Do You Need a Finance Degree to Work at NewDay USA?

Is the mortgage industry only for "numbers people"?

It is a common assumption, and it keeps a lot of capable people from ever applying.

Destinee Stice, Vice President of Purchase, has seen it firsthand. "I think a lot of women don't get into this industry because it's financial and they think like, I need a math degree, or business, or accounting," she says. "But it's all about feeling you're helping people with the biggest purchase of their life. It's a big deal. Someone's buying a house."

The technical parts of the job can be taught. The instinct to care about the person on the other side is what makes someone good at it.

What actually makes someone good at this work?

Character and effort, more than credentials.

May Khieu, Chief Administrative Officer, points to standards you set for yourself. "Leading by example could be that you have a high ethical standard, which I think is really important. And also being a hard worker," she says. "You really have got to be able to show that what you're asking of them, you can also do."

Gabby Garza, Vice President of Loan Origination, adds that the most important skill is a human one. "The number one most important quality is to be able to meet everyone where they live," she says, whether that is a teammate or a Veteran you are helping. That kind of awareness does not come from a textbook.

What if you are new to all of this?

Being new is not a disadvantage here. It is the starting point for most people.

Destinee encourages new team members to push past the discomfort. "Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Consistently being in rooms and presenting in front of people, learning new things," she says. "You can do whatever you put your mind to, and be confident in training on new things."

Lindsay Kaptein, Vice President of Compliance, offers the same encouragement in plain terms. "Don't be afraid to sit at the table," she says. Learn as much as you can, understand the why behind what you are doing, and lean on the people around you. The expertise builds over time.

Start where you are

If you have been holding back because you think you do not have the right degree, this is your sign to apply. We will teach you the work. You bring the willingness to learn and the care for the people we serve.