My advice for incoming examiners is to be prepared, ask questions, and anticipate change.
Education: Texas Tech University, MBA/MS in finance and BS in accounting; University of Guam, BS in business and economics/finance
Joined OCC: 2012
My Path to the OCC
In college, a professor required us to complete a study on an occupation in the financial industry. For my project, I researched what it would be like to be a bank examiner. Without that project, I may have never considered the field. After graduation, I worked at HSBC in Guam before moving to Texas to go back to school. I learned of a position at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) at an on-campus career fair and started as an intern in 2011 before joining the agency full-time in 2012.
During My Internship
In the Southern District, interns work on training teams alongside entry-level examiners traveling to banks. I saw more of west Texas during my six-month internship than I had in seven years of living there. After graduation, I started full-time and was able to forgo the typical six-month training rotation.
Leadership Development
The OCC emphasizes leadership development and offers examiners opportunities to exercise management skills. In addition to working as a bank examiner, I am a portfolio manager for three banks and serve as the point of contact for their questions.
An Inclusive Culture
In our field office, we have examiners from all backgrounds, generations, and nationalities. Our inclusive environment promotes diversity and encourages employees to combine their unique skills on the job.
Career Advancement
I’m working toward taking the Uniform Commission Exam (UCE) and joined the UCE mentor circle with The Women’s Network. Seven of us meet each month to discuss the exam. It’s a great way to supplement exam preparations and gain a deeper insight from people who have been in my position.
Advice for Incoming Examiners
My advice for incoming examiners is to be prepared, ask questions and anticipate change.
Outside of Work
I love to travel, bake, and watch movies. I am originally from Guam, and my job has provided many opportunities to explore the United States. I have a flexible work schedule with every other Friday off, and I take advantage of traveling work assignments to discover new areas of the country. A long weekend in Las Vegas can be very relaxing.