Peterson Quickly Falls in Love With Banking
Angela Peterson started her banking career knowing little about the industry other than how to balance a checkbook. She soon fell in love with banking, however, and has stuck with it. “The people are amazing and the work is always unpredictable which keeps it interesting,” she said.
Today, Peterson is a branch manager and loan officer at Rolling Hills Bank & Trust in Walnut. “In banking there is always room for growth,” she said. “It can be challenging, always competitive and definitely rewarding.”
How did you get into banking as a career?
When I applied to come to work for Rolling Hills Bank & Trust, I honestly did not know much about banking other than how to balance my own checkbook. I was blessed with the offer to come to work here and fell in love with everything I was doing and learned very quickly. The people are amazing and the work is always unpredictable which keeps it interesting.
Prior to your current role, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had, and what lesson did it teach you that you still use today?
The most interesting job I’ve had before coming here was probably working for CHI Medical Laboratory. I learned and researched all about specimens, blood draws, cultures and may other things in biology, chemistry, pathology and special send outs. I would assist in specimen processing when needed but, mostly, I assisted doctors and nurses in how to collect for different specimens. I would also report results to these offices. This job taught me how to always keep my smile and happy voice no matter how upset someone would be on the other line — the hardest part of customer service I would say — which is a huge part of everyday banking. Also, the research and constant learning applies in both situations, which I enjoy very much.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
In banking there is always room for growth. It can be challenging, always competitive and definitely rewarding. If finance interests you, I believe it is an excellent, pleasant and rewarding place to work.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
We work with Iowa Bankers on a lot of mortgages. I have found the people to be friendly and very understanding when I first started doing these and made a few or more … mistakes. They have patiently worked with me and helped me in learning the process. I appreciate that I am able to email them and always quickly get a response with any question I may have.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
Spend time with my family and friends making memories together. I also volunteer as the Dreamland Theatre’s manager in Carson, Iowa, and coach little girls soccer. I like staying busy and helping others.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.
When someone says you can’t, say, “Watch me!”