Gorkow Finds a Career for Life in Banking
Emily Gorkow never imagined that when she applied to be a teller at her local bank that it would turn into her life career. However, due to the connections she made with her customers, co-workers and mentors, she found a passion for community banking. “Community banking is exactly that: creating a community,” she said, “ A career in banking opens doors to a lifetime of knowledge in financial literacy and offers a wide variety of opportunities plus the possibility for personal and professional growth.”
Gorkow holds many roles at her bank including community banker, primary real estate lender, internal account reconciler, HMDA filer, compliance monitor, portfolio manager and account opener. Gorkow’s official title is loan officer at Cedar Valley Bank & Trust. “It’s thanks to the Iowa Bankers Association and Cedar Valley Bank & Trust, who have invested in me, that I am where I am today,” she added.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of the connections I’ve created with co-workers and customers. My co-workers have become like a second family to me, and my customers have become friends. Community banking is exactly that: creating a community.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Do it! Apply at your local bank that is hiring, even if you think it may be just a “job” to get you to your next employment opportunity. Our local bank was hiring a teller, and I applied, not thinking my life would include a career in banking. I have enjoyed the opportunity to grow as a professional and the ability to strive for advancements. I now call banking my life career, and I love it.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
A career in banking opens doors to a lifetime of knowledge in financial literacy and offers a wide variety of opportunities plus the possibility for personal and professional growth!
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
It’s thanks to the Iowa Bankers Association and Cedar Valley Bank & Trust, who have invested in me, that I am where I am today. The IBA has been a great resource for many different educational seminars and webinars, in addition to their variety of available tools and publications available online. I’m also involved in the Iowa Bankers Compliance Committee and would recommend everyone participate in some sort of Iowa Bankers peer group. Connecting with other bankers is the key to success!
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, working outside, boating, and baking (and taste testing). My husband and I have two boys that keep us very active!
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Whether at work giving customer service and explaining a transaction that you’ve reviewed 100 times or going about your day-to-day life; always treat others the way you would want to be treated.
One addition I’d like to add – a sincere thank you to the people who have invested in me: Matt Johnson, our senior lender; Melissa McBride, a mentor; and David Coulter, our owner. Without the three of them, I would not be where I am today. Find your people and never be afraid to ask questions.