How to Become a Banker

Why Become a Banking Professional?

Investment in a banking career could be a solid financial decision in the coming years as jobs in the space are expected to grow 15%  from now until 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The banking industry has gone through a metamorphosis over the past five decades. No longer are these primarily single institutions tasked with sticking money in a vault and spinning a wheel lock. No, it’s about much more than that: it’s about international transactions, currency rate exchanges and finance levels and regulations designed to both protect and increase security of our money.

In other words, banking is a complicated yet increasingly important part of everyone’s world.

Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Banker

• Introduction to Accounting
• Introduction to Auditing
• Internal Control Systems
• Introduction to Finance
• Introduction to Economics
• Accounting
• Financial Statements
• Financial Project Management
• Financial Planning and Analysis
• Modeling Financial Statements

Degree Options for Banking Careers

If you are planning on a banking career, a solid education in numbers is in order. Most banking professionals have experience with accounting, economics or finance, and many experts have experience in all three.

Certificate
A certificate program is designed to introduce students to basic accounting and auditing principles used in banking. Often, these programs are a first step toward more advanced studies. An accounting certificate also offers an entry way into the banking profession.

Associate’s Degree
The associate degree is typically a two year program that provides a core foundation of accounting and auditing principles. The coursework completed here can be matriculated toward more advanced degrees such as the bachelor’s and graduate programs.

Bachelor’s Degree
As bachelor’s program in accounting and finance will offer plenty of opportunities to learn the complexities or working in the budget analysis field. Those hoping extended their skill set without heading back to school can take non-matriculated budget analysis course at most schools.

MBA
An MBA prepares students for upper management roles in banking including: bank manager, banking and commercial loan manager, and controller. These wide-ranging programs offer students in-depth study of accounting principles with a well-rounded curriculum in all areas of business.