When you’re first starting as an examiner, it’s surprising how many new things you learn every day.
Education: Lehigh University, BS in finance
Joined OCC: 2012
My Path to the OCC
I was an intern at the Office of Thrift Supervision during my sophomore and junior years of college. I learned of opportunities at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency after the agencies merged in 2011. Finance has always interested me, but I didn’t want to focus on investments. My interest has always been in regulation.
Starting Out As an Examiner
When you begin your career as an examiner, it’s surprising how many new things you learn every day. Every exam is different. The exams expose you to all areas of regulation and bank supervision, and you see things from a broad perspective.
Teamwork on Examinations
I work primarily in the Northeast region and spend 30-40 percent of my time traveling. An examination team can range from three to 10 people, and there is usually a mix of new and more experienced examiners.
As a new examiner, you’re never alone on an examination. It’s a team effort. Each person might focus on one area, but your work overlaps with others’ on the team. There’s a lot of discussion and collaboration.
Support from Management
Being exposed to a variety of assignments can help you decide if you want to specialize in a certain area. If I’m interested in learning more about something, my supervisor helps me take on assignments in that field. Management supports your interests—you just have to ask.
Career Development
Although I am an associate national bank examiner, I recently applied for a five-week rotational program in financial analysis. It’s all hands-on work. I’ll work with a team to produce a report summarizing the emerging financial trends of district banks.