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How Kate Built an Incredible Career at Bank First
When Kate Smyth joined Bank First 23 years ago, she wasn’t looking for a lifelong career - she just needed a solid start. What she found instead was a place where her career was truly hers for the making.
Building a versatile foundation
A career in mutual banking may seem a world away from graphic design. Yet, for Kate, the transition became the solid foundation she didn’t know she was looking for.
After finishing her studies in creative arts, Kate realised it wasn't the direction she wanted to take her career. She successfully applied for a bank teller role at Bank First in 2003, thinking the full-time role would give her time to decide on her future. This practical move turned into a surprising fit.
"I really enjoyed the processing side and the genuine pleasure and fulfilment I got from helping our members," Kate says. "I also knew I could keep my creative side happening outside of work - it didn’t have to be my career."
Kate began exploring other teams at Bank First to see what else she could learn, and within nine months, she moved to the Lending department.
"I started in the Lending team at the same time as a few other people my age. We became best friends, and we still are. Some have moved on and are now lawyers or financial planners. Bank First was a great kick-start for us all."
Over the next two decades, Kate moved through a variety of roles - from Administration to Assessing and eventually finding her fit in the Settlements team. Today, Kate is our Settlements Manager - proving that at Bank First, your career is truly yours for the making.
"I never imagined that I would be where I am now. I have gained so much knowledge, and I'm still learning. Bank First is willing to support you to grow your career in whatever direction you choose. It has been a wonderful opportunity for me."
I really enjoyed the processing side and the genuine pleasure and fulfilment I got from helping our Members.
Bank First is willing to support you to grow your career in whatever direction you choose. It has been a wonderful opportunity for me.
Every time I stepped into something new, I realised I was capable of more than I thought. Leadership was just the next step.
You don't need a perfect plan from day one. At Bank First, if you work hard and stay curious, the opportunities are there.
Purpose, balance and belonging
After more than two decades at Bank First, Kate stays for the connection she has with her colleagues and for her belief in our mission. Helping nurses and teachers achieve their dreams provides her with a deep sense of fulfilment.
"We're here for the Members,” she says. "When they call us, they're not talking to someone overseas. We make the service personalised, and we're genuinely interested in their life events. We want to understand what they need and how their work affects their lives so we can step up for them."
Kate says Bank First extends that level of care to its people. Whether it's flexible work arrangements or knowing she has a car park when she arrives at the office, Kate always feels valued as a person, not a position.
Looking back over her career so far, Kate's advice to others is simple: "You don't need a perfect plan from day one. At Bank First, if you work hard and stay curious, the opportunities are there."
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