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Apply for assistant/trainee positions. Acquire on-the-job training. Consider getting certified.
Before you can become a full-fledged mortgage underwriter, you will have to accrue entry-level experience and training. Most entry-level positions for recent graduates will be trainee or assistant positions. Most mortgage underwriters work for banks, credit unions, or mortgage broker firms. Search for entry-level mortgage underwriter jobs online. You can use websites like Monster.com or Indeed.com, or apply directly to firms by searching for financial institutions in your area. Assistant or trainee positions often lead to jobs, either at the office you trained with or through connections made at that position. Training periods typically last one year or less, with many training periods lasting only a few months. This training is necessary to get recent graduates experienced in the day-to-day world of mortgage and finance. Training may entail informal training, formal training sponsored by the firm or company you work for, or some combination of the two. If your firm or company uses underwriting software, you will be required to take classes and accrue experience working with that company's particular software programs. Try to make strong connections with colleagues at your entry-level position. Networking is a good way to find jobs in the future, either after your training ends or once you're ready to advance into a new position. Though certification is not a prerequisite for employment, a professional certification can increase an employee's salary by five to 10 percent. In the United States, the National Association of Mortgage Underwriters (NAMU) is the primary institution for mortgage underwriters seeking certification. NAMU offers two primary certification options: Certified Mortgage Underwriter (NAMU-CMU) - this certification option requires 12 hours of training. The candidate must then score an 85 percent or higher on a 30 question exam and successfully pass a criminal background check. Certified Master Mortgage Underwriter (CMMU) - this certification option is considered an advanced degree and requires 24 hours of training. The candidate must stills core an 85 percent or higher on a 30 question exam and successfully pass a criminal background check.