know all kinds of different teams, find out what they do and see what role fits you best. I'm actually interested in maybe transferring into a Sales position and have received nothing but encouragement.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Besides enjoying the opportunity to advance himself, Ken also remarks on the benefit of having team leads that come from within at UWM. “At a restaurant you often have managers that are new and hired in. Here, we've got someone who has experience with our systems and guidelines. They went through all the steps that we do and are very smart and reliable.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">After successfully transitioning from a restaurant job to a role at UWM, Ken takes pride in his work. “Think about that American dream of having a house that you worked hard for. I've been able to do that and now have the opportunity to help thousands across the country also experience it.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Ken's one recommendation for changing careers from a retail or restaurant job to UWM is this: “Be open and willing to change and to learn, because there's so much to gain here and it’s fun.” Follow Ken's lead, experience our culture of support and join our team!</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;"><em>The views and opinions of the employee contained within this content are solely those of the employee and do not necessarily represent the views of UWM or other employees of UWM.</em></p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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From Working In Retail And Restaurant Jobs To UWM

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Every year in June we recognize LGBTQ+ Pride Month in remembrance of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. While a lot of companies promise to create a non-discriminatory work environment, we actually do it and celebrate Pride every year, every day. In the workplace, LGBTQ+ people still struggle being their true self, sometimes living a double life. Our goal is to erase the line between “real life” and “work life” identities, fostering a workplace that not only promotes diversity, but values it as a core focus.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At UWM, creating a work environment that represents our <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/diversity-inclusion/2023/10/16/our-differences-make-all-the-difference"><u>appreciation for people because of their differences</u></a> is key. We want team members to be proud of who they are and share it with their work family. From Be You Here days to observe important dates that are not federally observed holidays to community-specific foods in the cafeteria, everyone is motivated to be true to who they are.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt7465052cf5b73dda/68d4053e6898d062111d0d44/uwm-blog-pride-image1.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-pride-image1.jpg" height="auto" width="80%" />
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">United Pride</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Employee Resource Groups, or Team Member Resource Groups as we call them, are a great way to help people join a community at work with a common goal in mind and gain access to educational value specific to the community.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">United Pride, UWM’s LGBTQ+ support group, spreads awareness and offers a safe place to celebrate Pride. Team members can join to be surrounded by like-minded people or to find out more about the LGBTQ+ community and become a better ally. Currently, this Team Member Resource Group has over 300 members and is growing each year.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Through a variety of initiatives, United Pride promotes unity and safety and champions personal and professional growth. By hosting charity events, partnering with the local LGBTQ+ community center <a href="https://goaffirmations.org/"><u>Affirmations</u></a> or offering social gatherings, there is always an activity going on. The visibility and lessons participants learn not only shape their interactions in our workplace but also impact their everyday life and the people around them.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt3820d056246235da/68d405521e591109030f21d0/uwm-blog-pride-image2.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-pride-image2.jpg" height="auto" width="80%" />
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Members of the LGBTQ+ community often grow up feeling isolated and separated from the people around them. That’s why sharing one’s story makes such an impact — it not only shows representation, but also opens the door for connection and true solidarity. United Pride’s annual bonfires represent a chance for team members to network and share their story with other LGBTQ+ community members.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">United Pride also organizes an annual Pride Walk across our 200-acre campus to celebrate Pride, raise awareness and showcase the wish for team members to be out and proud. Going one step further, we actively encourage people from the metro Detroit LGBTQ+ community to seek job opportunities at UWM. For the second year in a row, United Pride had a booth at Ferndale Pride, offering support and recruiting people to join the team.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/bltd279c926b1fd8304/68d4055fffc85addd9e2379d/uwm-blog-pride-image3.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-pride-image3.jpg" height="auto" width="80%" />
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Be You Here</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Adam Smock is a trainer in Underwriting and has a hand in shaping the work environment for the team members he leads. He is also one of the longest standing members of United Pride and was instrumental in founding the resource group. “At all the companies I’ve worked for, your private life was always separate from your life at work.” Adam shared. “I am happy to work at a company that lets me do what I do while being very open and comfortable. I even got my kids to join me here.”</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt9f8c6c744ec9bb3e/68d4056fedd1ee1ccea636bd/uwm-blog-pride-image4.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-pride-image4.jpg" height="auto" width="80%" />
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">To Adam, UWM is very unique in that sense. He has seen a lot of people join UWM and his biggest message to new talent is, “I want people to feel like they are <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/diversity-inclusion/2022/05/03/greater-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-workplace"><u>joining a community</u></a><u> </u>and not just doing a job. Pride is usually a noun but here we consider it more of a verb. It requires action. You get to participate and take pride in that. Be You Here is one of our biggest mottos. As cheesy as it sounds, it means something here.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, looking for a company that celebrates Pride and encourages you to embrace who you are, or want to find a place that supports its team members enthusiastically — we want you to Be You Here at UWM. Join our team!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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This Is How We Celebrate Pride At UWM

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">In all aspects of life, opportunities can present themselves in some of the least likely places. Taking full advantage of unexpected moments and pushing past feelings of discomfort are key to unlocking our full potential.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Find Your Footing</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Welcoming change and chasing opportunities for growth is something Jerell Henderson, a Senior Team Leader in Underwriting at UWM, knows all about. During his previous role at a retail lender, Jerell was able to take on some leadership responsibilities, but there wasn’t a clear trajectory on how to grow or challenge himself. Feeling unfulfilled, he began looking for a position that offered both a transparent career path and supported him along his journey.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“That’s really something that stood out to me about UWM,” he said. “Every person I talked to really emphasized the <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/training-development/2023/05/11/why-great-training-is-the-key-to-team-member-growth"><u>potential for personal development</u></a>. They also told me how they were committed to my success and wanted to help me reach my goals. That really resonated with me and was my first glimpse into how unique this place is.”</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Soon after joining the team, Jerell began to make his mark and maximize the opportunities for growth available at UWM. In a few short months, he went from underwriter associate to senior underwriter. His great work ethic and willingness to tackle challenges head-on gained the attention of underwriting leadership, who recognized his capacity to take on a greater role.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">When Opportunity Calls</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">When initially asked to become an underwriting leader, Jerell was understandably hesitant. “I was a little bit shocked when my team lead first brought up the idea because it’s not really something I ever envisioned for myself,” he explained. “It’s a big responsibility to lead a team and I wasn’t really confident I was the right person for the job. I’ve had some experience coaching, but managing others was something new to me. I voiced my concerns, but they kept telling me ‘Jerell, you can do this.’ I think the belief others had in me really helped spark the belief in myself.”</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">The continued encouragement eventually led Jerell to take the new position, and he was soon guiding a group of underwriters through their responsibilities — tasks like risk evaluation, assessing property values, ensuring legal and regulatory requirements, and ultimately approving or denying loans.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/bltcaf525dab2be8ab4/68d403e7c2036c5b23564908/uwm-bloginsert-opportunities2.jpg" alt="uwm-bloginsert-opportunities2.jpg" height="auto" width="80%"/><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">The more he got involved, the more he realized that being a leader suited him. “What I love most about leading a team is paying it forward by <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/career-tips/2023/08/17/leaders-at-every-level"><u>helping others grow</u></a>. If there’s a particular goal or achievement a member of our team is looking to accomplish, I want to hear about it because I want to do whatever I can to help them get there.”</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">We Win When You Win</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Jerell’s story of personal growth is common at UWM. Many of our team members start in <a href="https://careers-uwmcareers.icims.com/jobs/search?ss=1&searchKeyword=&searchCategory=112542&searchZip=&searchRadius=20"><u>entry-level roles with no experience</u></a> in Lending or management. Our Leadership Development team sets them up for career growth with training and resources that help them build the skills needed to evolve into impactful leaders, such as programs like Emerge, an 8-week leadership training course that teaches the fundamentals of being an effective leader. Or our annual series of training seminars, where team members choose paths of interest on where they want to grow, from niche elements of the loan process to tips on time management. Team members are also empowered to push themselves to new heights by moving up in the company and taking roles in leadership or <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/team-member-stories/2022/05/03/what-is-the-big-advantage"><u>branching out into teams</u></a> that align more closely with their long-term career goals.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt1996586025ae269b/68d403faaccb2c0b9510b901/uwm-bloginsert-opportunities.jpg" alt="uwm-bloginsert-opportunities.jpg" height="auto" width="80%"/><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Jerell embraced his opportunities for growth at UWM by staying adaptable. “Change is constant, especially in our industry,” he said. “While change can be uncomfortable, embracing it has allowed me to develop new skills, build my confidence and ultimately grow into a more effective team member and leader. If you want to grow it’s important to ask ‘What opportunities are open to you?’ so you can take full advantage of everything that come your way.”</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Jerell also learned that building and maintaining genuine relationships was crucial for his growth as a leader. “Open communication is essential for my ability to make informed and effective decisions. It is also a big help when it comes to problem-solving, discovering innovative solutions to obstacles that may have otherwise gone overlooked.”</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">No matter where you are in life, venturing into the unknown is the first step into an exciting adventure. If you’re interested in learning more and reaching your full potential at UWM, join our team!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;">&nbsp;</p>

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Opportunities For Growth At UWM

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">For Global Employee Health and Fitness Month, we want to shine a light on our Wellness team. At UWM, their role is figuring out how to promote wellbeing at work and providing team members with a variety of health and wellness initiatives to participate in. They're elevating our game in sports leagues and driving us to new heights in fitness challenges. Let’s have a look at our Wellness team at work, giving us ample opportunities to come together as a team all year round.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Team Building At Its Best</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Being active is always easier together and team sports are an excellent way to encourage wellness at work. <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/workplace-culture/2022/10/06/exciting-careers-in-the-most-unexpected-places-a-mortgage-company"><u>UWM offers more</u></a> than 15 sports leagues that our team members can join without having to leave campus. From soccer to floor hockey and even dodgeball, there’s something for everyone.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Many of our team members at UWM, like our President and CEO Mat Ishbia, were former college basketball players and athletes. So, it’s no surprise that the UWM basketball leagues are very popular here. From individual tournaments, with referees to officiate, to our annual March Madness events like the slam dunk or 3-point contest — the game is on.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">During spring and summer, UWM hosts cornhole tournaments that fill up quickly. The demand has been so high, with one tournament totaling 300 participants — that three separate brackets were necessary to accommodate everyone who wanted to play.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Another favorite activity is Ping Pong. Registration for this league fills up in a matter of minutes. The top-notch play and large crowds reinforce its popularity and even Mat Ishbia participates.</p>
<img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/bltcebb69a88bfa915d/68d4011a56b6565bf3430259/uwm-blog-wellness-image1.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-wellness-image1.jpg" height="auto" />
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Rising To The Challenge</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At least once a quarter, we offer various health challenges to <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blogs/training-development/2023/05/11/why-great-training-is-the-key-to-team-member-growth"><u>support our team members’</u></a> wellness at work. They offer a great opportunity to downsize big goals into actionable steps.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">UWM recently ran a nutrition challenge, designed to help team members understand nutrition and how it affects our daily energy and overall mood. Weekly themes ranged from fiber to glycemic index and skin health. Our weekly leaderboard kept track of over 300 participants’ standing, fostering healthy competition by motivating team members to up their game and overtake each other. Toward the end, bonus challenges were needed to decide the top 3 winners.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Year over year, our most wide-reaching program is the Win By Losing Challenge. This 10-week weight loss challenge, where team members commit to weekly weigh-ins, features raffles as a fun reward. Team members who participate change their lives, with some losing 10% or more of their body weight. The results speak for themselves:</p>
<img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt6c241c6d6319b4a5/68d40129b38362d883c4e4e3/uwm-blog-wellness-image2.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-wellness-image2.jpg" height="auto" />
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">A Yearly Affair</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">One of our most anticipated annual events is the Wellness Fair, where dozens of local vendors are invited to promote their services on campus.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Most recently, a therapeutic massage vendor and <a href="https://www.pksa.com/"><u>PKSA Karate</u></a> showcased the wide spectrum of services provided at the fair. While one offered massages that promoted stress management, the other offered a different kind of stress relief in the form of wooden boards for team members to karate chop with their hands. This engaging environment allows team members to check out local wellness resources and learn about their health benefits.</p>
<img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blte3314e4568dceabc/68d40137e82751ad707e9b96/uwm-blog-wellness-image3.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-wellness-image3.jpg" height="auto" />
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Creating A Balance</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Wellness at work is a topic that needs to be addressed all year round. To aid team members in maintaining a nutritious lifestyle, the Food Delivery Truck provides free, fresh fruit and <a href="https://bewelllifestylecenters.com/"><u>The Kitchen by Be Well</u></a> brings an abundance of healthy food options that range from salads to wraps to smoothies.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">These <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/benefits-and-perks"><u>wellness perks</u></a> are just a sneak peek into the world our Wellness team builds for us here at UWM. We’re deeply committed to keeping our UWM family fit and healthy and what better way than some friendly competition and fun challenges? So, if you're into breaking a sweat, learning new things about health or just interested in a game of dodgeball, UWM is where you want to be. Join our team!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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Wellness At Work

