Underwriting - lending mandate

[lwatcay]

I am really keen to start a career in mortgage underwriting. However, all jobs that I have seen require experience and ask for you to obtain a lending mandate. What is a lending mandate and how can one be obtained?

[splurge]

I'm in mortgage underwriting, although most jobs advertise that you need to hold a mandate you can still apply for these jobs as you can train for your mandate while you work. It is basically a qualification allowing you to process cases upto a certain amount of money. Once you have the mandate you can then look for another job on better money. Typically, to work and train for one the salary is approx 14k (in the North, not sure where you live!) but like i say, once you have your mandate you can apply for a better salary.

[granny grump]

Apply to a local Building Society and go for you CeMap qualification - some places will pay for you to sit the exams but require you to stay for a certain amount of time or you have to pay back the course fees. You can then apply to their Mortgage Service centre and work your way up - sorry - no easy way in - you need the qualifications and you will ned to study. I did it at 56 so it can be done.

Good Luck