Blackburn Sees Career Advancement in Banking
Sam Blackburn believes banking is a great career because it comes with plenty of room for advancement. “You can learn on the job and can truly start from the bottom and work your way up,” she said. “There is always room to grow and more to learn.”
Blackburn is a living example of this kind of advancement. She began as a teller before becoming a personal banker. She later moved to Malvern, where she says she had to “restart” as a deposit operations specialist at Malvern Bank. Today she is a mortgage loan processor. “I truly enjoy my current position and am always wanting to learn more and help any way I can here at the bank,” she said.
Where did you attend college/what degree(s) have you obtained?
I attended Iowa Western Community College where I received an associate’s degree in marketing management. Although this does not play into my current role directly, it has helped me as I am also on our Marketing Committee.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
When looking back on my banking career, I am very proud that I was able to start as a teller at the first bank I worked at and then moving up to a personal banker. I then had to move and restart here at Malvern Bank. I was brought on as a deposit operations specialist and then transitioned shortly after to the position I am currently in as a mortgage loan processor. I truly enjoy my current position and am always wanting to learn more and help any way I can here at the bank.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Don’t be afraid to apply for the next position and never stop learning. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the more you grow.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is a great career because you can learn on the job and can truly start from the bottom and work your way up. There is always room to grow and more to learn. The banking industry is constantly developing which opens up a lot of new opportunities.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Getting involved with IBA helps me and my bank by always offering additional training. I have had the opportunity of attending many different conferences as well as Consumer Credit School where I was able to network and meet a lot of great bankers from Iowa.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends as well as boating. I also enjoy crafting and running my small business.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Hard work and determination equals success. Nothing comes easy. If you put your mind to something anything is possible.