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Spring is in the air and our UWM team members are ALL IN with donating their time and services to local organizations in metro Detroit.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Contributing to the well-being of others grants a sense of achievement and purpose and also offers many additional benefits. Community outreach and engagement are known to further relaxation and reduce stress levels. Additionally, dedicating time in service to others teaches valuable skills and nurtures new and existing relationships. However, our <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blog/all-posts/post/workplace-culture/2022/06/22/how-uwm-helps-you-maintain-a-healthy-work-life-balance"><u>daily lives keep us busy</u></a> and finding time can be difficult. That’s why a volunteer paid time-off policy is a meaningful benefit.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">What exactly is paid volunteer work and how does it affect our team members? Often referred to as volunteer time off (VTO), it allows employees to participate in charitable activities without using their personal or vacation time. <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blog/all-posts/post/workplace-culture/2024/01/04/six-reasons-to-build-your-career-at-uwm"><u>At UWM, we offer</u></a> four hours of VTO at a non-profit organization of your choice per year. Here’s how UWM team members Kylie, Jack, Courtney and Rami jumped into action and recently used their paid time off to volunteer with local non-profit community partners:</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Kylie – Mortgage Operations</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Kylie and her team used their volunteer time off hours to serve After the Storm, an organization in Michigan that helps people recover after natural disasters. During this experience, Kylie and her team helped do some much-needed clean-up work, including trimming trees, mowing the lawn, cleaning the backyard and disposing of branches. It was hard but important work to help someone in need. In the end, Kylie and her team realized that even a little help can mean a lot to people. To join in making a difference, consider exploring volunteer opportunities with <a href="https://afterthestormmi.org/who-we-are/"><u>After the Storm</u></a>.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Jack – Information Technology</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Jack first learned of The Farm at Trinity Health at UWM’s annual Non-profit Fair where over 40 organizations shared how we can help make an impact in their communities. The Farm strives to grow a healthy community by empowering people through food, education and relationship assistance. Jack and his team helped clean up the garden beds and plant new seeds. Jack said that this experience was a great reminder of the importance of helping others and how rewarding it can be. Plus, UWM’s Community Outreach team and volunteer time off policy made it easy to help out and dedicate his time to a valuable cause. If you wish to contribute as well, check out <a href="https://stjoesfarm.org/transforming-healthcare/"><u>The Farm at Trinity Health</u></a>.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Courtney – Mortgage Operations</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Courtney and her team spent their volunteer paid time off at E-Community Outreach Services in Pontiac, MI, where they educate, empower and engage with families by offering community resources and programs. While volunteering, Courtney and her team moved and organized a large number of items between storefronts, providing necessities to local families. Courtney said this was an excellent team-building exercise that showcased the collaborative dynamics of the team in challenging labor situations. Courtney and her team finished the day filled with a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing they had made a real difference to others. Explore how you can contribute with <a href="https://www.ecommunityoutreach.org/"><u>E-Commerce Outreach Services</u></a>.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Rami – Sales</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Rami devoted his volunteer paid time off hours toward Special Olympics Michigan, a non-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and competitions for children and adults with disabilities. His responsibilities included managing the scoring sheet and marking players’ entries and exits during floor hockey games. Through this unique journey, Rami realized the importance of treasuring life. The unwavering joy and positivity from all the individuals participating, regardless of their circumstances, was an eye-opener for him. He left feeling humbled, with a fresh perspective on life's true value. Find out how you can get involved at <a href="https://www.somi.org/our-mission"><u>Special Olympics Michigan</u></a>.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">These experiences with VTO represent just a fraction of the volunteer opportunities available for team members. At UWM, these options aren't just encouraged, they’re paid opportunities for team members to engage in community service, attesting to UWM's commitment to the ‘Pay It Forward’ spirit. Get involved making a difference and join our team!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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Volunteer Time Off — UWM Team Members Give Back to the Metro Detroit Community

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">When I graduated from college, I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my degree in International Business. It soon became clear that joining the BIG program at UWM, a year-long business rotational program offering hands-on experience to help gain a comprehensive understanding of the mortgage process, would give me the perfect opportunity to try different things and find the best path for my career.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Looking back on my journey here, I wanted to share some of the most important lessons and unique experiences that contributed <a href="https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/mortgage-lending-women-inspiration-2024"><u>to my success</u></a>. Hopefully they will encourage you to go out and seek your answers, too.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">The Power of Asking Questions</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">It’s true when they say, “No question is a dumb question.” At UWM, I’ve learned that seeking <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blog/all-posts/post/leadership/2022/05/03/the-6-things-i-ve-learned-in-my-10-years-at-uwm"><u>guidance from experts</u></a>, leveraging available tools, and cultivating a supportive network are all crucial steps toward expertise and professional growth.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Maintain A Positive Mindset</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">So much of success is having a positive mindset and being surrounded by <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blog/all-posts/post/workplace-culture/2023/03/21/our-rise-to-1"><u>people who think the same way</u></a>. I was blown away by how quickly UWM was able to launch products under extremely tight deadlines. Then I learned a secret: Instead of dwelling on how quickly the deadline is approaching or how impossible the task might seem, our teams work together to get the project done and set our sights on the positives of what we’re building.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Seize Every Opportunity You Get</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">For people aspiring to hold leadership roles, it’s important to seize every opportunity and go beyond what’s expected in your role. As a VP and a Hispanic woman, I’ve learned how to exceed expectations, demonstrate continued excellence and be proactive about seeking paths forward.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">No matter who you are, it’s not just about aspiring to leadership — it’s about boldly stepping into opportunities when they arise and showcasing the unique value you bring to the table.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Leverage All of Your Qualities</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Before coming here, I never would have guessed that “previous mortgage experience” was way down on the list of <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blog/all-posts/post/team-member-stories/2024/02/14/angelas-journey-to-growth-impact-and-balance"><u>things UWM looks for</u></a> in their new hires. (I had no such experience when I started!) Instead, we’re interested in qualities that will make you a good fit in our culture, such as being detail-oriented, good at collaborating and a team player.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">In fact, UWM puts an extremely high value on teamwork. Rather than focusing on one person’s individual skillset, every success we’ve had has been from recognizing and harnessing the strength of collaboration. It’s how we stay adaptable in such a quickly changing industry.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Interested in working at UWM? Visit <a href="https://careers-uwmcareers.icims.com/jobs/search?ss=1&searchKeyword=&searchCategory=112542&searchZip=&searchRadius=20"><u>UWM's Careers page</u></a> to apply today!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">The content and statements contained in this article represent the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC (“UWM”), its affiliates or employees.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 50px;">&nbsp;</p>

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4 Lessons To Find Your Calling

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">To better understand the underwriter role at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), we interviewed Angela, Underwriting Team Leader. Angela joined UWM with an accounting background. Though she had no prior mortgage experience, she believes this role — and UWM — helped her fast-track her career.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">To become an underwriter at UWM, new team members must first complete a paid 8-week training course, similar to a college course. Angela recalled how the training covered a wide range of topics, from what a mortgage is to how to perform a risk analysis. Thanks to the hands-on, real-world examples, she quickly acquired the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the role. “Our award-winning training team teaches you everything from the ground up.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">As an underwriter, Angela quickly realized the impact her role played in people’s lives. Every loan approved meant helping someone achieve their dream of owning a home. This — and the constant opportunity for growth and learning at UWM — has kept her motivated to succeed. “I get bored doing the same thing all the time; I tend to always look for the next big thing,” she explains. At UWM, she says, every day offers new challenges and growth opportunities.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Working on-site at the UWM campus has been an enriching experience for Angela. She values the support system that UWM provides and couldn't imagine her role without it. “With how dynamic things can be in underwriting," she explains, “having somebody next to you to help you is invaluable.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">What sets UWM apart is its commitment to employee growth. Beyond the starting salary, roles like underwriter come with potential incentives* of up to $20,000, plus continuous learning opportunities to keep you updated with industry trends and laws.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Angela was able to leverage these opportunities to quickly advance in her position — after a few weeks on the floor in her new role, she was able to handle clients and files on her own. Within the next year, she was promoted to Senior Underwriter and then to a leadership position. “If you're ready to dive in and eager to grow, the opportunity is there for you.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">So why wait? If you’re driven like Angela, your rewarding career journey as an underwriter at UWM could be just around the corner! Join our team!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;"><em>*Compensation package includes stock and forgivable loan incentives (subject to contract terms and conditions).</em></p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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Angela's Journey to Growth, Impact and Balance

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Start the New Year off on the right foot by applying for a new career at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM)! Enjoy this look at our vibrant culture, development programs, career growth opportunities, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and much more. Plus, learn why UWM is the ideal choice for your next career move.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">1. A Growing Company</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At UWM, we pride ourselves on our commitment to providing elite client service, supporting mortgage brokers with the tools they need to succeed and investing heavily in innovative technology. It’s this dedication that has led us to become the <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blog/all-posts/post/workplace-culture/2023/03/21/our-rise-to-1"><u>#1 overall mortgage lender</u></a> in America, with no sign of slowing down.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">2. Vibrant Company Culture</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">What truly sets us apart from other organizations is our celebratory <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/our-culture"><u>company culture</u></a> that fosters a positive, creative and inclusive environment. We value everyone's contributions and encourage collaborative efforts, recognizing that our collective strength is key to our ongoing success. One way that we show our commitment to this is by offering team members the ability to job shadow nearly any role within the company. This provides a comprehensive understanding of our operations and how teams work to achieve common goals. Another example of this is our Brilliant Ideas platform, a program exclusively designed to empower our team members and clients to share and be rewarded for their innovative and creative ideas. More than 1,000 ideas were implemented in 2023 alone!</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">3. Skill-Enhancement Opportunities</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">One of the most important things we do at UWM is encourage continuous personal and professional development. As part of this commitment, our <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/training"><u>Hall-of-Fame</u></a> training team provides leadership training and development programs that enable our team members to expand their skill sets into new business areas, regardless of their prior experience. Even our cutting-edge IT department has plenty of team members who are completely new to the field. We grow our developing talent through challenging work and multi-discipline training programs such as our <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/teams/x-program"><u>X-Development Programs</u></a>. These programs are available throughout the year and offer a paid training curriculum that places each team member on one of our tech teams.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">4. Career Growth Potential</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">We invest in our team members by providing professional development programs and mentorship opportunities. A key part of this is our <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blog/all-posts/post/career-tips/2023/08/17/leaders-at-every-level"><u>EMERGE</u></a> program, which empowers team members to become leaders, promotes growth, develops skills and paves the way for career advancement. Data has shown that EMERGE graduates are uniquely positioned for promotion to leadership, making them an obvious choice for the next step in their careers. Our inclusive and supportive workplace culture, combined with comprehensive training resources, allows for every team member to strive for excellence and achieve their career goals.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">5. Feeling Accepted</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">We put great emphasis on acceptance, celebrating diverse backgrounds and creating a welcoming environment. Our focus is on mutual respect and openness, making UWM a place where every voice matters, which is especially achieved through our <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/diversity-and-inclusion">employee resource groups</a> and company-wide cultural and community celebrations.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">6. Job Security</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">One of the factors that allows our team members to thrive is the job security UWM provides. Despite the ever-changing economic environment, we have managed to maintain a position in the market that gives our team members a sense of assurance. UWM has never had a layoff in our 37-year history and never will.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">These elements differentiate us and make UWM an ideal choice for those seeking to embrace new career opportunities in the upcoming year. Join our winning team!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;">&nbsp;</p>

