Updates

Congratulations to our first class of graduates from our Operations Training Program (OTP)! Our commitment to hiring local and investing in our team's professional career growth led to the program's successful launch last year in 2021. The graduates have already made significant contributions during their on-the-job training and we are pleased to announce their new, official roles within the bank. They will play an important role in serving our clients, ensuring our safe and sound operations, and growing our business.

Our 2022 class of OTP graduates includes Jacob Booth, Elvina Sutislio, Stewart Sykes, and Cheryl Elaine. Jacob will be joining the team as our Bank Operations Specialist. Elvina will start her new role as our Fintech Business Analyst. Stewart will step into his new role as Operations Support Analyst and Cheryl will join the team as Compliance Analyst.

Learn more about their experiences in the training program and what they're looking forward to as they launch their career in the financial services industry.

Jacob Booth / Bank Operations Specialist

Q: In what ways was the program a good learning experience for you?

The Operations Training Program provided a great opportunity to quickly gain meaningful experience in the banking industry. In each rotation, I was able to learn both the technical and interpersonal skills that are important for success in each department. The program also gave a unique opportunity to network with my co-workers from entry level to executive level employees. I felt that being able to ask questions, work directly with them, and learn from their experiences was invaluable.

Q: Tell me about one of your favorite roles or projects you had during the program.

One of my favorite projects I was able to work on was a reconveyance project with the Loan Operations team. In this project, I submitted the paperwork to initiate the release of the lien for mortgages that were recently paid off.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Bank Operations Specialist at Seattle Bank?

One of the many things I am looking forward to in this new role is being able to assist with the quality assurance of high-risk areas in the bank.

Elvina Sutislio / Fintech Business Analyst

Q: In what ways was the program a good learning experience for you?

I really like the program because of the exposure I got within the banking functions. It’s a really great program because it led me to discover what I like and what I don’t, where my interests lie, and what I am good at. I also learned different management styles within each department. I really like this program because I can have another set of eyes to observe what’s best for me and how my talents and skills can contribute to the company.

Also, this is a great program because we got to know all of the team members in each department as we rotate. I think it’s really great to have such a small and tight knit group. Everyone is also very friendly and fun to work with!

Q: Tell me about one of your favorite roles or projects you had during the program.

One of my favorite roles is when I was in Credit Administration. I personally like analytical roles so being on this team gave me the opportunity to learn more about reviewing financial statements and tax returns. Also, I got to oversee the underwriting process of new loans which was very exciting.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Fintech Business Analyst at Seattle Bank?

I am looking forward to contributing more to the company through my new position. I’d like to be able to help create innovative solutions to bring Seattle Bank to a better market position and get involved with the launch of new initiatives and products. I am also looking forward to learning from the great mentors I have on my team!

Stewart Sykes / Operations Support Analyst

Q: In what ways was the program a good learning experience for you?

Upon graduating from the University of Washington, I knew that I wanted to work in the realm of finance, but I was unsure what that would look like, or which field I would be best suited for and enjoy most. When I found the OTP program and learned I would be able to try five different fields within Seattle Bank, I knew I had to do it. This program has provided me valuable insight into banking, as well as set me up for a career in finance.

Q: Tell me about one of your favorite roles or projects you had during the program.

I enjoyed having the opportunity to see Seattle Bank from all sides. Whether it was talking to clients on the phone, sitting in on meetings with the executives, analyzing a business for a loan, or inputting various account transactions, I was happy to grow my understanding, from every perspective, of how the bank operates as one.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Operations Support Analyst at Seattle Bank?

I am looking forward to taking on a more permanent role at Seattle Bank and working more closely one a few of the special projects that I have been pulled in on during my time in the rotational program, such as launching CD Valet and exploring fintech partnerships. I am eager to fill in wherever my new manager sees fit, and I’m looking forward to helping operations move smoothly on the deposits side of the bank.

Cheryl Elaine / Compliance Analyst

Q: In what ways was the program a good learning experience for you?

The program gave me the opportunity to learn all parts of the bank operational team in a genuine business setting. It trained me to become more responsible while understanding that every decision has a consequence. I really recommend taking this program to all the fresh graduates out there who would like to start their banking career because it taught us the basic work capabilities and a plethora of both soft and technical skills. The fact that I also got a mentor who supported me on the way to entering the banking industry made the journey even more fulfilling.

Q: Tell me about one of your favorite roles or projects you had during the program.

One of the favorites projects that I had during the program was the final credit write-up project from the Credit Administration rotation. Although it was a hypothetical situation, it trained my analytical, creative, and problem-solving skills. I am happy that I can apply the knowledge that I gained in class to real-world situations.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Compliance Analyst at Seattle Bank?

Being a Compliance Analyst is a fresh start for me. I am looking forward to making a great impact and being able to contribute a lot in all the projects. I am also eager to acquire new skills and knowledge by working on new challenges and projects.

Seattle Bank's Operations Training Program is a forward-thinking program that provides participants with an overview of the financial services industry, emerging trends in fintech, and the role and approach of Seattle Bank and the various products and services we offer. Participants gain exposure to different operational areas within the bank and build an understanding of the changing landscape of banking as it moves from a branch-based system to digital applications.

We look forward to beginning the recruitment process for the next class of OTP members. For those interested in applying, stay tuned for updates as they become available. The job opportunity will be posted on our website when the application process begins.