CTE Graduate Profile

CAREER PATH

Miles Colwell

I received my bachelor’s degree in finance in 2014. After receiving my degree, I officially started my career in finance as a retail banker. After about a year, I moved into a credit analyst role and began to learn the functionality of commercial finance. I transitioned to a commercial loan underwriter digging deeper into financial ratios and loan structure. Once my skills became refined I became responsible for managing the commercial loan portfolio in Peoria. This included ensuring that annual reviews were conducted in a timely manner, the organizations we worked with were still financially healthy, and all financial covenants were met. Ever career move I made was important in ultimately becoming a Commercial Relationship Manager.

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS NEEDED FOR THIS CAREER

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED

Princeville High School Princeville, Illinois – Peoria County

Critical thinking, negotiation, interpersonal

CTE DEPARTMENT/CLASSES ENROLLED IN DURING HIGH SCHOOL

Cooperative Education

ADVICE TO HIGH SCHOOL CTE STUDENTS

CURRENT JOB TITLE

Commercial Relationship Manager

I started my co-op program while the country was in the middle of a financial recession. I spent 6 months leading up to the start of the school year looking for a job and faced a lot of rejection during that timeframe. My advice would be to remain patient and confident.

PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT

Peoria, Illinois

CAREER PATHWAY

HOW HAS CTE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER?

Finance and Business Services

I learned that working hard, having an open mind and a positive attitude are some underrated, very valuable attributes to maintain.