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Six Reasons To Build Your Career At UWM

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At UWM, each day is an exciting journey for our Mortgage Operations team members. They face new challenges, seek opportunities and make sure our clients receive elite customer service. We talked with 3 team members who established their career at UWM about their critical roles and daily work. Want an insider’s peek? Read on!</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Meet Lydia H.</h2>
<h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Operations Specialist — Appraisal Direct Support</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Lydia joined UWM as an Operations Specialist in September 2022. Since then, she has grown impressively throughout various areas of the Operations department. Before UWM and after graduating from high school, she worked in a fashion boutique for 10 years and was a nanny for two. Her family and friends, who worked at UWM, told her how friendly and supportive everyone is and that’s why she applied!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Lydia starts each day by checking her to-do list. She responds to emails, sets goals and spends her day working with teammates, leaders and clients. In her current position as an Operations Specialist in Appraisal Direct, she collaborates with her team to ensure our borrowers get great value for the properties they’re buying or refinancing. When she hits a roadblock or faces a challenging situation, Lydia uses her resources wisely by seeking help from her team and leaders. Her favorite part about her job? She loves being part of helping borrowers get their dream homes!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Everyone at UWM knows Lydia for her uplifting spirit. Whether it’s decorating desks for birthdays or taking the time to listen, she makes everyone feel valued. For her, UWM is more than a job; it’s a place where she’s made lifelong friends, learned many personable and professional skills and is making a true impact.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Meet Evan K.</h2>
<h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Operations Specialist — Verbal Verification of Employment</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Evan started at UWM in June of 2023 and, in just 4 months, became a crucial part of our Verbal Verification of Employment (VVOE) team. How did he end up at UWM? His brother referred him, and he couldn’t be happier.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Every loan requires a VVOE, therefore, Evan’s role of verifying borrower application statements is a vital part of the loan process. He contributes a proactive mindset to his team, serving as a resource and mentor. He believes success comes from conquering challenges, helping others and having a workplace like UWM that fosters these values.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Evan believes the sky is the limit for growth opportunities at UWM. Through our training programs, daily team huddles and learning from knowledgeable peers, he is continuously improving. He appreciates his team leaders and describes them as helpful and key players when it comes to keeping up the team’s morale. When he started, he received lots of helpful advice and support — something he’ll always be thankful for.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Evan strongly believes if you’re interested in learning new things, tackling challenges and working hard, then you belong at UWM! Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with mortgages — Evan wasn’t either. UWM has you covered with all the on-site training you'll need.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Meet Devon W.</h2>
<h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Operations Specialist — Setup</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Devon, a diligent Operations Specialist on our Setup team, has made a significant impact since joining UWM 4 years ago after leaving her job as a house cleaner post-high school. Her main tasks consist of organizing loan documents for underwriters, and she thrives in this role thanks to her attention to detail and organizational skills. If a file is missing something, Devon quickly contacts the UWM Sales Representative or client (the broker) to keep things moving. She works with many different people, including team members, leaders and brokers. Additionally, being a veteran on the team, Devon plays a key role in training incoming Operations team members.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Devon’s professional journey at UWM is enriched by the vibrant culture, company events and the on-site arcade room. Guided and supported by her Team Leader, she has developed confidence, built strong relationships and fostered a sense of family with her team. Her 4-year mentorship has increased her passion for problem-solving, improving her focus and communication skills. These traits, along with UWM's supportive work environment, have helped pave the way for her successful career.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">These team members’ stories are a testament to the growth and fulfillment of what’s possible at UWM after high school. From helping people achieve their dreams of owning a home to solving tricky loan problems, our amazing Operations team members really capture what UWM is all about. If you want to be part of a company that promotes learning and development, team inclusion and fun, then bring your passion and potential and join us!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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Where You’ve Been Isn’t Nearly As Important As Where You’re Going

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, we’ve lived by the motto “Be You Here” long before developing one of the most comprehensive and diverse Employee Resource Group (ERG) programs in our industry. That’s because we’ve always believed that what makes us different is what makes us better. It’s how we learn, grow and succeed. More importantly, it’s how we help ensure that every UWM team member has a voice and that those voices are heard.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Here are just a few of the ever-expanding list of ERGs currently available at UWM and the impact they’ve had on our business and community:</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><strong>United Pride</strong> is focused on supporting the LGBTQ+ community and has over 200 members who carry out many initiatives that spread awareness and education. This ranges from organizing Pride Unity walks to supporting Pride-owned businesses and events, like Ferndale Pride. These initiatives not only celebrate the LGBTQ+ community but also educate UWM's team members and the wider community about the importance of diversity and allyship.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><strong>United Black</strong> is focused on developing and supporting the Black community. This group's mission is to celebrate and educate about Black culture while helping to develop and grow the future of Black leadership. By hosting a variety of events and workshops, United Black is focused on demonstrating UWM's commitment to racial equality and cultural understanding. The United Black network serves as a driving force by leading with empathy and celebrating the diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that make our team unique and strong.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><strong>Familia United</strong> supports and celebrates the Hispanic and Latin communities within our organization through fostering relationships and bringing awareness to Hispanic and Latin origin groups. Familia United also impacts and engages with the larger community by fundraising and donating to local Hispanic and Latin-owned businesses and organizations. The group plays a significant role in enhancing UWM's commitment to diverse representation and inclusive excellence.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><strong>Veterans United</strong> is dedicated to honoring and supporting those who have served in our military. They provide resources and programs tailored to assist their transition into the corporate world. Beyond this, they also support education and understanding among all team members about their unique experiences as Veterans. Veterans United recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices and contributions of our Veterans while providing a supportive environment for former military personnel and their families.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><strong>Our Women in Technology</strong> group serves as a space to inspire women in our workplace to explore, innovate and lead on the technology team at UWM. They encourage growth through mentorship, learning sessions, workshops and networking events. These events are tailored specifically to emphasize the capabilities of women in tech roles, remove barriers and cultivate an environment where women can confidently evolve and thrive in the heart of technology at UWM.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Join us and be a part of a company where diversity is welcomed and celebrated!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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Our Differences Make All The Difference

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Diving into the field of Information Technology (IT) can appear daunting, especially without a technical background. However, at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), it’s not just about what you know- it's about your curiosity, your drive and your willingness to grow. A testament to this is Jillian Mantua, VP of IT Training, who’s thriving in her IT career despite starting from a non-technical background.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Mantua started her professional journey in mortgage retail sales after graduating from Michigan State University. From there, she built her career in the mortgage industry, eventually earning the role as SVP of Retail Lending in 2010. When UWM transitioned to wholesale lending in 2014, Jillian seized the opportunity to transfer into technology as the Team Lead of Application Development and grew into her current role as a VP overseeing our IT training teams. Even without prior IT experience, she thrived by applying a fresh perspective to recognize areas of improvement, becoming a valuable asset.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">As Mantua navigated her way through our technology teams, she held many diverse roles, spanning from application development to IT training. Her leadership efforts were instrumental in promoting IT to others with various backgrounds and demonstrating UWM’s commitment to inclusivity and skill development. Her journey shows how at UWM we empower our team members to learn and grow in whichever direction they choose. We’ve turned our in-house X-Development Program that Jillian now leads into a real pathway for those who want to build technology careers. This in-house initiative opens its doors to anyone, regardless of experience, providing an avenue to learn and grow within the tech industry.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM we also understand the purpose and strength of our team’s diversity in tech, which led to the creation of our Employee Resource Group ‘Women in Technology’ (WiT). WiT aims to increase female participation in IT by providing training, mentorship programs and seminars. Mantua, a proud advocate for WiT, exemplifies UWM’s belief that IT can and should be a space for everyone. A successful technology career at UWM is beyond coding or technical knowledge, it’s being willing to learn and adapt, to produce new ideas and solve problems.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Want to Be Part of What We Build Next?</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">We’re always looking for eager-to-learn professionals who can help us further innovate and lead in the fintech space. Not only will your ideas be heard, but they'll also be implemented. You’ll provide value and make a real impact that you can see not only within the company, but with our clients and borrowers across the nation, as well. <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/search-jobs"><u>Check out our open positions</u></a> and join our team today!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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Embracing IT Opportunities at UWM

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At UWM, we believe that leadership is an attribute anyone can possess and we empower our team members to exhibit leadership qualities every day. Leadership is such an important component at UWM that we have a dedicated Leadership Development Team (LDT) of coaches, trainers, coordinators and instructional designers exclusively committed to enhancing UWM team members’ leadership skills and abilities. Renee Harmon, VP of Leadership Development, and her team support new leaders through one-on-one coaching, classroom training and data analysis processes that result in the development of great leaders. One of the training initiatives offered by the LDT team, Emerge, has helped more than 2,500 team members in non-leadership positions become leaders in their role, regardless of their title.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Learning to Lead</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Emerge is an 8-week course of 1-hour sessions per week that offer team members activities and collaboration exercises on topics ranging from emotional intelligence to the importance of a positive mindset. LDT’s goal for Emerge is to provide our team members with a learning experience that will expand their comfort zones and encourage them to be the best version of themselves. To wrap up each session, a leader from the company presents a personal key message tied into the week’s topic. While each Emerge class has a different focus, the theme remains the same: self-improvement and serving others.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Any team member who’s been with the company for 6+ months can participate in Emerge. Upon completion, team members are awarded a plaque to proudly display on their desk, along with the opportunity to opt into a continuous learning program to keep building on the values taught in Emerge.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Bob Fuller, Director of People Data on the Leadership Development Team, helps lead the Emerge classes by allowing team members to put themselves in the driver’s seat of their personal and professional development. The data has shown that Emerge graduates put themselves in a stronger position to be promoted to leadership by focusing on how they can function as a leader, which makes them an obvious choice for their next opportunity.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Bob summed up the team’s impact eloquently, “We’re in the people business at the end of the day, and when you put people first, you rarely go wrong.”</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Learn more about the <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/training"><u>training and resources</u></a> we provide to help team members grow and succeed.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;">&nbsp;</p>

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Leaders at Every Level

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or a seasoned professional, it is critical to have an up-to-date resume that helps you stand out from the crowd when applying for a new job. To determine if you are a great fit for a position, recruiters will review your resume as a representation of how you present yourself. This makes it crucial to have an updated resume that accurately displays your career achievements while showcasing your personal and professional skills. However, if you’re starting from scratch or making updates to your current resume, it can be difficult to know where to begin. To help you get started, we asked our UWM recruiters to come up with three resume-building tips that you can implement for your next job application!</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Tip #1: Customize your career objective</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Your resume should include a career objective stating the professional goals you’re looking to achieve and why you’d be the right candidate for the position you’re applying for. This should be around 2-3 sentences or between 30-50 words and tailored to the job you’re targeting. You could even take it a step further and indicate the name of the company you are applying to.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Example: “An organized, hard-working and motivated individual seeking a position as an underwriter at United Wholesale Mortgage. Pursuing a role where I can utilize my strong communication and problem-solving skills to add value.”</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Tip #2: Get personal</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Not only should you display the details of your professional background, you should also be sure to highlight the personal skills that would help you succeed in the position you’re applying for. This gives the recruiter insight into your personal strengths and paint a picture of the type of individual you are. Listing past recognitions or awards are a great way to validate your capabilities.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Examples: time management, active listening, effective communication, teamwork, etc.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Tip #3: Keep it short and sweet</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Try your best to keep the length of your resume to a single page. One way to prioritize what’s important is to only highlight your accomplishments and skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for and removing filler words to help demonstrate your ability to effectively summarize. The easier you make it for the recruiter to read, the more likely you’ll make it to the next round.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Attention to detail is another important skill in any career you choose to pursue, so be sure your resume has no grammar or formatting errors before submitting it to be reviewed. Run spell check, consider using free online tools such as Grammarly and ask your friends and family for feedback.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Remember, your resume is the first impression a potential employer has of you. It lists your qualifications and establishes your “brand.” Above all, it should quickly communicate why you are the right person for the job.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Once you feel confident in using these tips for your resume, take a look at our recruiter’s advice on <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blog/all-posts/post/career-tips/2023/02/14/how-to-ace-your-next-interview"><u>How to Ace Your Next Interview</u></a>.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;">&nbsp;</p>

