Paraplanners and administrators looking to progress their careers should take the time to consider what they do well in the workplace and in which areas they could improve, Jupp said in a presentation for the Mortgage Administrator iVENT 2018.
For example, listening back to phone calls could be a good way to consider what went well or could be better.
Asking for feedback from colleagues can help with reflecting on best practices and areas for work, Jupp added.
Get a work role model
Finding role models in the workplace is a valuable way of hands-on learning and development, Jupp said.
Ideally this person should be someone who can be consulted with questions or queries.
Jupp suggested keeping a note of questions during the working day.
As well as role models, a personal mentor is a one of the most effective learning and development tools – but also one of the most underutilised, Jupp said.
She added: “Find somebody that you feel you can confide in, somebody that can give you honest feedback and somebody that you feel will support you on your work journey.”
Colleagues are your best teachers
People in the workplace have skills, knowledge and experience that can provide many different learning opportunities, Jupp said.
For example, work shadowing – sitting by someone as they do tasks and observing how they work.
As well as a direct colleague, this could be done with someone in a completely different department of the business – helping to build up a wider picture of the company.
Use the wider industry
Subscribing to trade magazines and attending trade shows provide additional opportunities for learning within the industry, Jupp said.
Resources from lenders, including relationship and business development managers, are another way of finding out more about the market.
More formal routes of learning include qualifications and trade body membership.
CeMAP is the standard industry qualification needed to be a mortgage adviser, while customer service qualifications could be another useful accreditation to undertake, Jupp said.
