| Name: | Derrick Foreman |
| Current Role: | Relationship Manager, Small Business Banking, Harris®* and Business Banking Development Program Graduate |
| Location: | St. Charles, IL |
| "The strong values and excellent training combined to convince me to move to Harris." | |
I was working at another bank while I was finishing my M.B.A. A friend of mine worked at Harris in Business Banking, and told me about the structured training program Harris offered. It sounded like a great opportunity – most banks don’t have a formal training program in Business Banking, and among those that do, Harris’ program is known to be one of the best. My friend also seemed to really enjoy working at Harris, and said they had good corporate values. To be honest, I had never really considered a company’s values before, but I began to really like the idea of working somewhere where the values aligned with my own. The strong values and the excellent training combined convinced me to move to Harris. | |
| "The learning really sunk in because we were constantly switching back and forth between the classroom and hands-on work." | |
I had heard good things about the Business Banking Development Program, and it really was amazing. I had taken finance and accounting classes before, but the in-depth training we got at Harris took things to the next level in a short amount of time. I felt like we were learning from the best teachers, and we were always gaining new skills and putting those skills to use. The learning really sunk in because we were constantly switching back and forth between the classroom and hands-on work. Everything we learned was applicable in the “real world.” We also had lots of exposure to managers and executives, who helped us understand the business and made us feel like part of the team. I was so impressed by the program that I knew I’d found a company I would be happy to work at forever. | |
| "Now I’m doing what I love to do – meeting with business owners, learning about their business and helping them achieve their goals." | |
After going through the Business Banking Development Program, I chose to specialize in Small Business Banking. This was a great place for me because I love sales and being face-to-face with a customer, and this kind of interaction comes sooner in Small Business Banking compared to some other areas. I also have an entrepreneurial spirit, so I am drawn to the Small Business sector because I can relate to my customers. Now I’m doing what I love to do – meeting with business owners, learning about their business and helping them achieve their goals. Of course, there is always a balance between trying to help the customer do what they want to do and protecting the interests of the bank. Part of my role is to help my customers understand what is realistic, and to give them advice to help them get to a point where a deal will work for both sides. I think Harris really does a great job of going above and beyond to find solutions: we offer our clients many options, and play an advisory role in helping them make decisions that are right for them. | |
| "Working at Harris brings a lot of opportunity!" | |
I’ve been in my role for about two years now, and am still enjoying my job. I think it’s essential to be passionate about your work in this business – you have to like what you do. I’m also happy to know that when I’m ready for a new challenge, I have options available for me to continue to build my career, whether in Business Banking or in another part of the bank. Working at Harris definitely brings a lot of opportunity! | |
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®* Registered trademark of Harris N.A., used by Harris N.A. and its affiliates. Harris is a member of BMO Financial Group.
