Name: Luisa Ciccarelli
Age: 24
Location: Office – Islington, London. Home – Hertfordshire
Qualification Year: 2022
Firm: Trinity Financial
Specialty: First-time buyers, professionals, remortgaging, buy to let investors
Education: Business management degree 2021, CEMAP 2022
Interests: Travel, especially to Italy. I loved visiting my family and the stunning beaches, plus enjoying the food. I enjoy fitness, particularly reformer Pilates.
Training and Career Beginnings
- What inspired you to pursue a career as a mortgage broker, and what was your journey like to qualify in this profession?
Shortly after finishing university, my friend began searching for their first home, which sparked my interest in the process. As I delved deeper into researching the topic, I discovered a genuine passion for property and finance. Additionally, some of my family members own buy-to-let properties, which further fuelled my curiosity. To gain firsthand experience in the field, I secured a job at an estate agency while simultaneously starting my CEMAP qualification.
- What were the most significant challenges you faced during your training, and how did you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges I faced while studying for my CEMAP qualifications was not yet working in the mortgage industry. To overcome this, I dedicated significant time to researching and deepening my understanding of the process in order to pass the exams. Once I secured my first job in the industry, I had the opportunity to ask more questions and gain practical insights into how the sector operates.
- The financial sector can seem intimidating to outsiders. What misconceptions did you have before entering the field, and how did reality differ?
The biggest misconception I had was that breaking into the industry and becoming an advisor would be extremely difficult. I started out as an administrator, aiming to learn the trade and gradually work my way up to advising and handling cases. Additionally, since financial education wasn’t part of my school curriculum, I felt there was a steep learning curve ahead of me.
- Were there any moments during your training where you doubted your decision to become a mortgage broker? How did you push through?
CEMAP 1 was quite challenging because much of the content wasn’t directly related to property. However, my strong passion for the subject kept me motivated, and I overcame these difficulties by watching a lot of YouTube videos to deepen my understanding.
- How accessible did you find the training resources and support networks for aspiring mortgage brokers, especially as a young woman?
To be honest, I felt there weren’t many resources available for brokers in training. So, I took the initiative to create a support group for everyone in my London Institute of Banking and Finance course. It turned out to be both highly popular and incredibly helpful.
Working in a Male-Dominated Industry
The mortgage brokerage field is traditionally male-dominated. Have you encountered any biases or stereotypes in your work so far?
There is still a lingering stereotype that the financial services industry is male-dominated, with many women primarily in administrative roles, which can sometimes feel intimidating. However, it’s inspiring to see more women entering the industry, and I’m proud to be part of a supportive networking group called Well Connected Women.
- What has been your experience working with clients or colleagues who may have preconceived notions about young female professionals in this industry?
My experience has shown that while there may occasionally be preconceptions about young female professionals in this industry, I’ve found that once clients or colleagues engage with me, they quickly recognise my dedication. I focus on delivering excellent service and building trust, which helps to break down any initial assumptions.
- Have you felt the need to work harder to prove yourself due to your age or gender? If so, how have you approached this?
Absolutely. While being younger means having less experience compared to those who have been in the industry for 10 or 20 years, the market is constantly evolving, and we all need to adapt. In fact, with the industry becoming more tech-focused, younger professionals often bring greater efficiency and agility. I’m excited to have started my career at a young age because it gives me plenty of time to learn, grow, and progress.
- What role do mentorship and networking play in helping women succeed in this industry? Have you had any key mentors?
I genuinely enjoy networking, particularly with other women, as it’s especially valuable in a male-dominated industry. Connecting with other female brokers provides great opportunities to share tips and gain support. Additionally, the directors at Trinity have been instrumental in guiding me to this point in my career.
- What advice would you give to other young women considering a career in mortgage brokering?
My advice to young women considering a career in mortgage brokering is to believe in yourself and your ability to succeed, even in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek mentorship—there’s so much to learn, and many people are willing to help. Networking is incredibly valuable, so connect with other women in the industry for support and guidance. Finally, be patient and persistent; starting out can be challenging, but with dedication and a willingness to adapt and grow, you can build a rewarding and successful career.
Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Wins
- What has been your proudest moment as a mortgage broker so far?
My proudest moment as a mortgage broker so far has been reaching my personal goal of submitting a specific number of cases within a single month. It was a milestone I had set for myself early on, and achieving it felt like a true testament to my hard work, dedication, and growing expertise in the field. I am a very goal driven person so I will always set myself new targets to achieve.
- How do you handle high-pressure situations, such as managing multiple clients with tight deadlines or dealing with complex cases?
I believe that organisation is essential to success. Each morning, I create a list of my top priorities for the day, which helps me stay focused and respond to clients promptly. I also make myself available outside of regular office hours, understanding that buying a property can be one of the most stressful experiences. My goal is to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible for my clients.
- Have you faced any barriers when building a client base as a young professional? How have you addressed this?
Starting out in the mortgage industry without an existing client base can certainly be daunting. I created an Instagram profile focused on educating people about mortgages. This platform has helped me expand my reach and connect with a wider audience, which has been a great way to build traction. Additionally, I make it a priority to be the first to pick up the enquiry line at the office, ensuring I’m available to assist potential clients. I’m also fortunate to work at Trinity as they have a strong reputation and a wide network.
- The housing market can be volatile. How do you stay informed and prepared to navigate changing market conditions?
The housing market is constantly evolving, with mortgage lenders frequently making changes and external factors significantly impacting borrowing costs. To stay informed, I keep a close eye on industry news and economic updates. Additionally, regular sales meetings at work provide valuable insights and allow me to stay up to date with market trends
- Looking back on your journey so far, what do you wish you had known before starting your career?
Looking back, I wish I had fully understood the level of commitment required to provide a first-class service, including the long hours and the extensive knowledge needed about the varying criteria across lenders. That said, this is something you develop over time and is incredibly rewarding. The satisfaction of helping clients achieve their goals makes the hard work and dedication worthwhile.
