From Costa Rica to Charlotte: Build Better Careers and a Head Start in Starting Over

Carolina Ramirez has had to start over many times. But each of those beginnings has contributed to the personal and professional fulfillment she is enjoying today as a banking professional--a success she credits CAEL's Build Better Careers program for being a part of. 

"I had to learn a new language, adapt to life in three different countries, and rebuild my career after turning 40," said Ramirez, who is a native of Costa Rica. "And yet, today, I am happier than I have ever been. I work for an amazing organization, with the best team and an incredible team lead who gives me the opportunity to contribute and add value."

Ramirez, who now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, brought a strong background in the financial industry when she arrived in the United States in 2014. She had built a successful banking career in Costa Rica, working her way up from a teller to become an international financial advisor.

But she didn't speak English. "As an immigrant, you often feel like you have to leave your career behind and let go of your dreams," she said. "Working in the field I loved seemed impossible. I thought I would not only have to learn English but also go back to college just to have a chance at reentering the financial industry."

Ramirez would not only learn, but master, English. And while her bilingual skill would be an advantage in any number of occupations, she was pleasantly surprised to find out that she wouldn't have to learn a new career along with a new language or complete a degree. Ramirez discovered that Build Better Careers could complement the experience and expertise she had already developed in Costa Rica with competencies that would position her for success in Charlotte. 

"I first heard about the BankWork$ training program while researching opportunities online," recalled Ramirez. "I had previously taken some courses at Goodwill University, including a customer service course in 2020. After moving to Canada and later returning to Charlotte, I had to start over and was looking for new training programs available and I found this program that was perfect for me. It was more than I was looking for."

BankWork$, an eight-week program that adult learners complete at no cost to them, is offered by CareerWork$, a Build Better Career partner. In addition to covering core banking skills, the classes offer job hunting and networking support. Ramirez completed the BankWork$ classes at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, another Build Better Careers partner and site of Goodwill University, last July.

Even as a seasoned veteran of the industry, Ramirez found that BankWork$ programming provided valuable support with technical matters, such as the latest regulatory requirements, as well as interpersonal skills. "Experience alone isn't enough, understanding the culture and navigating the industry is just as important,” she said. “BankWork$ not only provided the knowledge I needed but also helped me build a strong resume and prepare for interviews. Every week, we had guest speakers from different financial institutions who shared valuable advice, helped us expand our network, and gave us the tools to succeed."

That included mock interviews with HR talent acquisition professionals from the banking industry, who provided students with valuable advice on how to succeed in interviews. Their guidance went beyond just general interview preparation, said Ramirez, and allowed her to feel comfortable and confident during the interviews that also resulted from the BankWork$ program. "After just four weeks in the program, I was blessed to receive a job offer from Founders Federal Credit Union, and I have been working as a mortgage loan processor ever since."

The first guest speakers in Ramirez’s cohort were from Founders. "Before that day, I knew nothing about them--most of my teammates were focused on the big banks,” she recalled. “However, Founders made a lasting impression on me. Their culture felt like a perfect match, so I started following them on LinkedIn and checking online for job openings."

Ramirez applied for the mortgage loan processor position and told her Career Navigator--yet another Build Better Careers/BankWork$ resource, who supported her throughout the process, including reaching out to Founders on her behalf. By the end of her fourth week in the cohort, she had an offer letter.

Ramirez also praises the wraparound support Build Better Careers provides through BankWork$. "BankWork$ goes beyond just education; it provides financial assistance for those who need it and even helps students get the proper attire for interviews and classes. The program is so well-connected that it removes barriers and ensures every student has the tools to succeed."

Ramirez may have more tools than most, given her bilingual fluency and her previous banking background. But she stresses that Build Better Careers is for anyone looking to build a career in the financial industry. "I believe BankWork$ is raising awareness through the success stories of its students, and I wish more people knew about it. This program doesn't just train people--it transforms lives."

Luckily for her customers and coworkers, that doesn't just include Ramirez, but the lives she touches in her community through her new position. "In my line of work, I have the privilege of helping people achieve their dream of homeownership or improve their financial situation," she said. "But the part I love the most is being able to support my community. I'm from Costa Rica--a proud Latina--and I feel incredibly blessed to help other Latinos navigate this complex process. As a Latina, I know how important it is for us to accomplish something as life-changing as purchasing a home. Being part of that journey fills my heart with joy.

"Buying or refinancing a home can be an overwhelming process--now imagine going through it without speaking the language. That adds an immense amount of pressure and uncertainty. Being that person members can turn to, ask questions, and trust throughout the loan process is incredibly rewarding. Not only do I get to work in an industry I love, but I also have the opportunity to help others achieve their dreams. That is what I cherish the most about my work."

She hopes her story inspires others. "Don't let fear hold you back," she urged. "No matter how young or old you are, it's never too late to take a step toward a better future. We all deserve to be well paid, to have benefits, and to do more than just work for a paycheck--we deserve to feel fulfilled and valued in our careers."