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Claire, Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager at Banking Industry: Advize Career Interview
This interview with Claire, an Assistant Vice President and Relationship Manager in banking, paints a picture of a dynamic and rewarding career.
Beginning with internships and a full-time role focused on processing, underwriting, and due diligence, the career path then progressed to relationship management, emphasizing both business development and client service.
Daily tasks involve analyzing loan packages, networking, and providing support to existing clients. Success hinges on strong interpersonal skills, a solid understanding of credit, and adaptability in a constantly evolving industry.
The role's greatest joys stem from meeting new people and learning about their businesses, while the biggest challenge lies in navigating internal approvals.
Entry-level opportunities often start with bank training programs, offering comprehensive exposure to various aspects of banking.
A key takeaway is the value of learning the industry "from the ground up." Early involvement in relevant college programs, such as real estate societies and development projects, provides invaluable experience and connections, ultimately setting the stage for a fulfilling career in banking.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Claire Hunn
Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager
Banking Industry
University of San Diego
University of Alabama - Masters of Science, Marketing
Business & Related
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Sales and Client Management
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Career Path Of An Assistant Vice President Relationship Manager In Banking
Claire's career began with two summer internships at First Republic Bank in commercial real estate lending, leading to a full-time role after graduating early from USD where Claire gained extensive experience in processing, underwriting, and due diligence, ultimately choosing the "stability route" over brokerage. Claire then transitioned to Citizens Business Bank as an Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager, focusing on sales and commercial lending, managing client relationships and sourcing new business for the bank.
Main Responsibilities of an Assistant Vice President Relationship Manager at a Bank
Claire's main responsibilities as Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager involve a mix of business development and client management; she spends a lot of time "going to market, meeting with different clients and prospects" as well as centers of influence to bring in new business, while also acting as the "main point of contact" for existing clients, ensuring their needs are met. The role also requires her to review loan packages and perform preliminary underwriting, highlighting the importance of understanding both the relationship and financial aspects of banking.
A Day In The Life Of An Assistant Vice President Relationship Manager In Banking
As an Assistant Vice President Relationship Manager in banking, Claire's days are dynamic, involving analyzing loan packages, seeking credit approvals, and providing quotes while also "networking with different people" to develop new relationships. Claire also focuses on helping existing clients with various needs, from deposit accounts to investment portfolios and new loans, making it a role with a blend of analysis, client service, and business development.
Most Important Skills for an Assistant Vice President Relationship Manager in Banking
For an Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager role in banking, "the ability to talk to people" and build relationships through active listening is critical for understanding clients and their businesses, while a strong understanding of "how credit works" is also essential for communicating effectively with credit administrators and presenting well-supported deals, including outlining both strengths and weaknesses.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Assistant Vice President Relationship Manager In Banking
Claire, an Assistant Vice President and Relationship Manager, finds the most joy in "being able to meet new people, hear their story," and learning about the unique journeys and challenges business owners face in building their companies. The ability to connect with individuals and understand "the background behind their business" is what Claire finds most rewarding in the role.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Relationship Manager At A Bank
Claire, an Assistant Vice President and Relationship Manager in banking, finds that the biggest challenge in the role is navigating internal resistance, specifically having to convince the credit department to approve deals because "sometimes they get very stringent in their bucket." The role therefore requires a lot of internal negotiation to get deals "across the finish line."
Favorite Parts of Working in the Banking Industry as a Relationship Manager
Claire, an Assistant Vice President and Relationship Manager, most enjoys the "interconnectivity between people" in the banking industry. Getting to know people's stories and how they got to where they are today is very rewarding, especially since "someone knows someone who knows someone."
What An Assistant Vice President Relationship Manager In Banking Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Banking Industry
Claire, an Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager in banking, wishes someone had emphasized that "nothing's ever permanent" in the industry, citing constant changes in compliance, regulatory requirements, and major events like the PPP initiative and bank failures as examples of the dynamic landscape. This highlights the need for adaptability and resilience in banking careers.
Entry-Level Banking Positions for Aspiring Relationship Managers
For undergraduates or graduates aiming for a relationship manager or commercial banker role, Claire suggests entry-level positions often begin with bank training programs, lasting two to three years, with the first year focused on learning "the processing side," progressing to underwriting and financial analysis in the second year, and culminating in a "portfolio manager type of role" before advancing to junior sales positions with quotas. This path provides a blend of operational knowledge and financial acumen, preparing individuals for eventual elevation to full sales roles.
Significant Career Lesson From an Assistant Vice President Relationship Manager in Banking
Claire, an Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager at a bank, believes that "learning from the ground up" has been the most significant lesson in their career, emphasizing that understanding loan processing and underwriting from the beginning provides a critical understanding of the entire banking process and allows one to better assist clients with informed answers, making one more "desirable." According to Claire, this foundational knowledge sets apart those who truly understand the ins and outs of banking from those who only superficially assess deals.
College Experiences That Helped A Banking Relationship Manager Succeed
To prepare for a career in banking, Claire heavily engaged with USD's real estate program, leading the Real Estate Society and participating in the NAOP team, which involved "a development project basically where it's ground up construction", giving invaluable exposure to development, design, and financial aspects of the field. These experiences, supported by the Brenda Moore Center and industry connections, proved "instrumental" in Claire's success at USD and beyond.
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