Start your career with a strong first year

Fannie Mae

Featuring Taylor, Fannie Mae Multifamily risk underwriting advisor
Wake Forest University, class of 2013

Finding a job with career-building potential is a priority for college grads. That means a first year that sets you up to navigate corporate life successfully and discover a career path that’s a good fit. When Taylor joined Fannie Mae in 2013 with a B.S. in finance, she was delighted that the company’s First Year Forward program was designed to help new associates explore and thrive.

First Year Forward jumpstarts careers

Fannie Mae’s First Year Forward is a 12-month development program that immerses associates in company culture and expands their knowledge of Fannie Mae and the housing industry. It’s an excellent opportunity to build a professional network, sharpen skills not taught in school, and, in some cases, access growth opportunities outside of your immediate role.

“Joining Fannie Mae as a first-year associate was a perfect fit,” Taylor explains. “I was able to learn what I wanted out of a job. I also joined the company with a cohort of other recent graduates, which gave me an immediate group of peers and friends.” Taylor had the ability to experience varied job roles in her first year, which is only possible in finance. This helped guide the long-term path for her career.

“In Multifamily, I found a group that let me use my analytical and finance skills but also pushed me to become more customer-service focused. After several years on the Customer Engagement team, I had an opportunity to move to credit underwriting, which allowed me to broaden my skillset while still getting to work with our lender partners and other production teams.”

More than a career — benefits with life-changing impact

Many of Fannie Mae’s life-encompassing employee benefits start the first day of work and promote health, finances, career, work-life fit, and community.

“One of my favorite benefits is time off for volunteer service,” Taylor explains. “Fannie Mae organizes and offers opportunities for volunteer work, making it easy to participate. I was able to go to Puerto Rico to help rebuild homes destroyed by hurricanes. Getting to work with people from other parts of the organization and to give back in such a way makes Fannie Mae a unique and great place to work.” Taylor’s volunteer team built a whole new kitchen and bathroom in just a few days. “We significantly improved the quality of life for a very deserving family. That is an experience I will never forget.”

The flexibility of hybrid work

Work-life balance is of top importance for many people. At first, Taylor worked in the Washington, D.C., office but was able to work remotely even before the pandemic. She says, “As a result of Fannie Mae’s flexibility, my spouse and I could move close to family, which I am so grateful for. I work with people all over the country, and Fannie Mae’s investment in technology and our ability to collaborate via Teams makes me feel very connected. My group also has opportunities for in-person collaboration and socializing with my amazing coworkers.”

Ready to learn more?

With so many interesting roles and the First Year Forward program to help launch careers that make an impact, Fannie Mae offers lots of choices for that great first job.

Find out about early career opportunities and life at Fannie Mae.