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.
Leaders Started Like You
Throughout the company you’ll find leaders who began in entry-level roles 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.
“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.”
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.
“I started as an intern 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.”
The Power of Mentorship and Leaning on Others
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.
“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.”
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.”
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.
“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.”
Resources to Help You Thrive
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 resources to build your capabilities to help you excel in your role and explore various leadership opportunities.
“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 continuous training opportunities. 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.”
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.
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!