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.
Banking, Commercial Lending, Relationship Management, Sales, Career Path
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), Real Estate
Sales and Client Management
Video Highlights
1. Internships in commercial real estate lending at First Republic Bank during college provided valuable experience and led to a full-time role upon graduation.
2. The decision to choose a stable banking job over a brokerage role (1099) was influenced by the desire for benefits and a steady income.
3. Progressed from processing and underwriting to a sales role as Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager at Citizens Business Bank, focusing on commercial lending (investor real estate, construction, SBA loans, etc.).
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? What internships or jobs did you have before your current role?
When I was at the University of San Diego completing my undergrad degree in real estate, I had the opportunity of two summer internships with First Republic Bank. These were with their business banking team, doing commercial real estate lending.
I really dove into the banking side. I always thought I'd be more on the brokerage side, but at that time, I was deciding between being a 1099 with no benefits or stable income coming out of college, or having stability and income on the banking side.
So, I ultimately chose the stability route and went on the banking side. I accepted a full-time role with First Republic Bank during my senior year of college, so that job was waiting for me upon graduation. I graduated a semester early from USD, which was great, and allowed me to start a little sooner.
Part of my role there was doing all the processing, some underwriting, and all the due diligence for the loans. Working my way up to a sales role was always the goal. Through my time there, I gained a lot of knowledge because of the robust nature of First Republic's training and the many areas you were able to touch.
From there, I accepted a different role at another bank as Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager. This was fully in a sales role at Citizens Business Bank. There, I was doing all sales, working with clients directly, and going to market to bring in new clients to the bank.
I would get them set up with their full banking relationship, plus all things commercial lending. This included investor real estate, owner-occupied construction, SBA loans, and basic business lines of credit. It was pretty much anything under the sun that wasn't residential.
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