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Toniqua G., VP of Corporate Social Responsibility, recently served as a mentor within Mr. Cooper’s University Relations Program, Homegrown. With more than 15 years in the mortgage industry, her expertise in how to grow your career provides our interns with valuable advice they can take beyond graduation and into their full-time careers! Toniqua shares insight into her experience as a mentor for one of our summer interns.
Is this your first time being a mentor? If not, can you elaborate on your previous experience(s)?
I have intentionally and unintentionally mentored several amazing people throughout my time here at Mr. Cooper. I really enjoy being a mentor and helping people in ways I wish someone would’ve done for me at the preliminary stages of my career.
What was your first reaction when you learned the news that you’d been chosen to be a mentor for our 2022 intern class?
I was super EXCITED! I was really looking forward to lending a helping hand to another young professional. I also looked at this as a chance to learn from this relationship and discover additional things that I can work on within myself.
What was the most important milestone that you witnessed in your mentee?
My mentee Anya is very mature and wise! I was proud of the questions she had prepared for me, because it showed that she wanted to get the most out of this mentorship experience.
What was one of the most rewarding aspects of being a mentor at Mr. Cooper?
It was exciting getting the opportunity to share my journey with another black woman who is trying to make it!
What was one of the most challenging aspects of being a mentor?
As someone who holds a very demanding role at Mr. Cooper, I’m often put in positions where I’m being pulled in many different directions. As a result, I found it difficult to schedule time that would allow me to give her my undivided attention.
Choose one word to describe your 2022 mentoring experience.
Remarkable
What did you learn from your mentor/mentee relationship?
I learned that Anya is humble, focused, a team player, and ready to put in the work! It was evident that she is serious about her career goals and used this opportunity to help her grow in both professional/personal aspects.
What advice would you give any future/current interns at Mr. Cooper?
We really are a Great Place to Work! I guarantee that you will have an amazing experience, due to the inclusive culture that we hold here at Mr. Cooper. Our company has a series of resources and learning opportunities that will help you to grow in all aspects, so definitely take advantage of it while you’re here.
What advice would you provide to students who are on their internship search?
Never be afraid to take chances. Use this as an opportunity to explore what you’re good at and figure out what you enjoy doing!
Check out our open internships and co-op opportunities here!
