Jonny Shatter, a 2020 graduate of Western Michigan University, said on Apr. 15 that his education degree helped him transition from teaching to a successful career in the mortgage industry. Shatter shared that the skills he developed at Western enabled him to support clients as an executive loan officer for Zoom Home Lending.
Shatter said his initial motivation was helping people improve their situations, which led him first to teaching and later to mortgage lending. “I’ve always been interested in helping people understand things and improve their situations,” he said. “Teaching felt like the most direct way to make an impact on people’s lives.” He credited Western’s programs and internships for preparing students for diverse careers, saying, “That combination helps students become more well-rounded and better prepared for the real world, not just their first job.”
During his time at Western Michigan University (WMU), Shatter participated in WMU Signature—a program focused on integrative learning—which he said strengthened his communication and leadership abilities. As job prospects shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shatter reconsidered his path but found clarity by applying educational skills elsewhere: “The pivot wasn’t easy at first because I had invested so much into the idea of becoming a teacher,” he said. “But I realized the core reason I chose education didn’t have to be tied to one specific career track.”
In his current role at Zoom Home Lending, Shatter relies on communication and adaptability when working with clients making significant financial decisions. “Communication is probably the biggest one,” he said about essential skills from WMU. Alan Turfe, chairman of Zoom Home Lending and chair of WMU’s Board of Trustees, praised Shatter: “Jonathan is one of our standout bankers not only because of his skill in helping our customers but because of his character and work ethic.” Turfe also noted that Zoom Home Lending ranks among the top five U.S. mortgage brokers.
Western Michigan University enrolls more than 17,000 students according to its official website. The university supports inclusive excellence for all students according to its official website and emphasizes learner-focused education that is research-oriented and globally involved according to its official website. WMU fields 16 Division I varsity sports as part of the Mid-American Conference according to its official website, promotes sustainability through LEED-certified buildings according to its official website, and has earned national top-100 rankings for several graduate programs according to its official website.
Reflecting on how homeownership can benefit long-term wealth, Shatter emphasized transparency with clients: “Owning a home isn’t just about having a place to live,” he said. “It’s about building equity and putting yourself in a position to grow.” Looking back at his journey from education into finance via Western Michigan University’s foundation, Shatter concluded: “The journey doesn’t have to look exactly how you planned it…make every moment count and branch out as much as possible.”