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Top 3 Resume Building Tips From UWM Recruiters

<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Where might tomorrow take you?</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">If you’re a recent high school graduate, you might be wondering what to do after graduation. Maybe you realized college wasn’t your thing and want to get a head start in the workplace. You may feel like your options are limited but a professional career could be well within reach, starting with all we have to offer at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM).</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">No Experience Or College Degree Required</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">As the nation’s largest mortgage lender, UWM is looking to fill hundreds of roles across our company. And to make it easy, we don’t have many barriers into our one-of-a-kind workplace — such as requiring a college degree or previous mortgage experience. For many roles, all we require is a <a href="https://careers-uwmcareers.icims.com/jobs/search?ss=1&searchKeyword=&searchCategory=112542&searchZip=&searchRadius=20"><u>great work ethic and a positive attitude</u></a>.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Paid Training</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">For everything you’ll need to know about mortgages, we've got you covered! UWM has a <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/training"><u>nationally recognized training program</u></a> designed for team members at all levels. From people searching for a position right after high school to those looking for a career change — UWM has something to offer. “Our team members are what make UWM <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/about-uwm"><u>one of the best places to work in the nation</u></a>. We focus on bringing in the best people and training them up to be the best versions of themselves, and that is what has led us to be so successful,” said Mat Ishbia, UWM President and CEO.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt2db9cd4fef873e8e/68d3f66af56d6016c3c6dcc1/uwm-blog-highschools-image1.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-highschools-image1.jpg" height="auto" /><br />
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Opportunities For Career Growth</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, the last thing you’ll ever be is limited. More than 1,500 team members were promoted in each of the last five years. Within a short while after joining UWM, you, like a majority of our team members, will likely have gained new skills and be making an impact in a more advanced role or new area of the company.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Walk-In Interviews</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">To get the ball rolling, UWM hosts walk-in interviews for entry-level positions and various other roles. Anyone interested in becoming a team member is invited to check out when the <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/career-resources/events/walk-in-interviews"><u>next walk-in interviews</u></a> are happening. Pre-register and come to our main campus where you will talk directly with recruiters on-site.</p><img style="width: 80%;margin: 20px auto;border-radius: 10px;" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt5816d0187d3ad42c/blt21920d42d307f06a/68d3f6da5855862509d2d898/uwm-blog-highschools-image2.jpg" alt="uwm-blog-highschools-image2.jpg" height="auto" /><br /><br />
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">If you choose to apply online, you can count on getting a call back within a few business days.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">The future you’ve dreamed about could be a lot closer than you think. Make your first move after high school and become a part of the UWM family!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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Unlocking Your Potential After High School

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">One of the most frequently-given reasons why someone leaves a job? A lack of career growth opportunities.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At UWM, we’re focused on the professional growth of our team members. Our continuous investment in team member training is one of the keys of our success and earned us a place in the Training Hall of Fame in 2022 after 4 consecutive years on Training Magazine’s Top 100 Employers list. (We even hit #1 in 2021!) It’s also the reason many job openings at UWM don’t require any mortgage experience — because we offer expert, on-the-job paid training to get new hires up to speed quickly.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">New-Hire Training</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Our newest team members begin their UWM careers with weeklong training that immerses them in our company values and culture. It’s a fun deep dive into how things work at UWM, along with comprehensive Mortgage 101 training that’s beneficial whether you’re brand new to the business or a seasoned pro in need of a refresher.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">(Seriously — if all you know about home sales is what you learned playing Monopoly, don’t worry. Our award-winning trainers will quickly give you a baseline of industry knowledge, so you can jump right in with confidence when you join your team!)</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Team-Specific Training</h2><h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;"><a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/teams/mortgage-operations"><u>Mortgage Operations</u></a></h4><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">We believe that a can-do attitude and the willingness to work hard are the most important traits a team member can have. Our Mortgage Operations training builds on these qualities to form one-of-a-kind skills that will contribute to your success — plus a unique and rewarding career path where you can thrive.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">From closing to lending support, team members will attend role-specific training after completing the new-hire experience. Training ranges from 1-4 weeks depending on how complex the role is. After training, they’ll work with certified mentors on the floor for up to 1 week, giving them a foundation to build on for lasting career satisfaction.</p><h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;"><a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/teams/sales"><u>Sales</u></a></h4><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">There’s no crash course in this department — our account executives receive daily training for their entire first year on the sales floor, plus hours of specialized training every year to ensure our client service stays at the highest level. They also get regular briefings on the latest products and tools to keep them on the leading edge of the industry.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">When they start, every AE receives a portfolio of clients to work with, letting them build relationships immediately with daily help from UWM call coaches and sales trainers.</p><h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;"><a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/teams/underwriting"><u>Underwriting</u></a></h4><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Whether they’re recent college grads or experienced professionals, all new UWM underwriters go through 10 weeks of paid training. They also receive ongoing training while working on the underwriting floor to expand their knowledge and give them a base to grow their career.</p><h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;"><a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/teams/technology"><u>Technology</u></a></h4><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Even our most cutting-edge department has plenty of team members who are completely new to the field. UWM grows our developing talent through challenging work and multi-discipline training programs such as our <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/teams/x-program"><u>X Development Programs</u></a>. These offer a paid training curriculum that concludes with placement on one of our tech teams, and are available throughout the year.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Each of our Technology teams provides an innovative environment where team members have direct access to leaders who will help them learn and excel. Whether they’re skilled with tech or new to the field, UWM will meet them at their current skill level and help them develop new skills throughout their career.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Continuous Improvement</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">The idea of always improving is ingrained in the culture at UWM, with training courses of all levels available to team members year-round. Spend an entire day (or all week) taking dedicated courses like P5 (named for one of our company pillars, “Continuous Improvement Is Essential For Long-Term Success”) or fit in one of our Academy videos or shorter training courses when time allows. Not only do they cover topics from every area of our business and help team members stay informed and excel in their own roles, they provide a better understanding of other roles at UWM as well.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Helping Your Inner Leader Emerge</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Our team leaders (called Captains) are also given plenty of support on their career path. Our Leadership Development Team offers initial and ongoing training with real-life scenarios, coaching and quarterly check-ins.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">All team members are also encouraged to take our Emerge program, an 8-week course offering comprehensive training on how to lead the UWM way. Team members learn UWM leadership philosophies, best practices and useful ways to apply professional development principles in their everyday life.</p><h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Opportunities Abound Here</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Whether they’re looking for advancement or looking to dominate in their current role, all UWM team members enjoy a wealth of opportunities for continuous improvement and advancement. Start on a team that values your happiness and career success — join our team!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;">&nbsp;</p>

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Why Great Training Is The Key To Team Member Growth

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">UWM is the #1 mortgage lender in the country, and we’re also proud and fortunate to lend a hand to our metro-Detroit community. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating or partnering with local organizations, our corporate social responsibility extends beyond generating profits. We recognize that when we give back to our community, it helps improve the lives of our neighbors, and also has a positive impact on our team members, too.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Volunteering</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Investing in our community comes in many forms. One of the most important is donating our time. That’s why we provide every team member with 4 paid hours of volunteer time each year to use for causes they care about. From helping out at a local food bank to cleaning up a park, there are plenty of ways to make a positive impact.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">In 2022, our team members volunteered a total of 4,788 hours. They’ve helped package food for metro Detroit families in need at <a href="https://www.forgottenharvest.org/"><u>Forgotten Harvest</u></a>, assisted with homelessness prevention at <a href="https://communityhousingnetwork.org/"><u>Community Housing Network</u></a> and helped with home renovation projects for survivors at <a href="https://hopeagainsttrafficking.org/"><u>Hope Against Trafficking</u></a>.</p>&lt; style="margin-bottom:20px;"p&gt;“Nothing is more fulfilling than helping those in need,” says Operations Specialist Elexis Burton. “UWM believes that volunteering is not only good for the community, but also good for our culture and morale. That’s why I love working at UWM!”<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Paying It Forward</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">When a leader or team member at UWM wants to recognize someone for going above and beyond, they give that team member kudos. The kudos earn Pay It Forward points — a program that allows UWM team members to choose where UWM’s charitable dollars are donated.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Some of the most popular recipients include Pontiac schools to help supply all grades with brand new backpacks, <a href="https://www.lifelabkids.org/"><u>LifeLab Kids</u></a> to help fund therapy sessions for children with developmental limitations, and <a href="https://goaffirmations.org/"><u>Affirmations</u></a> to help provide a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2022, our team members donated 749,280 Pay It Forward points, resulting in more than $300,000 in charitable donations.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Adopt A Family and Annual Donation Drives</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">One of the most rewarding initiatives at UWM is the Adopt A Family program. Through this program, we partner with local organizations and schools to identify families who are struggling financially and provide them with gifts and essentials for the holidays. Our team members work hard throughout the year to raise funds for this program by hosting fun events like bake sales, raffles and auctions. Thanks to their generosity and dedication, we were able to bring joy and hope to more than 110 metro Detroit families in 2022.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">We also organize annual donation drives for items such as coats, canned food, shoes and books. These help us make a difference all year round by providing warmth, nourishment, comfort and education to those who need it most.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Mentoring the Next Generation</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">UWM’s Winning Futures program gives our team members the opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders by sharing their wisdom and experience with local high school and college students who need guidance and support. By helping students develop skills such as goal setting, job readiness and career exploration, we better prepare them to overcome the challenges of young adulthood and become self-sufficient, productive adults.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">From November to May, team members meet with their Winning Futures mentees for 16 one-hour sessions that cover topics such as emotional intelligence, financial literacy, resume writing and more. At the end of the program team members and their mentees attend a graduation ceremony and a mentorship seminar celebrating their achievements.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">UWM is also dedicated in their commitment to the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac (ATAP). Not only are their high school students included in our Winning Futures program, we also host their high school graduation ceremony in UWM’s Sports Complex every year. During the holidays we adopt over 25 families from ATAP for our Adopt A Family donation drive and invite all ATAP family and students to our UWM Fair every summer.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Supporting Local Businesses</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">We love to support the local businesses that make our area vibrant and diverse. To help support their success, we host on-site vendor shows on our campus allowing them to showcase their products and services to our team members. Whether it’s Shop 'Til You Drop, the annual Farmers Market, or the Valentine’s Day Vendor Show, we always have something fun and exciting for our team members to enjoy. We also invite local restaurants — we call them GuestRaunts — to set up every day during lunch.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">“I’ve always had such a passion for jewelry, and I’m so grateful that UWM gives me the opportunity to share that passion with their team members,” says Maha Maj of Divine Crystals. “By selling my products at all of the vendor shows, I’ve gained not only a loyal client base, but great friends along the way!”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At UWM, one of our core beliefs is that Service is Everyone’s Responsibility, and we’re always looking for ways to improve ourselves and the world around us. Whether it’s volunteering time, donating money, mentoring students, organizing donation drives or supporting local businesses, we are committed to helping each other and our metro Detroit community thrive and grow.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">If you’re interested in making an impact at our company and in our community, check out our open roles.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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Doing Well By Doing Good

