Jason Eggert, relationship manager of Associated Bank in Milwaukee, was recently nominated for a Milwaukee Business Journal “40 Under 40” award, which annually recognizes 40 Milwaukee-area professionals — all under the age of 40 — who make a difference with their professions and in their communities.

Associated Bank is proud of Eggert’s leadership skills and accomplishments, both in the office and in the community.

“Associated Bank has been extremely supportive of my leadership and career development,” said Eggert. He serves on the Young Professionals of Associated (YPA) Milwaukee leadership team – a group that provides continuous networking and development opportunities for those who want to take control of their careers. “Through this experience, John Utz, who is the YPA executive sponsor, asked me to lead YPA as a whole. Attending these meetings allows me to hone my leadership skills and is preparing me for a leadership position with a Line of Business.”

Eggert believes there are many opportunities for people to become effective leaders, but the most satisfying way to gain leadership skills is through practice. “I recommend reaching out to local nonprofits to inquire about opportunities for involvement. From my experience, there are many leadership opportunities at nonprofits: volunteer leadership, committee engagement or board representation. In addition, leadership education is always helpful, either in a formalized fashion, like leading others or at a self-directed pace, like books and online courses.”

Eggert volunteers for a few organizations in town, mainly United Way, Life Navigators and Junior Achievement. He also serves on the boards for Urban Suburban, NEWaukee and the UWM Alumni Association, as well as the young professional committee for Waukesha County Business Alliance.

Since age 17, Eggert has been developing his leadership skills with Associated Bank. He began his career with Associated as a teller in the Pewaukee branch. He was then hired as the first intern in May 2006 and spent the next four years rotating between commercial banking, marketing, commercial real estate, specialized commercial banking and commercial underwriting.

When he graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in May 2010, Eggert took a position in Special Loans as the portfolio manager. He then transferred over to commercial real estate before leaving the company briefly. When he returned to Associated in April 2013, he joined the commercial banking team and has been with it ever since.