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Freddie Mac’s professional development offerings seek to benefit all employees, no matter where they are in their career journey. For instance, the Finance division’s Career Assessment Program is aimed at helping mid-career employees take their careers to new heights. The yearlong program, designed for employees at the senior and manager levels looking to level up professionally, includes a series of workshops, coaching sessions, talks and activities developed by the Finance Women’s Network. 



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Initially launched in 2021 as a program for women employees, the Finance Career Assessment Program has since expanded to support those of any gender. “We found many women working in our division were seeking clarity on how to progress in their careers and needed support around certain skills to advance,” said Robin Phillips, accounting policy and external reporting senior director in Freddie Mac’s Finance division who designed the program. “We realized this experience was something everyone would benefit from.” 


How the Finance Career Assessment Program Works


The program’s primary objective is to introduce and train participants on the best ways to take the steps to advance their careers. The program is organized into three phases: 


  • Get ready: This phase features discussions about career goals, strengths and personal branding, including creating an elevator pitch, updating resumes and polishing online profiles. 
  • Get set: This phase focuses on networking and communication, including mock interviews and practice presenting and speaking publicly. 
  • Go: This phase encourages participants to explore new opportunities, negotiate and learn how to transition into new positions and roles. 


“For a long time, I believed that if I was really good at what I did, someone would notice and give me more opportunities to advance in my career,” said Mira Mamaril, a risk and controls senior manager in Finance and former program participant. “Through this program, I’m learning it takes more than excellent work to grow professionally.” 


Through frequent cohort meetings, accountability peer partnerships and executive mentoring sessions, the program’s participants develop stronger relationships and network regularly, which helps them form new connections and understand more about the organization and how it works. 


“I’m inspired by women executives from across the division who are talking to us,” said Gayani Kevitiyagala, an operational risk senior manager within Multifamily Finance and former program participant. “They often reveal they share the same challenges and concerns and tell us how they pushed through their obstacles. Hearing their stories, I get inspired to also push through, take on more responsibility and achieve my career goals.” 


Through mock interviews, elevator speeches and workshops on effective communications and interpersonal skills, the Finance Career Assessment Program helps participants gain confidence in public speaking and puts their new skills into practice. 


How the Finance Career Assessment Program Helps Advance Careers


For some participants, the program has already paid off. Several have earned promotions or started new positions since joining the program, including Mira and Gayani. But advancement is not the only benefit. Others report picking up new responsibilities on a rotating basis. And Mira has also taken more responsibility for her career growth by proactively signing up for new projects that allow her to expand her skills and become a stronger advocate for herself and her work. 


The Finance Career Assessment Program, which has plans to grow in the future, has thus far graduated 22 participants from its two cohorts.  


“We’re excited to help employees achieve more, pursue better futures and position themselves to contribute even more to Freddie Mac’s business,” Robin said. 


Grow your career at our purpose-driven organization. Explore  job opportunties at Freddie Mac. 




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