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">In 2023, UWM became the #1 overall mortgage lender in America. It’s been an incredible journey from operating out of the back of a grocery store with just 12 team members to our current 200-acre campus with over 6,000 team members. And as our family has grown, so have our accolades. We’ve been inducted into the Training Hall of Fame, named the #1 Wholesale Lender in the country for 8 consecutive years, become a publicly traded company on the NYSE and much more.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Our secret? At UWM, we invest in our people. We are relationship driven, not transaction driven – when it comes to our team members as well as our clients. Here’s how our people have made it possible for us to rise to #1:</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">
We Care For One Another</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Supporting our team members every day and making them feel cared for helps us deliver the speed and ease that brokers need to give their borrowers an unparalleled experience. Our goal is to grow the broker channel — and it all starts with happy, motivated teams in our buildings.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, there’s some kind of celebration happening daily, from team members’ birthdays and work anniversaries to major holidays and even cultural events you may never have heard of before. We’ve cultivated a friendly spirit that makes everyone feel welcome, and encouraged people to “Be You Here” — meaning you don’t have to leave your interests (and interesting personality) at home in order to fit in.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Once you’re here, you’ll find an environment that’s open by design. Although UWM consists of various teams with different specialties, everyone works together as one team, pitching in and lending their specific talents while learning new ones. There are always training sessions and “job shadows” going on, meaning you’ll definitely grow and acquire new skills that will make you an even more invaluable team member.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Best of all, it’s a place where you’ll feel respected — and where your contributions are valued.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">
We’re Innovators</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Sometimes the best way to offer support is by taking the lead. At UWM, we provide our internal teams with an environment where they can innovate groundbreaking technology for our brokers. Our Technology team works closely with business units across the company to better understand our business processes, then uses the feedback from our users and clients to build <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/blog/all-posts/post/technology-at-uwm/2022/09/08/innovation-that-makes-an-impact"><u>industry-disrupting tools from scratch</u></a>. This process allows us to create tools that meet their evolving needs, resulting in game-changers like UWM’s InTouch mobile app and Brand 360 – a white label marketing tool that we provide to our brokers for free - that have revolutionized the mortgage business.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Another reason we develop our own technology? Because we believe in a build vs. buy philosophy, making us true leaders in not just the mortgage industry but in the fintech space as well. This involves predicting the needs of our mortgage broker partners and developing technology that helps them compete on a much higher level. Key examples include our Point of Sale (POS), Loan Origination System (LOS) and Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) solutions.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">
We Get Better Every Day</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“Continuous Improvement” is one of our core company pillars, and another sign of how deeply we invest in all of our team members. We measure our success not just in company advancement, but team member growth.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">To reflect this commitment, we offer almost non-stop leadership training and Development X programs that allow our people to build skills in new areas of the business where they have no previous experience.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Not only do team members have access to a <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/training"><u>Hall-of-Fame training</u></a> team here, they also benefit from an incredible culture of collaboration and mentorship, including direct access to their leaders who encourage them to dominate every day, which results in exceptional service for our broker partners.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">
We Put The Team First</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">We take care of our people because if they’re happy, our clients are happy. That’s why a big part of our culture is based on relationships, putting others first and encouraging everyone to be themselves. From our team member <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/diversity-and-inclusion"><u>resource groups</u></a> such as United Black and United Pride to our family-oriented company events like Boonited and the UWM Fair, our purpose is to show appreciation to our team members and support them in every way.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Our business is even designed to protect our team members from changes in the market. Regardless of interest rates, our business is structured to still thrive during market downturns. We know that every team member at UWM is crucial to the success of our business — which is why we don’t do layoffs.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">While other lenders have no choice but to lay off team members, we continue to invest in our teams and have never laid off a team member in our 37-year history. It sends a great message to our broker partners as they push forward, work hard and ultimately win regardless of the market.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">
Our People Make It Possible</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, we’ve built a strong foundation and culture that have allowed us to go from an unranked lender 10 years ago to the #1 overall lender in America with 38% of the wholesale market share in 2022, and 8% of the overall mortgage market. Without the hard work, dedication and passion of our teams and our mortgage broker partners, this wouldn’t be possible. And we plan to continue dominating and winning for years to come. If you want to feel valued as part of our outstanding team, check out our open positions!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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Our Rise To #1

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Congratulations! You’ve made it to the next step of your job application process - the interview. A job interview is a vital step in getting that job offer and the best opportunity to show your value. Do you work well in a collaborative environment? Are you relationship driven? Are you a great problem solver?</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At UWM, these are the types of qualities we look for in candidates and it’s important to demonstrate them during the interview while showcasing your talent, expertise and professionalism. And the best way to do that is to be well prepared. Here are 8 tips on how to ace your next interview:</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Research Is Key</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">You can’t control the questions you will be asked during an interview, but you can control how well prepared you are to answer them. One of the best ways to get started is to research the company and the role you are applying for. This way, you’ll be able to share what you know about the company, why you want to work there, and why you believe you are the best candidate for the job.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Visit the company’s website to learn more about their culture, mission and values, news and recent events. Be sure to read the job description carefully as you will likely be asked specific questions pertaining to your qualifications for the role. These questions are typically asked at the beginning of the interview, and interviewers tend to make their decision on a candidate within the first 5 minutes – so this is your first opportunity to shine!</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Practice, Practice, Practice</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Not everything sounds exactly the way you say it in your head. It’s one thing to have the perfect mental answer, but it’s another challenge to be able to say it out loud smoothly and confidently on the first try. The last thing you want is to sound unsure of yourself during your interview.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Grab a friend or two, and rehearse telling them about yourself and your job experience over and over until you feel confident with your answers. Allow them to provide you with feedback to help you improve. Don’t forget about body language – it is also very important to keep good posture. This will help you look and sound confident and articulate in your interview!</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Dress To Impress</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Dress for the job you want. The way you present yourself in your interview tells the interviewer how valuable you view this opportunity. First impressions matter, and your interviewer will see you before they hear you, so be sure to be dressed in business professional clothing and don’t forget to smile!</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Be Prepared For Common Interview Questions</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Your interviewer will ask you behavioral questions to assess how you will handle common situations. This will also help them determine if you are a culture fit. As we’ve mentioned before, research is key, so prepare for these questions by applying the STAR method - situation, task, action and result.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Avoid putting anything on your resume that you cannot speak to. You will be asked questions based on your resume and they will want specific examples - such as a time you failed and how you handled it. Using the STAR method, begin by explaining the context of the <strong>situation</strong> before discussing your role, or <strong>task,</strong> in the example. Next, reflect on the <strong>actions</strong> you took to handle the challenge and the <strong>result</strong> of your initiative. It’s very important to demonstrate how you learned and grew from your mistake, so they know you are capable of continuous improvement.</p>
<h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 20px;font-weight: 900;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Example:</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;"><strong>Situation</strong>: I had recently been promoted and was leading a project for a major client. While the project would typically take about a month to complete, the client asked if I could have it ready in three weeks.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;"><strong>Task</strong>: Wanting to make an impression, I agreed. I then realized I'd need more time to finish it and deliver quality work.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;"><strong>Action</strong>: I immediately reached out to the client, apologized and asked for an extension. They generously agreed.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;"><strong>Result</strong>: I managed to finish the project and deliver it before the extended deadline. I also learned to manage my time better and never overpromise on something I can’t deliver.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Avoid Negativity</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">It is likely that you will be asked why you would like to leave or have left your current or most recent position. Avoid speaking negatively about your recent leader or team. Doing this will only raise concerns about your character and the interviewer may shy away from moving you to the next round. Another thing to avoid during your interview is politics. While it has become more socially acceptable to share political beliefs and opinions, they should always be separated from a professional environment.</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Ask Questions</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">At the end of any interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. Never say no. It will indicate that you are not interested in the company or the role you are applying for. Asking questions helps demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your seriousness about the position, and helps the interviewer visualize you in the role. Here are some great examples of questions you could ask to help show your interest:</p>
<ul style="margin-left: 25px;">
  <li>What could help me be successful in this role?</li>
  <li>What are some projects that I would be working on in this role?</li>
  <li>What does success look like in the first 30/60/90 days?</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Be Sure To Stand Out</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">While doing your research, a great way to stand out from other candidates is to look into your interviewer’s background. All this takes is a simple LinkedIn search. This will help you relate to the interviewer, be more personable and give you more things to talk about!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">But most importantly, be yourself! Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but don’t let your nerves get in the way of letting yourself shine. Be friendly, keep a good attitude, show your excitement about the opportunity, and again, don’t forget to smile!</p>
<h2 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Follow Up After Your Interview</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Take a moment after your interview to follow up with a thank you note. In your email, show appreciation for the opportunity and mention something specific you learned about the position you applied for. This will help you stick in the mind of the interviewer!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">While you may be perfectly qualified for the position you are applying for, you must be able to speak to your resume and present yourself as a viable candidate during the interview in order to get that job offer. It’s important to demonstrate your ability to learn, grow and be a team player. So prepare, practice and have confidence in yourself!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team, search our open positions here.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 50px;">&nbsp;</p>

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How To Ace Your Next Interview

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">This past summer, I joined the UWM family as a summer intern. During the 12 weeks I spent here, I was able to enhance my resume, network with executives, make long-lasting friendships and enjoy my summer all while preparing for my future career. Here are some of my favorite experiences as a UWM Summer Intern:</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Meeting Great Friends</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">The first 3 days of my internship consisted of comprehensive company trainings with the hundreds of other summer interns. It was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the company and get to know the team members I would be spending the summer with. I was able to meet people from different backgrounds and develop relationships that would last a lifetime. They were the people I ate lunch with, attended company events with, learned and grew with, and will hopefully connect with in our future careers.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Working With Industry Professionals</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">As the #1 mortgage lender in the nation, UWM is constantly striving to be the best in every area, and the best companies attract the best talent. Every day, I worked alongside professionals in my field of study who shared their wealth of knowledge. This was beneficial to my career - as I was able to apply what I learned in the classroom while being guided and mentored by professionals with years of experience.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Eating Really Good Food</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Working at UWM means enjoying the perks of the campus - and my favorite perk was the endless food options. From their full-service cafeteria with daily specials, rotating food trucks, on-site restaurants and guest restaurants to the fully stocked convenience stores, lunch was definitely a time to look forward to. The best part? We had time to enjoy multiple options and catch up with friends during our guaranteed one-hour lunch break!</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Networking With Executives</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Every week, summer interns attended sessions with the executives, including UWM President and CEO Mat Ishbia. These were great opportunities to learn how leaders from different backgrounds found success in the mortgage industry. Not only did we learn from them in group settings, but we were also encouraged to set up lunch, coffee or job shadows with the executives so we could really get some one-on-one time with the experts. The opportunity to network with such impactful leaders gave us the tools to help start building our careers.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Enhancing My Resume</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">When you think of an intern, it’s easy to picture a college student making copies, grabbing coffee for the team and doing tedious tasks. But at UWM, being an intern means being part of the team. As soon as I started on the floor, I was given an opportunity learn and grow. The other interns and I were given a project to work on that challenged us. We pitched our ideas, briefed the team and led the project from start to finish. We then presented the results to leadership and launched the project. This gave me the opportunity to update my resume with the direct measurable impact that I had on the company, which will help me stand out to recruiters when I’m ready for my next job opportunity.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Experiencing The Company Culture</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Working on the floor at UWM was an experience that will positively impact my career. This was the first real work experience I had in my field, and I was surrounded by team members and leaders who were motivated to be successful in their own roles and were motivated to help others succeed. The open office environment allowed gave us direct access to our leader and the energy on the floor was infectious and encouraged me to continuously improve every day. Leaders and team members were always available to help and encouraged us to step out of our comfort zones to become the professionals we’re striving to be.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Having A Fun Summer</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">You wouldn’t expect work and fun to tie in together, but at UWM, fun and friendship is a big part of their culture. With the arcade rooms, beach volleyball, basketball games, bike rides and dance parties, I was able to work and enhance my resume while enjoying every part of my summer. I even had the opportunity to enjoy the company fair that was free and available for all team members and their families and the community, as well as a watching a USPBL baseball game with the summer interns at Jimmy Johns Field.</p><br>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">When it comes to setting up my career for success, interning at UWM was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone, collaborated with different teams and gained unique experiences that I wouldn’t have been exposed to elsewhere. I was able to build great relationships with other interns, team members and leaders. The best part was that I was able to do all of this while having fun and enjoying my summer. If you’re interested in becoming a UWM Summer Intern, join our team!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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My Favorite Experiences As A UWM Summer Intern

