3 answers
Jenasie
Student
Manistee, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
1274 views
What small decisions made early on had a big impact on your career in fraud examination?
I am currently a college senior at Davenport University, earning a degree in fraud investigation and preparing for a career as a fraud examiner. I know the big moments matter, but I am curious about the small ones - the early decisions, habits, or mindsets that shaped your path.
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2 answers
Shannon Zulauf
Risk & Independence
33
Answers
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Jenasie
You’re on to something by focusing on the small moments—those are often what add up and lead to the bigger career moves.
Early on, a few small decisions and habits can make a big impact:
- Learn from people more senior than you. Ask questions, observe how they think, and pay attention to how they document, communicate, and manage uncertainty.
- Take your time and check your work. Accuracy builds credibility quickly in this field, and small mistakes can create larger issues later on.
- Learn boundaries early. Understand when to ask for help, when to escalate, and when something falls outside your role or authority. Strong examiners know how to protect both the investigation and themselves.
- Treat feedback as learning, not criticism. The ability to absorb feedback and apply it will accelerate your growth far more than trying to be perfect.
- Document clearly and consistently. Good documentation supports your conclusions and protects your work.
- Stay curious and keep learning. Fraud evolves constantly, and developing a habit of continuous learning pays off over time.
The big moments matter, but it’s the small habits—curiosity, accuracy, professionalism, and boundaries—that earn trust. And in fraud examination, trust and credibility are everything. I hope this helps!
You’re on to something by focusing on the small moments—those are often what add up and lead to the bigger career moves.
Early on, a few small decisions and habits can make a big impact:
- Learn from people more senior than you. Ask questions, observe how they think, and pay attention to how they document, communicate, and manage uncertainty.
- Take your time and check your work. Accuracy builds credibility quickly in this field, and small mistakes can create larger issues later on.
- Learn boundaries early. Understand when to ask for help, when to escalate, and when something falls outside your role or authority. Strong examiners know how to protect both the investigation and themselves.
- Treat feedback as learning, not criticism. The ability to absorb feedback and apply it will accelerate your growth far more than trying to be perfect.
- Document clearly and consistently. Good documentation supports your conclusions and protects your work.
- Stay curious and keep learning. Fraud evolves constantly, and developing a habit of continuous learning pays off over time.
The big moments matter, but it’s the small habits—curiosity, accuracy, professionalism, and boundaries—that earn trust. And in fraud examination, trust and credibility are everything. I hope this helps!
Rick Blair
Compliance & Ethics Leader
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Hi Jenasie,
I want to share some small but important steps that have guided my journey in investigations and led me to roles as a compliance officer and senior leader. These aren't big moments but the quiet choices that built my foundation.
Early decisions that set my path:
- Valuing accuracy over speed, even when unnoticed
- Learning the "boring" systems others skipped
- Understanding the business context of each case
- Committing to neutrality as a core value
Habits that grew over time:
- Keeping detailed notes and documenting my thoughts
- Digging deeper by reading more and asking extra questions
- Practicing calm in low-pressure times to handle high-pressure situations better
- Following up consistently to build trust and ease team interactions
Mindsets that guide me:
- Staying curious instead of being certain
- Being skeptical without becoming cynical
- Respecting processes, even if they seem slow, because they matter
- Treating every case as a chance to improve my skills
- Seeing integrity as something to practice daily
These small actions have greatly influenced my growth. They shape how I handle investigations, work with others, and continue to develop in this field. I'm happy to discuss any of this further if you'd like.
I want to share some small but important steps that have guided my journey in investigations and led me to roles as a compliance officer and senior leader. These aren't big moments but the quiet choices that built my foundation.
Early decisions that set my path:
- Valuing accuracy over speed, even when unnoticed
- Learning the "boring" systems others skipped
- Understanding the business context of each case
- Committing to neutrality as a core value
Habits that grew over time:
- Keeping detailed notes and documenting my thoughts
- Digging deeper by reading more and asking extra questions
- Practicing calm in low-pressure times to handle high-pressure situations better
- Following up consistently to build trust and ease team interactions
Mindsets that guide me:
- Staying curious instead of being certain
- Being skeptical without becoming cynical
- Respecting processes, even if they seem slow, because they matter
- Treating every case as a chance to improve my skills
- Seeing integrity as something to practice daily
These small actions have greatly influenced my growth. They shape how I handle investigations, work with others, and continue to develop in this field. I'm happy to discuss any of this further if you'd like.