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.
Looking back on my journey here, I wanted to share some of the most important lessons and unique experiences that contributed to my success. Hopefully they will encourage you to go out and seek your answers, too.
The Power of Asking Questions
It’s true when they say, “No question is a dumb question.” At UWM, I’ve learned that seeking guidance from experts, leveraging available tools, and cultivating a supportive network are all crucial steps toward expertise and professional growth.
Maintain A Positive Mindset
So much of success is having a positive mindset and being surrounded by people who think the same way. 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.
Seize Every Opportunity You Get
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.
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.
Leverage All of Your Qualities
Before coming here, I never would have guessed that “previous mortgage experience” was way down on the list of things UWM looks for 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.
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.
Interested in working at UWM? Visit UWM's Careers page to apply today! UWM is currently offering a $1,000 hiring bonus for certain entry-level roles.*
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.
*Eligibility to receive a hiring bonus is contingent upon a newly hired employee completing thirty (30) days of continuous employment, is subject to change at UWM’s discretion and may be subject to additional terms and conditions not contained herein.