I Got Hired: Lending Manager at Black and White Bridging

Posted on: 20 October 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Jess is a Class of 2022 History graduate, currently working as a Lending Manager at Black and White Bridging.

I was contacted by the company I currently work for through LinkedIn. Creating professional a professional network within your field can be so crucial to career and personal advancement.

Prior to my first graduate role, I knew very little about the world of property finance. After graduation I joined a bridging lender in Birmingham as a Graduate Underwriter, it was there I began to develop my experience in specialist property finance. I have since moved to a different lender where I now work as a Lending Manager. This transition has allowed me to advance my skillset and begin studying for the Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance qualification.

My favourite part of my career post-graduation is always when a new project is successfully financed. This represents a good result for the solicitors, surveyors, broker, borrower and us. This also means that new and existing housing can be built or maintained to provide vital living space throughout the country.

The most challenging part of my graduate journey was finding a role that suited me. I didn't expect to find something that I enjoy which is so different from my degree subject.

1. It's okay if you do not know what you want to do, you'll figure it out. Take advantage of all the resources the university offer in your job search.

2. Don't be afraid to recognise when an opportunity is not good for you. You do not have to stay in a role that makes you unhappy or does not align with your professional goals. Each opportunity is also a learning curve.

3. Most graduate roles are a first foray into the corporate world, it is okay to make mistakes as long as you can learn from them.