Finance Students Gain Real-World Insight from Veteran Mortgage Broker at ETAMU Session

An event hosted by the Finance Society at the East Texas A&M University College of Business on March 18 attracted approximately 20 enthusiastic students eager to gain insights from a seasoned financial expert. Faculty members in attendance included Dr. Srinivas Nippani, Dr. Singru Hoe, Dr. Pratima, and Dr. Sharier Azim Khan.

The session offered a practical perspective on mortgage financing, with a strong focus on ethics, fiduciary duties, and industry compliance codes. Presenter James Sawyer emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding guidelines, noting that his greatest mistake in the field was not knowing them well enough.

Kaci Goggans, President of the Finance Society, expressed her appreciation for the learning experience, stating, “I am beyond grateful to be a part of the Finance Society. Opportunities like this one expose me to real-world knowledge that is critical to my personal growth. James provided valuable insight on various topics, including client engagement, breaking into the world of mortgage lending, and advice on life beyond college. His insights offer a new perspective on client relationships, which will be useful in the career field I am pursuing.”

Additionally, Isaiah Beah, a Master of Science in Finance student, shared his thoughts, saying, “This session was truly enlightening, and the information shared was incredibly valuable. It was interactive, and I learned a lot about brokerage and mortgage financing, which I believe will be beneficial when making future decisions regarding home purchases.”

Assistant Professor of Finance and Faculty Advisor of the Finance Society, Dr. Pratima, highlighted the value of such events, stating, “These talks are particularly important as they guide students in their career journeys. Learning from experts’ experiences is invaluable. Mr. Sawyer kept the session highly interactive and didn’t hesitate to share the biggest mistakes of his career, which he framed in a way that was genuinely motivating for the students.”

The event also featured key employer participants, including Edge Home Finance, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and firsthand industry knowledge.

By inviting financial experts like James Sawyer to share real-world experiences, the Finance Society at East Texas A&M University continues to prepare students for successful careers in the finance industry.