My M&T Story
Employees share stories about their experiences at M&T Bank - why they chose the bank and how that decision has impacted their career.
Why M&T?
I came out of retirement and moved 500 miles for M&T. I did this because I found the leadership team to be fair, honest, honorable and uniquely focused on the needs of our employees. Those needs include bringing our whole selves to the work we do every day; and where M&T respects, supports, and celebrates us in all our diversity.
- GREG, CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Why Banking?
You know it’s funny because in my undergrad days I recall taking ‘Money & Banking’ and although I excelled in the course I vowed to never work at a bank. Look at me now.
In my current role within the Treasury Division, I have been able to leverage my influence and tactical skills, striving to strategically guide initiatives involving various business lines. I am also the lead for the bankwide diversity and inclusion Black Employee Journey Mapping effort.
I believe we can all agree we’ve each done a bit of soul searching this year in the midst of the pandemic. I’m excited to pave the way for others who may also find themselves in a place they least expect but choose to take full advantage of all of the great challenges sent their way.
- STEPHANIE, STRATEGIC INITIATIVES EXPERT, COMMERCIAL BANKING
What does success look like to you?
Throughout the years, what I perceive as the meaning of success has evolved and at times changed altogether. Ultimately, success is feeling fulfilled in the work I do. I have held many positions over time and struggled to find an area and role that aligned with my passion for community service.
A few years ago, I shared my interests and passions with a new mentor. We discussed different areas of M&T Bank that I had never known about or considered before. This led me to get more involved in resource groups to fulfill my passion for community outside of my daily role, which also helped me to build leadership skills. When an opportunity to change roles into the Community Reinvestment Act Team (one of the suggested areas) was presented to me, I had built up the right experience and connections – I was ready for the role. During the times when I was struggling with finding my career path, I always maintained a positive outlook and put in the work to get to where I wanted to be in the future.
- ANNETTE, CRA ADMINISTRATOR, COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT
Most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t wait to go for what you want.”
I used to always think that I needed to wait for the right moment, or that I needed to prove my worth before stating what I felt my path needed to be. This advice that I received from my M&T Sponsor and Mentor has changed my way of thinking and has given me the confidence I needed to speak up for myself.
- IMANI, BANKING SERVICES GROUP LEADER, COMMERCIAL LENDING OPERATIONS
What motivates you?
If I was asked this question five years ago, I would have had a completely different answer. Previously, I would have said that I am most motivated by my career path and growth.
Since then, I’ve had the blessing of becoming a parent to a now-three-year-old daughter and am expecting another daughter in a few months. These family additions have completely shifted my perspective on what is most important and where my motivation lies. In my career, it is important for me to continually be challenged and always learning, but the most important time of my day is when I’m logged off from work and spending time with my family. At M&T, employees are encouraged to seek the balance we need to be fully productive at work and fully present at home.
Career growth does not have to come at the expense of your personal life. M&T understands that when its employees are happily engaged and find the right balance that they seek, the Bank will attract and retain the best talent and will continue to be successful.
- DAN, SENIOR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PROGRAM MANAGER, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
INSIDE M&T
Our employees are far more than what we see inside the office walls.
We bring together people and give them opportunities to celebrate their differences. See how we are building connections from the inside out.