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For us, "diversity" isn't just a word—it's a commitment, rooted in the belief that differences and inclusion add value. These differences go beyond basic human characteristics to also comprise diversity of perspective, style, culture, education, talents and opinions.
At Washington Mutual, we embrace, nurture, respect, and celebrate all of our human differences, thereby enabling the free exchange of different thoughts, ideas, and points of view. We believe that for a company to be successful, it must contribute to the success of its communities by offering fair and equal opportunities.
Our policies are designed to provide everyone, from our employees to our customers to our vendors, with equal access to opportunities. Keep reading to learn how we've worked to accomplish this.
Walking the TalkDiversity Recruiting at WaMuInternshipsA Path to Leadership At WaMuDiversity Recruiting PartnershipsDiversity Recognition
Walking the Talk
A Message from our Chairman"As a company, our commitment is to create and cultivate an environment in which every employee, regardless of his or her background, feels valued and respected. Providing equal employment opportunities is consistent with our core values, and we follow through on this commitment in everything we do."
—Kerry Killinger, CEO, Washington Mutual A Message on Diversity"WaMu's commitment to diversity is reflected in our core values of being Fair, Caring, Human, Dynamic, and Driven. It is reflected in our corporate culture every day. Our focus on diversity and the exploration of new ways to be a truly inclusive organization is more than just the 'right thing to do.' It supports our overall business strategy, and it just makes good business sense."
—Ellecia Purvis, Assistant Vice President, Diversity Recruiting
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Diversity Recruiting at WaMu
Washington Mutual is committed to diversity and to providing an environment that is free from discrimination. The company's Equal Employment Opportunity policy helps WaMu reaffirm our commitment to fair standards in our employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers, training, counseling and employment termination.
The policy makes clear that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status or any characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. It also reaffirms Washington Mutual's policy of making reasonable accommodations to individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
Visit our Job Search page for a complete list of current career opportunities.
Putting Diversity into Action at Washington MutualOur employees are the public face of our company, and we take great pride in creating a workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we serve.
The company continues to draw new diverse talent through channels such as college and university campuses and through alliances with local, regional and national organizations that are dedicated to diversity. WaMu also launched the WaMu Diversity Recruiting Task Team, a team of recruiting professionals dedicated to promoting and achieving awareness of diversity, and valuing it, throughout the company.
Internships
Washington Mutual recognizes the value of internship experience, and many of these internships have led to full-time positions. One component of our Diversity Recruiting outreach includes internship programs that target students of various backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career in the banking industry
University Internship RecruitingWaMu partners with INROADS*, an organization that develops and places talented minority youth in business and industry internships that prepare them for corporate and community leadership positions.
For more than three decades, INROADS has helped businesses like Washington Mutual gain greater access to diverse talent through continuous leadership development of outstanding, ethnically diverse students and placement of those students in internships at many of North America's top organizations.
WaMu and INROADS
High School Intern ProgramWhat's "HIP" about WaMu? The High School Intern Program (HIP), of course! HIP is a great opportunity for high school students to gain valuable work experience and is an excellent way for WaMu to attract and recruit diverse new talent for production and leadership positions in our Financial Centers.
How HIP worksHigh school students begin the two-year program in their junior year and as HIP interns, they apply the knowledge they acquire in school to actual on-the-job experiences, such as that of a Financial Center Teller. These part-time interns contribute to branch overall productivity by participating in cross-sells, enhancing customer service relationships and by marketing products and services.
HIP historySince the program launched in 1975, Washington Mutual has provided professional-level work and life experience for students to prepare them for successful careers. Washington Mutual's HIP helps students build training and career experience, supports education and provides local equal opportunity employment for students.
In 2000, the HIP was redesigned to enhance Washington Mutual's commitment to community outreach, increase educational partnerships and foster young talent. As a result of this redesign, the program now boasts more than 900 nation-wide school partnerships with more than 12,600 interns hired since the program's launch.
To learn more about HIP, visit your local Washington Mutual Financial Center.
A Path to Leadership at WaMu
Want to move up to management? Washington Mutual is happy to help you jump-start your career and achieve your goals. In fact, we believe that by helping eligible employees become stronger, more effective leaders, we become stronger and more effective for our customers.
Premier Achievement for Career Employees Since its inception in February 1985 with just five trainees, the Premier Achievement for Career Employees (PACE) program has been a vital component to building the diverse pipeline of talented candidates for Financial Center management positions.
How PACE worksOver the course of 12 months, participants learn financial center operations, consumer and residential lending, advanced sales, business development, technical and management techniques and WaMu's unique service philosophy. The PACE curriculum incorporates hands-on experience in the financial center environment with classroom learning. At the end of the program, participants have the skills it takes to be considered for an Assistant Financial Center Manager position.
PACE prepares participants to be assistant managers of a Washington Mutual Financial Center by developing their skills in three key roles:
PACE historyThe program originated in response to the anticipated need to staff Financial Center management roles as Washington Mutual expanded within existing markets and into new markets.
In 2004, the program received national recognition when it was featured in the Princeton Review book, The Best Entry-Level Jobs. In 2005, PACE welcomed 240 trainees into the program from across the country.
Visit our Management Training page for additional information and testimonials.
Diversity Recruiting Partnerships
WaMu Diversity Recruiting Outreach includes partnerships with numerous Diversity organizations as part of its diversity commitment. These include:
Diversity Recognition
At Washington Mutual, Diversity Recruiting continues to support and recognize the value of the company's commitment to an inclusive workplace.
In 2005, Washington Mutual was once again ranked among The Advocate's "Best Companies for Gays & Lesbians," Hispanic Business Magazine's "Top 40 Companies for Hispanics" and Essence Magazine's "35 Great Places to Work for African-American Women."
Washington Mutual has also been highlighted by Latina Style, Hispanic magazine, and Family Digest for its diversity efforts and was recognized by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association as an "Employer of Choice."
Take a look at our other recent diversity accolades:
Visit our Diversity and Inclusion page to see all the ways diversity touches us at Washington Mutual.
