All weekend long and for the next couple of days ahead ... I will be preparing for the KidsMatter Student Job Fair being held on March 23rd at the Northern Central College Campus in Naperville, IL.
I'm really psyched to be doing this Job Fair. I think the prospect of 
working with some young students at Chicago Bancorp during the upcoming summer is exciting. Whoever these students turns out to be, they will be about the same age as I was when I began my career in mortgage banking.
It's like coming full circle. As I was mentored, I will in turn now be the mentor. And it feels good ... it feels only right that I am doing this. Much like paying back for what I received.
I'm hoping that parents attend this Fair with their children. I know my parents were instrumental in my decision to pursue my mortgage banking options and career. Total
ly fundamental during our conversations as to what path held the most potential for me. I welcomed their input and drew on their insights and wisdom.
The fact that my parents were involved was great support to me. It gave me courage to give mortgage banking a try. They had my back if the career or educational opportunities didn't meet my expectations or fulfill my needs. They were my emergency parachute. My honest feedback. A great thing to know and have when you're a kid. The kids that attend this Fair hopefully will have that support as well.
I understand that mortgage lenders don't have the greatest image right now. I hope to dispel that a bit during this Fair. And I hope to get the kids attending thinking ... and questioning. Maybe their parents too.
This Fair represents a great opportunity to ask questions. All sorts of questions. For the kids ... about lending and the business of mortgage lending itself. What's it like to perform the duties of a lender? What educat
ion do I need to perform those duties? What tests, licenses, certifications are needed, if any? What skills or aptitudes prepare me to consider this career? What personalities are a good fit? What kind of monetary rewards are there? What's all involved to become successful? So many questions come to mind.
For the parents in attendance, I hope they question me too. Why should my child consider this career now? What about the challenges the mortgage industry is facing right now? What opportunities exist in the industry? What are the possibilities for growth, for monetary reward, for benefits? What of the negative image? Are there opportunities in the future? Maybe their own specific mortgage questions too. I'm there ... ask!
My goal during this Jobs Fair is two-fold. I obviously want to seek candidates out for my internships this summer. But I also want those in attendance to ask questions. I hope I hear and get the opportunity to answer many. That those in attendance (whether child, adult, or fellow businessperson) will take advantage of my being there to do so. I'm coming loaded with information, my computer, and provide the chance for real dialogue. It's my hope that I use every one of those things during the Fair ...
If in the area, don't miss this Job Fair ... March 23rd, 5 pm to 7:30 pm. In Merner Fieldhouse, North Central College Campus, in Naperville, IL. Kids from all the area schools are invited to attend and take advantage of the opportunities and services that exist and are offered throughout this KidsMatter Job Fair.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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