BANK ON IT: Jordan Ester, Mortgage Loan Originator
By Arkansas NEXT: Money on Friday, May 14, 2021
Name: Jordan Ester | Age: 23 | Hometown: Conway | Alma mater: University of Central Arkansas |
Major: Finance, will graduate in August 2021 | Job Title: Mortgage Loan Originator | Major: Centennial Bank
Why did you choose a career in this field?
I started working for Centennial Bank as a teller back in 2016. I was really intrigued by real estate, and just homes in general, so I knew I wanted to do something in that field. I pursued my real estate license but never finished because in 2019, I started as a mortgage loan originator assistant for the bank. I really liked this position and kept learning everything that I could to eventually become a loan officer.
Did you always plan to go this route?
I wanted to be a real estate agent and see homes firsthand. I had no idea that the opportunity that I was given back in 2019 could lead to this. Over time, I fell in love with it!
Why do you think students should consider a job in the financial sector?
I believe that it is imperative for students to learn finances while in school. We use some part of financing in our everyday life. I believe learning this while still in high school could make an impact on students now and in the future if they plan on attending college or working.
What’s the most surprising thing about your job?
You do not have to have a ton of money to buy a house. And you don’t have to have perfect credit to qualify for a mortgage. There are certain down payment assistance programs and other government funding programs that help first-time homebuyers. For the majority of people, owning a home is their most valuable asset.
What abilities should someone have to succeed in this field?
You communicate with different people every day and you must know how to communicate effectively in order to successfully do your job.
How do you feel about this statement? “I can't work in a financial role because I'm not good at (or I hate) math”?
Being a mortgage loan originator, you do not have to have a finance/accounting degree. Most of my job consists of reading guidelines and applying different concepts.
"I had no idea that the opportunity that I was given back in 2019 could lead to this. Over time, I fell in love with it!” – Jordan
Take It to the Bank
Average Banking & Finance Salaries in Arkansas
| 1 | Credit Analyst | $48,840 |
| 2 | Bank Manager | $61,209 |
| 3 | Relationship Manager | $66,040 |
| 4 | Asset Manager | $67,000 |
| 5 | Equities Trader | $71,913 |
| 6 | Accountant | $67,700 |
| 7 | Financial Analyst | $78,050 |
| 8 | Personal Financial Adviser | $96,600 |
Sources: investopedia.com, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