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">During the COVID pandemic, most large companies shifted to a work-from-home model. To help protect the health of our team members and our community, UWM was among them. But for us, a company built on a strong workplace culture and a warm, family-like atmosphere, the move was always considered temporary, and as soon as it was safe to do so, we brought our people back.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Now, in the post-pandemic era, many companies that had told their employees they would always have the option to work from home are beginning to change their minds. In fact, <a href="https://www.hrdive.com/news/report-9-in-10-companies-will-require-return-to-office-by-2023/633055/"><u>HR Drive</u></a> reports that 9 out of 10 companies will require team members to return to the office by 2023.Why? Because they’re just beginning to discover what UWM knew all along: that people work better together.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">From innovation and collaboration to comradery and professional development, there are a lot of reasons UWM believes in having all of our team members under one roof. Here are just a few:</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">A Sense of Belonging</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, we believe it’s important for our team members to feel connected with each other. Working in the office gives them the opportunity to network and grow meaningful connections in a way that they can’t do through a computer screen.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Not only do we invest in our team members’ career growth and advancement, but we also celebrate them and give them the tools they need to grow personally. One way we do this is by providing team members with the opportunity to connect with those they share common ground with through our resource groups. These groups come together to support career development, personal development and educational opportunities for members and allies. You can learn more about our resource groups, including United Black, United Pride, Familia United, Veterans United, and Women in Technology, <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/diversity-and-inclusion"><u>here</u></a>.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Motivating You to Perform at Your Best</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">It can be difficult to get motivated when you’re at home surrounded by distractions — and that lack of motivation can negatively impact your work performance. Alternatively, by surrounding yourself with team members who are always looking to get better at what they do can help you find success in ways you might never have thought possible.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, we are laser focused on winning as a team. Every team member is encouraged to set goals, both personal and professional, and meet with their leader once a month to help track their progress. They’re also motivated to reach their goals by their fellow team members. We all work together to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to succeed.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“Any time I’ve had a question or obstacle and needed help, I’ve gotten the help I needed right away. Being able to work closely with many teams at UWM, I’ve been able to make such a large impact because I’m surrounded by people who are always willing to collaborate to find solutions,” says Kristina Ellis, Business Innovation Specialist.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Finding Your Purpose</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">One of the most important aspects of a rewarding career is having a sense of purpose. Being surround by others who share common goals not only helps support teamwork but can make the work feel much more meaningful.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, our goal is to make the dream of homeownership a reality for more people by supporting independent mortgage brokers across the country — and every role within our company plays a part in that, from our account executives and underwriters to our marketing and technology teams. While every role is unique, every team member is working towards the same common goal.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“Working on the Sales team, the most important part of our role is building relationships with not only our broker clients, but our team members as well. Building relationships with our clients allows us to aid in the growth of their business. And if I need help with a loan, my team members are there to assist me in every way,” says Melissa Kenner, Account Executive.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Offices Promote Professional Development</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Being surrounded by your team and leaders allows for decisions to be made more quickly and solutions found more efficiently. Instead of waiting for a response to an email or Teams chat, being able to turn to your leader to ask a question or have a short huddle with your team helps speed up professional development. It also helps to hold team members accountable.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, we expect our team members to interact and learn from each other. We encourage job shadows to learn best practices as well as for career advancement opportunities. We also make it easy for team members to transfer across teams to find the perfect fit within our organization. All of which would be made much more difficult when working remotely.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Offices Optimize Innovation and Continuous Improvement</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Having a shared space with other team members is also vital for collaboration and innovation. It’s easier to bounce ideas off one another, read emotions and communicate efficiently. Working in the office amongst your team promotes a positive work environment and supports growth.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, continuous improvement is part of our DNA. We’re always looking ahead. How can we learn, grow and do more? We continuously invest in our people with innovative training, tools and technology, because our success is measured in team member growth just as much as company advancement.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“Here at UWM we are provided with unlimited job-specific training, as well as overall professional development. Complacency is not an option at UWM. With our on-site attendance policy, Team Members are able to maximize their full potential by receiving impeccable hands-on training,” says Todd Dekinderen, Talent Acquisition Specialist.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Offices Connect People and Promote Friendship</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">From organized team building events to casual conversations throughout our amenity-filled campus, working in the office allows our team members to build real connections with each other. In fact, many professional relationships evolve into personal ones here, adding to our social cohesion and strengthening our company culture.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">We know it’s possible to balance work with play because we do it every day. From sporting events and entertaining activities to companywide celebrations like our “Boonited” Halloween event and our annual holiday party, we like to bring the fun when our hard work is done.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">And that, when it comes right down to it, is the biggest reason we require our team members to come into the office. We know they’re happier here. Happier with their careers and the success it brings them and their loved ones. Happier with the friendships and bonds they create. Happier with the difference they make in other people’s lives. The best part? We get see it on their faces every day.</p>
<br />
<p>Want to join our team and be a part of our exciting workplace community?</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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Why We’re Not Remotely Interested in Working Remotely at UWM

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">When people think of working at a mortgage company, they typically think of a career in sales, finance or underwriting. So it may surprise you to learn that your background, work experience or college degree could set you up perfectly for a thriving career in a wide variety of roles you might not expect from the #1 mortgage lender in the nation, UWM.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">From a wellness specialist to a leadership coach, hospitality leader, hairstylist and more we offer career paths that allow you to follow your passion while building a secure future. Check out some of our team members’ journeys and how their roles align with their personal goals and contribute to our culture, growth and success.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Wellness Specialist</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">With on-site perks and amenities that include a free state-of-the-art gym, doctor’s office, hair salon, massage rooms and more, UWM’s Wellness Specialist is busy supporting and encouraging a healthier lifestyle for our team members. They coordinate sports leagues, fitness classes and games and activities in our fitness center, The UWM Sports Complex and on our full-size basketball court, outdoor sand volleyball court and indoor volleyball courts.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Caitlin Buscemi, our Wellness Team Lead, has a master’s degree in Sports Administration and worked previously for the YMCA where she facilitated and directed all sports and activities for children in the Pontiac area. “I’ve always had a passion for wellness and sports,” says Caitlin, “I never would have thought I would be able to do this kind of work for a mortgage company.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“This position has a huge impact on our culture and supports our Fun and Friendship pillar. We have such a great time with sports leagues and promoting sportsmanship. Everything we do here is built on relationship building. People are our greatest asset, and we work with team members everyday whether it’s in a yoga class or helping them with their weight loss journey.”</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Leadership Development</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">The Leadership Development team helps train up our newly promoted Team Leads, explore new leadership trends and enhance our team members’ leadership skills while creating self-awareness and strengthening their emotional intelligence. Their goal is to provide superior and consistent servant-based leadership that our team members depend on.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Leadership Coach, Ray Goodson, started at UWM as a Call Coach soon after the Leadership Development team offered him the opportunity to become a leadership coach. “I visited the campus once with a relative who worked here and was amazed by the atmosphere,” says Ray. “He told me about the opportunities to grow a successful career here, and I was sold. I didn’t expect the opportunities for career advancements that I’ve had.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“Leadership is not a title but rather a passion that comes with major responsibilities at UWM. The Leadership Development team provides multiple resources to all leaders. They help coach leaders up to show the best sides of who they are in their leadership role. Brand. Ownership. Authenticity. Most importantly, being coachable and continuously improving is the key to always moving forward.”</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Campus Grounds Specialist</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">UWM’s Campus sits on over 200 acres of land, and the Campus Grounds Specialist is responsible for the management of landscaping companies, cleanliness, organization and maintenance of the outdoor campus.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Jacob Gutierrez, our Campus Grounds Specialist, was a carpenter for a long time, but his heart was always with working outdoors. So, when he saw the opportunity to apply for this role, he didn’t hesitate. “Most mortgage companies aren’t as big as we are, and don’t even have a Grounds Specialist,” says Jacob. “I didn’t even think a role like this existed, but it makes total sense for a campus this large. I didn’t know what I’d be doing at first and how busy I’d be but I love it.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“I like to think that when our team members show up to work every day and see a beautiful, clean campus, it puts them in a good mood. It makes them want to work harder and put in that much more effort. The campus allows them to enjoy their lunchtime eating, walking or biking. It’s great being able to put a smile on peoples’ faces.”</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Hospitality Services</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">The Hospitality team at UWM is responsible for ordering and maintaining all supplies for kitchens, including pop machines, silverware, coffee, creamer - everything to keep our team members energized and comfortable while focusing on providing elite service to our clients and guests.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Sara Stanton, Hospitality Services Team Lead, was a restaurant manager for almost 20 years until she joined UWM. “I never expected to do this kind of work at a mortgage company,” says Sara. “I get paid to have fun and make sure team members have everything they need. At the end of the day, we have a good time.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“We’re always saying hello to our team members in the kitchen and lending an ear to those who need someone to talk to. A team member can have a tough call and come into the kitchen to regroup, and we’re there to give them words of encouragement. Team members can always call us if they need anything. We’re there to help.”</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Government Affairs Coordinator</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">The Government Affairs Coordinator is responsible for state lobbying efforts based in Michigan and doing business across all 50 states. They meet with government officials who make laws that affect our business and educate them on the difference between wholesale and retail, while showing them how the broker community impacts each state.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Barry Szczesny, our Government Affairs Coordinator, started in politics as soon as he graduated college and worked in Lansing, Michigan, for about 9 years before starting his role at UWM. “I didn’t know much about the mortgage industry before coming here,” says Barry. “I’ve learned a lot over the past two years and realized how important it is to educate our elected officials on the industry. They need someone like me and the team to help educate them on what wholesale does for borrowers and why brokers are better.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“We are a great connection for our broker clients. They don’t have the resources that we do as a company. They can’t call up their congressman and ask how specific laws impact their business, so we’re here to make their lives a little easier.”</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Hairstylist</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, team members don’t have to worry about taking the day off or rushing out of work to get to their hair appointment. One of UWM’s perks is our on-site hair salon.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Krystal Swindlehurst, our campus Hairstylist, studied cosmetology after high school, and has been enthusiastic about doing hair ever since. When COVID-19 hit, the salon she was working at was forced to shut down and Krystal joined UWM’s Lending Support team. “I enjoy the culture at UWM and was comfortable in my new role even though it was very different from what I was doing previously,” says Krystal, “but when the hairstylist role became available, I thought it would be a great time to also do what I’m passionate about”.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">“My role gives me the opportunity to do what I love while getting the full experience of UWM’s culture. I interact with team members all day and learn about their roles,” says Krystal. “I motivate them while they get their hair cut and share their experiences with me about different things. The best thing about being a hairstylist here is that I only have great customers – our team members!”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">UWM is so much more than just a mortgage company. Every role in our company affects our team members, our culture and our business. Regardless of your background, we give you the opportunity to grow within the company while doing what you’re most passionate about - truly allowing you to Be You Here.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">If you’re interested in making an impact while doing what you love, check out our unique roles.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>


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Exciting Careers In The Most Unexpected Place – A Mortgage Company

