Banking Allows Dunahoo to Help Others
Growing up, Becca Dunahoo was passionate about agriculture and knew by high school she wanted a career in which she could work with and help farmers. She found what she was looking for in banking. Before graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in agricultural business, Dunahoo interned in the loan department of a bank. “That is when I decided lending was what I wanted to pursue,” she said.
Today, Dunahoo is a loan officer at Bank Iowa in Colfax. “I wanted a job where I could help people,” she said. “In banking, you can help people every day by just listening or using the moment as a teaching moment.”
How did you get into banking as a career?
In high school, I always knew that I wanted to work with and help farmers. There was a summer job opening as a teller at a local bank. I applied and I was hooked and continued to be a teller throughout college. The summer before I graduated, I had the opportunity to be a loan department intern at another bank. That is when I decided lending was what I wanted to pursue. I started out as a loan assistant and worked up to my current position of loan officer. I feel I am a better loan officer because I have experienced all the different aspects of the bank.
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?
My most interesting job was a resident assistant at Ellsworth Community College. Being an RA taught me that people look at every situation differently, you just need to be able to explain how you looked at it and learn for the next time.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
I wanted a job where I could help people. In banking, you can help people every day by just listening or using the moment as a teaching moment. Being a banker builds personal connections with people.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
My first experience with the Iowa Bankers Association was when I was a member of the Intern Program the summer of 2018. I have taken the Consumer Lending class offered by Iowa Bankers. I also just completed year one and year two of Ag Credit School. The Iowa Bankers Association is very helpful in training and helping bank employees grow in their career.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
My fiance races Micro Sprints all over the Midwest, so our free time is spent at the race track. Also, I enjoy spending time with my family and working on my family’s farm.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“You know a dream is like a river; ever changin’ as it flows. And a dreamer’s just a vessel that must follow where it goes.”
— Garth Brooks.