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">It’s exciting to lead a team of over 1,000 technology team members dedicated to developing innovative and cutting-edge tools that positively impact our business, our clients’ businesses and homebuyers across the country. We pride ourselves on being problem solvers and thumb pointers who take continuous improvement personally. One of the most important things we do every day at UWM is listen to our clients’ needs and take immediate action to support them and their growing businesses. This translates to building and supporting applications in-house, as opposed to relying on vendor-supplied technology</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Our teams are designed to solve the mortgage industry’s and our clients’ toughest challenges. Our proprietary, industry-disrupting, first-to-market apps utilize machine learning, microservice architecture and single-page applications to give our clients and team members the most powerful tools, technologies, processes and resources in the industry.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">We’re In This Together</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">We've accomplished our goal of becoming the #1 mortgage lender in the nation while continuing to be the leader in the fintech space. Because when our clients win, we win, too.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, we have an incredible culture of collaboration and mentorship. We have comprehensive, award-winning training not only for our Technology team, but throughout the company. We work closely and constantly with business units across the company who help us to better understand our business processes, so we can collaborate on groundbreaking solutions. Because we build all our applications, we know them inside and out, allowing us to move quickly, roll out enhancements effectively, and pivot on a dime.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Not only do we focus on innovation and working hard, but we make sure we have fun while doing it. Our teams support each other and celebrate each other’s victories. We are all in for UWM, and each other, and this is the mindset that enables our Technology team to continue dominating the fintech space.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Our team has built industry-disrupting tools from scratch through collaboration with in-house experts because of the feedback and suggestions of our users and clients. It allows us to create tools that can cater to their evolving needs and continue to make enhancements and roll out new products and features as the market changes.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Here are just a few examples of the game-changing tools we have built, and how they support our clients’ business needs while helping borrowers achieve the dream of homeownership:</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">BOLT</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">BOLT is an industry-first software that clears the path for easier, faster loan approvals with UWM. It allows our clients to obtain an initial approval on conventional loans at their convenience and resolve potential conditions that could slow their loan down. While other lenders may have borrowers waiting several days or weeks for loan to be underwritten and approved, we can give an initial approval within 15 minutes. Sometimes it’s even faster-our current record is 7 minutes</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">UWM Appraisal Direct</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">To help alleviate a major pain point in the mortgage industry, we partnered with highly qualified appraisers across the country who share our goal of making the appraisal process work better and faster for everyone involved.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Thanks to our leading-edge technology and industry-renowned client service, we’re now able to act as an Appraisal Management Company (AMC) by assigning an appraiser for our brokers. We’ve created a streamlined process that allows faster appraisals, convenience, transparency and efficiency.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">InTouch Mobile App</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Brokers can stay connected to their pipeline, lock in loan rates, receive loan status notifications, submit or review change of circumstances and more, all from their phone. Processes that are normally done on a desktop can be done from anywhere in the palm of their hands, thanks to our proprietary InTouch Mobile App.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Brand 360</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Independent mortgage brokers have a lot to offer borrowers and real estate agents, but it won’t do them any good if the right people don’t know about it. That’s why our team created a marketing portal - Brand 360, where our clients have the ability to become marketing masters.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">With Brand 360, clients know exactly the right time to reach out to past borrowers through alerts that let them know when they’re eligible to remove MI, have pulled new credit and more.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">They can also connect all their social platforms, choose from daily content, and schedule posts without worrying about a lack of content. We offer an entire library of assets designed to help them market themselves - from flyers and emails to social posts and videos. All assets are customizable within Brand 360 to fit their own brand colors, logo, contact information and more!</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Want to be part of what we build next?</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">We’re always looking for experienced technology professionals who can help us further innovate and lead the fintech space. Not only will your ideas be heard, they'll be implemented. You’ll be able to provide value and make real impact that you can see not only within the company, as well as with our clients and borrowers across the nation. Check out open positions&nbsp;on our team today.</p>

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Innovation That Makes An Impact

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Before accepting a job, it’s important to consider if it will be feasible to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Many future and current team members have families to take care of and hobbies they enjoy, and UWM recognizes this. In addition, it’s important for team members to have a positive work experience throughout their hard-working day.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">In this post, we’ll dive into some examples of how to maintain a healthy work-life balance and perks that UWM provides to support this.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">What Is a Healthy Work-Life Balance?</h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">A healthy work-life balance is maintaining a job that provides you value while having time to do enjoyable things outside of work, whether it’s spending time with family and friends, traveling or enjoying a hobby. In addition, work should not negatively impact your health or relationships. Not maintaining a healthy work-life balance may manifest through having trouble sleeping, eating poorly or not eating at all, fatigue, stress and more.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Why Does It Matter?</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">It’s important to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, as a large amount of stress can negatively affect your health, both physically and mentally. This stress can further lead to burnout or a constant state of exhaustion. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can ensure you have a positive experience at your workplace along with spending quality time with loved ones and doing things you enjoy outside of your job.</p>
<h2 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">How UWM’s Unique Features Help You Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance</h2>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Flexible Schedules With UWM’s Flex 30</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Need to leave early for your child’s soccer tournament? Get a flat tire on your way to work? That’s no problem! UWM’s Flex 30 allows you to adjust your typical workday schedule by 30 minutes to have the flexibility you need!</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Build a Workout Routine With UWM’s 24/7 Fitness Center</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Studies show that regularly exercising both reduces stress levels and leaves you with a greater sense of fulfillment. The higher your self-worth, the more you’re productive, master challenges and have more confidence. Here at UWM, you can utilize our 24/7 fitness center, full-size indoor basketball and volleyball courts, an outdoor sand volleyball court and an entire sports complex. To top it off, we even have sports tournaments and fitness classes you can sign up for, free of charge!</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">De-Stress With UWM’s Arcade Rooms and Ping-Pong Tables</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">It’s important to take brain breaks when your brain feels overwhelmed with information. Several <a href="https://medium.com/mind-cafe/the-science-of-taking-breaks-at-work-to-help-boost-your-productivity-ec3e1f47c818"><u>research studies</u></a> have shown that breaks in the workplace lead to increased motivation, creativity and overall productivity. Luckily for team members here at UWM, there are arcade rooms, ping-pong tables and a variety of other options to de-stress and re-charge your brain!</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Eat Healthy With UWM’s Free Fruit Offerings</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Healthy eating habits not only improve your physical health, but they strengthen your immune system, increase productivity and elevate your overall mood. With this, you’ll have more energy to enjoy doing things you love outside of work. UWM supports healthy eating habits by providing free apples, oranges and bananas to snack on throughout the day! In addition, UWM offers a variety of healthy food options for purchase throughout the campus.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Get the Energy You Need With UWM’s Complimentary Coffee and Tea</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Don’t worry about spending an extra 10-15 minutes at home making your morning coffee or tea, because we’ve got you covered! Here at UWM, we have a variety of complimentary coffee and tea offerings so you can save time in the morning and enjoy your caffeine fix anytime throughout the day.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Never Miss a Doctor’s Appointment With Our On-site Doctor’s Office</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Not feeling well, or just need a checkup? No need to delay your appointment or take the day off, our full-service primary care doctor’s office provides services Monday through Friday.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:20px;font-weight:900;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Check Off That Errand List Without Leaving Work</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Need to make it to the dry cleaners on time or in dire need of a haircut? UWM ensures that you don’t have to spend your free time after work running errands and provides an on-site dry cleaning service and hair salon!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Having a flexible schedule, building and sustaining a workout routine, taking brain breaks, having healthy eating habits, taking care of your errands at work and caffeinating when needed are examples of implementing a healthy work-life balance. UWM’s perks and amenities help you accomplish this!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">If you’re interested in learning more about the additional unique campus amenities and perks that UWM offers, join our team!</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;"><a href="https://medium.com/mind-cafe/the-science-of-taking-breaks-at-work-to-help-boost-your-productivity-ec3e1f47c818"><em><u>https://medium.com/mind-cafe/the-science-of-taking-breaks-at-work-to-help-boost-your-productivity-ec3e1f47c818<u></em></a></p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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How UWM Helps You Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At United Wholesale Mortgage, we lean on the strengths of every team member—whether or not they have mortgage industry knowledge. Typically, our team members have no prior mortgage experience. Instead, during the hiring process, we focus on finding the right attitude and transferable skills. This approach has been extremely successful in our hiring practices — in 2021, we hired more than 4,000 new team members, most of whom were new to the wholesale mortgage industry.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">What are transferable skills?</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Transferable skills are portable skills that can be transferred from one job – or one industry – to another and serve as a foundation for professional success. At UWM, some of the most common transferable skills we look for include client service, teamwork, communication, critical thinking and time management.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Why are transferable skills important?</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">We rely heavily on transferable skills at UWM because we offer our team members the opportunity to learn a new role when they join the company, as well as when they transfer between departments. Team members who have skills that aren’t dependent on a specific function but rather improve a team member’s work ethic, communication effectiveness or quality of work regardless of position are more likely to succeed than other applicants.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">The Top 5 transferable skills</h4>
<p><strong>1. Communication</strong></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Communication skills embody not only verbal and listening skills, but also writing and technological communication skills. While job searching, keep in mind that all professional employers will require these primary communication skills. At UWM, communication is key to working with teams effectively and efficiently.</p>
<p><strong>2. Teamwork</p></strong>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Going into a professional workplace, you’ll be working with many different people from different backgrounds and perspectives, and you’ll have to work with team members effectively. Without the ability to work well with others, employers will not consider you as a candidate. UWM thrives on teamwork. Our teams work hand in hand every single day to provide our clients with the best possible service.</p>
<p><strong>3. Time Management</p></strong>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Working with a team, especially in a larger company, will require you to work on multiple projects at once. To do this, you must be able to multi-task, be organized and most importantly, have good time management. Deadlines are very important. You should be able to meet your deadlines with time to spare to make changes, which is inevitable.</p>
<p><strong>4. Critical Thinking</p></strong>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Problem solving requires critical thinking. That being said, it is very likely that you will run into challenges while working on projects. Using your critical thinking skills, you should be able to analyze the problem, ask questions and create solutions.</p>
<p><strong>5. Client Service</p></strong>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Client service is the ability to support and assist your clients to help meet their needs and ensure a positive experience. It helps build relationships, which is vital for a company’s success. At UWM, we not only service our clients, but our team members as well. We respond to requests quickly, are open to new ideas and take the time to help others achieve their goals.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">How to utilize your transferrable skills</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">If you’re looking to change careers and aren’t sure your experience matches a potential role’s qualifications, or if you’re new to the job market, here are some key ways you can identify and leverage your transferable skills:</p>
<ul style="margin:0 0 20px 25px;">
  <li><strong>Compile a list of your top transferable skills</strong><br>To discuss your transferable skills with a hiring manager, you must have those skills defined. List your top three to five transferable skills. Are you a team player who loves collaboration? A tech-savvy individual who knows the ins and outs of Excel? Do you take ownership of your own personal development? Brainstorm how these skills match your potential employer’s needs, and the job description.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin:0 0 20px 25px;">
  <li><strong>Connect your strengths to the job description for the role you’re applying for</strong><br>Now it’s time to connect the dots! How do your transferable skills match the job description? Sure, you may not have the preferred experience or education, but you can still make yourself an attractive candidate by identifying those strengths. Come equipped with evidence and a strong explanation to back up your narrative.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin:0 0 20px 25px;">
    <li><strong>Be confident</strong><br>Remember, everyone in the hiring process, including yourself, is looking for the right fit. Be confident and clear in your abilities. Entering a new career as a veteran job seeker or as a newbie can come with a lot of uncertainty. The good news is that transferable skills will always be in demand from recruiters.</li>
</ul>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Focusing on the broader strengths you can bring to the job and your willingness to learn a new industry are crucial ways to leave a great impression at the end of an interview. Remember, confidence is having concrete examples of how your skills will aid your career growth, as well as the benefits for the potential employer. Embrace your strengths and realize your potential.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Having the right transferable skills can help you land the job you’ve been searching for. It’s important to utilize these skills to your advantage! Do you think you have the right skills for UWM? Apply and join our team!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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How Transferable Skills Can Land You a Job

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">This past October, I celebrated 10 years at UWM. Although a lot has changed over the years, our goals have always been centered around growth. From the days I led a team of 37 underwriters to the nearly 6,000 on my team today, I’ve grown as a person and as a leader. Here are some things important lessons I’ve learned along the way:</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Stay Positive</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Life’s unpredictability is one of its greatest treasures. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the negative aspects of life’s ‘what if’s’, but the challenge is to truly appreciate and anticipate the positive ones. While it’s important to be prepared for all possible outcomes, most of the time our wildest fears and worries never come to fruition. Don’t let fear affect your decision-making abilities. Stay positive.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Break Things Into Parts</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">It can be overwhelming when you have a lot on your plate. When you’re left feeling like there’s not enough time in the day to get your work done, break your workload into parts and prioritize them. Allocate enough time to complete each task and check them off as you go. It will help make your days easier.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Embrace Change</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">How you handle change will determine how well you will execute your job. Change is inevitable and it’s important to look at change as progress and that change is a way to be better today than you were yesterday. I often say if you aren’t changing then you aren’t growing. Don’t resist it; it’s a good thing!</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Be a Thumb Pointer</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Take time to reflect on your results. When things go well, what are you doing that is making things go well, and do more of that. When things could have gone better, take the time to reflect and ask yourself, “What could I have done differently for a better outcome? How could I have helped something to go more smoothly?"</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Spend Your Time Wisely</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">We all have the same 24 hours in the day to make an impact. You have to say no to things that aren’t aligned with your goals or your brand, and don’t waste time on things that drain your time or that you don’t get value or enjoyment from. Always look at the time commitment required and truly assess the input vs. the value.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Put Things in Perspective</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">For many, balancing their work and home life can be challenging and stressful. Every day, I ask myself what will make me the best mom, wife and leader, and I use that to make decisions on what gets prioritized. I consciously put things in perspective and compartmentalize the things that I can and cannot control. It’s important to take what comes at you in stride and feel confident that you are strong enough to get through it.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, we focus on growth. Growth as a company, as a leader, as a team member and as a person. As you navigate through your career, you will experience change and learn lots of lessons. What matters is how you apply them, not only at work, but in your everyday life. Learn more about career opportunities here.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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The 6 Things I’ve Learned in My 10 Years at UWM

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">While it’s easy to get zoned into your work and eat at your desk, it’s very beneficial to step away during lunch, which is why, here at UWM, we require all employees to take an hour lunch. These are the five reasons why you should make time for that lunch break.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">1. It creates a natural half-way point for your day</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">If you eat lunch at your desk while you work, it’s easier to lose track of time and all the things you need to get done for the day. Having a clear stopping point midway through the day gives you time to take inventory of what you’ve completed so far and re-prioritize what still needs to be done before leaving for the day.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">2. It gives you time to attend to other non-work-related tasks</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Your texts, personal emails, online shopping and grocery lists can be done while you are on your lunch break instead of distracting you throughout the day. Pro tip: Make a list of these other tasks as they come up throughout the day so you can knock them out during your break!</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">3. It helps get the creative juices flowing</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Taking a break from work, especially when focusing on a difficult problem, can give you the boost you need to solve whatever issue you are working through. It forces you to break out of your current mindset and gives you a different perspective. Sometimes the best way to overcome writer’s block is just a simple change in environment.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">4. It boosts your productivity for the rest of the day</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Fully detaching from your work for that hour lunch break allows your mind and body to unwind and recover from the stresses of your workday. Spending a little time doing something other than work helps boost energy, increase creativity and lower stress and anxiety. When your break is over, you’ll be renewed and ready to take on whatever is waiting for you back at your desk.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">5. It allows you to build relationships with your fellow team members</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Your lunch hour is the perfect time to bond with the people you work with outside of the work environment and work-related tasks. You can also take this opportunity to network with people outside of your department, learn more about the company and you refresh your point of view on problem solving. Even our CEO, Mat Ishbia, comes to the cafeteria multiple times a week and finds a team member he doesn’t know to sit with. He learns more about them and their role and asks them the famous question, “What would you change if you were CEO?”.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">When deciding between eating at your desk or taking your lunch break, consider the benefits of enhancing your mental, physical and social well-being. Use that hour to your full advantage!</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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5 Reasons to Take an Hour Lunch

<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Having any sort of advantage in the workplace can help catapult you into success. At UWM (United Wholesale Mortgage), I was fortunate to have the opportunity to experience the Business Innovation Group (BIG) program that gave me with the experience to fully understand the life of the loan and how it impacts each role in this company. In this blog, we’ll to dive into the benefits of starting within the BIG program versus being hired into a specific role.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">What Is the Business Innovation Group?</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">UWM is the #1 mortgage lender in the nation, making the dream of homeownership come true. The Business Innovation group is a collective group of diverse professionals that have a goal to implement performance enhancers for each team at UWM that directly and indirectly impacts the loan process within the company. The BIG program allows the selected team members the opportunity to rotate through every team in the company for one year and offers a hands-on experience through the life of the loan. It allows team members to study and provide feedback on processes to help improve each of the roles that play a part in making UWM the #1 mortgage lender.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Once the program is complete, the BIGs are assigned to a team at UWM. Their placement is determined based on the skills they’ve displayed during their rotations the business needs and where their strengths and experience would best be applied.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">Why Is BIG Important?</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">At UWM, continuous improvement is essential to our long-term success, and the BIG program is a prime example of this. BIG is designed to bring fresh eyes into various areas of our business and industry, helping to identify areas of opportunity while fully immersing themselves within the weeds of the business. In turn, this prepares any BIG team member with the proper tools to help make an impact.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Coming out of the BIG program is beneficial in many ways for your new career. It allows you to experience roles you may never have known existed or find a new passion during the rotations. Most of all, one of the biggest takeaways from the BIG program is the network that it helps you build with everyone from executive leadership to business operations.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Having a resource in each lane of business is something that speaks for itself, and this alone can take you places you wouldn’t have thought were possible. Once the BIG experience is over and your specialized role begins, you have the knowledge, experience, and network to set you on the road to success.</p>
<h4 style="color:#5e5e5f;font-size:30px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:500;margin:15px 0 10px 0;">How I’ve Benefitted From BIG</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Right from the start, being a BIG showed its perks. Starting with a new company and not knowing others can make settling in a challenge. However, the BIG program allowed me to network with my team members, making me comfortable with my new team prior to the start of our first day, which made onboarding easier. This, in turn, gave me an idea of the culture at UWM and helped set me up for success going forward.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">During one of the rotations, we were asked to help UWM reach the company goal of 83% happiness in Client Request responses. My team was asked to develop a strategy to help achieve this goal, and with the network that was built during the BIG program, it was easier to gain feedback and opinions from those who deal with CRs daily to help with this objective. We found ourselves reaching out and asking for feedback from former team members who we worked with in past rotations on how our new process ideas would work and the logic behind them. Having a large network in your back pocket to help answer questions, is a BIG advantage.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">Looking back on the BIG program, I didn’t expect how much this program would impact me outside of UWM. I have learned a lot about my character and my brand, along with the opportunities that lay within them. A large part of the BIG program is gaining feedback after each rotation. I am thankful for this feedback I received on how I can improve going forward because I probably wouldn’t haven’t been given this opportunity to grow anywhere else. I find myself having better conversations with friends and family, putting myself out there more often and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">The BIG program is the best way to get a full understanding of UWM and the life of the loan before diving into a UWM career. I feel well prepared and confident for my assigned role and am excited to see where this new knowledge will take me. The things I’ve learned and the people I have met will go beyond UWM, and for this I’m very fortunate.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:20px;">If you’re ready to start a career or thinking about a career switch and would be interested in applying to the Business Innovation Group, join our team.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></p>

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What Is the BIG Advantage?

<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">When you get home from work, are you excited to share your workday with the people closest to you? If your loved ones had the opportunity to join your team, would you encourage them? Do you see yourself with your company in 2 years?</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">These questions are heavily influenced by your workplace environment. The lesser-known connection between these questions is that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) play a key role in shaping that environment. Respect for cultural diversity, fostering an inclusive environment and support for both equity and equality are all concepts that directly shape a person’s experience and perception of an organization.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">In this post, you will learn how three keys to greater diversity, equity and inclusion drove our approach at UWM and helped our team members at UWM feel connected and accepted. Although this is not an all-inclusive list, these are the themes we focused on when building our DEI foundations and initiatives.</p>
<h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">1. Listen First. Act Later.</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">The first thing we did was take time to listen. We listened to what’s going well. We listened to the concerns of team members. We listened to the feelings, thoughts and opportunities our team members were wanting to share. We created a safe space and allowed our team members to be open, honest and unapologetic about expressing those feelings. These conversations helped guide the creation of our DEI initiatives.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">How did we do this? We scheduled one-on-one meetings with the team members and leaders. It’s important to spend an equal amount of quality time with all members of your team. We listened to their concerns, the initiatives they wanted to see at UWM and how many people from each diverse community were part of our team. From there, we helped facilitate and support our team members through the creation of resource groups. Representing these specific communities here at UWM, like United Black, United Pride and Women in Technology, resource groups provide feedback on what impacts their communities both professionally and personally.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">For example, our LGBTQ+ resource group is focused on establishing a sense of community and support for people within the LGBTQ+ community at work, and our United Black resource group is focused on developing Black representation in leadership. Listening to the concerns, needs and wants of each group helps us determine our next steps.</p>
<h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">2. DEI Is S.M.A.R.T.</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">We made our plans actionable and created measures of accountability using S.M.A.R.T. goals, which are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-oriented. This represents taking a thoughtful and deliberate approach to supporting DEI, equality and representation in the workplace.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">While part of what we aim to create are feelings of inclusivity for our team members, these feelings are driven by interactions within the workplace. These daily interactions are what should be addressed and adjusted with action plans. After listening to our teammates and deciding what our key areas of improvement are, we used S.M.A.R.T. goals to create action plans to improve those targets.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">For example, our resource groups were established using S.M.A.R.T. goals. We set a goal to launch four new resource groups by the end of 2021. By targeting a launch of one resource group per quarter. The way we measured our success was by creating a list of milestones. Examples of these milestones included establishing dedicated leadership committees representing at least five different internal teams, establishing published goals and hosting at least one event. Each resource group must complete these milestones in order to be launched.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Each resource group also has specific goals that are measured the S.M.A.R.T. way and follow a S.M.A.R.T. action plan. Each resource group is also required to host one event per quarter for any team member to join.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">For example, to help build a stronger pipeline to leadership, United Black held a leadership summit where black leaders from across the company spoke to our team members about how they made it into their role and provided key takeaways that will help team members grow. Many team members who attended the summit came forward to share the positive impact this event had on their career at UWM. The event and the amount of team members that made positive changes within their roles and career helped United Black execute their S.M.A.R.T. goal and measure its success.</p>
<h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">3. It’s WE, Not I</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">These efforts cannot be owned by just a few people in the company. There must be space for all team members to be part of the solution. The biggest goal of inclusion is ensuring that there are many diverse voices across the organization with the ability to be heard and empowered to make decisions. For that reason, it only makes sense that team members can create the environment they wish to be part of.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Here at United Wholesale Mortgage, team members across the organization are involved in every facet of our DEI efforts. From assisting in developing training materials, planning cultural celebrations, to directing our resource groups and charitable efforts, active participation is key.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">If a company’s purpose on conducting DEI-focused initiatives is to check a box to say they are involved, it will have a negative effect on their team members. They can always tell when initiatives are truly genuine. By encouraging team members to lead and be involved, they own the initiatives and genuinely feel the inclusion, which is not just a metric.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Inclusion is observable through the way people respond and treat each other and how active they are in taking initiative. Focusing on the “we” helps team members focus on the solution and own it, because inclusion is not something that one person or one initiative can fix. Having everyone participate in the solution is what fosters inclusion, which carried out through our resource groups.</p>
<h4 style="color: #5e5e5f;font-size: 30px;text-transform: uppercase;font-weight: 500;margin: 15px 0 10px 0;">Do What’s Best for Your Organization</h4>
<p style="margin-bottom: 20px;">Every company has their own unique ecosystem of people, therefore, there will be different opportunities to diversify and include, which will take on different initiatives. By listening, creating S.M.A.R.T. goals and working as a team, UWM has created a respect for cultural diversity, fostered an inclusive environment in the workplace and supported equity and equality. <a href="https://www.uwmcareers.com/company/diversity-and-inclusion"><u>Learn more about our DEI initiatives</u></a>.</p>
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