Careers in Banking

By Willy Franzen

Looking for an entry level job or internship in banking? This is an overview of how to approach the search and a list of companies that might have relevant entry level and internship opportunities.

Photo Credit: Flickr user Paul Lowry

If you’re interested in a career in banking, the first thing to ask yourself is what major area of banking you’re interested in. You could work in retail banking (banking for individuals), business banking, private banking (banking and wealth management geared toward individuals of very high net worth), or investment banking (geared toward large corporations).

A few positions for you to consider include:

Credit analyst: Determine a company’s or individual’s credit-worthiness
Investment banker: Starting out as a junior associate, raise money for corporations
Sales: Sell a bank’s financial services
Branch management: Starting out as an associate, oversee the bank’s operations
Bank teller: Cash and deposit checks, handle withdrawals, answer customer queries

Some of the largest banks have services geared toward all of these areas. You need a bachelor’s degree with strong quantitative and business skills for many of these positions, but you could get started by working part-time or as an intern.

Companies with Entry Level Jobs and Internships in Banking

The Business Backer - The Business Backer is based in Cincinnati based and “is helping small business owners flourish and grow by re-inventing relationship-based lending for the 21st century.”

See the complete The Business Backer profile

Quicken Loans - Quicken Loans is based in Detroit, MI and has made a name for itself in the mortgage business as the “#1 online retail lender.”

See the complete Quicken Loans profile

NetSpend - NetSpend is an Austin, TX based company that brings the ability to swipe a card to anybody who has the money regardless of credit.

See the complete NetSpend profile

Grameen America - If you like what Grameen America is doing to build a microfinance program in the United States, take a look at their job opportunities.

See the complete Grameen America profile

BankSimple - I’ve been watching BankSimple’s Jobs page for a while, and it seems that they’re starting to pick up steam in terms of hiring.

See the complete BankSimple profile

Cabela’s - If you love the outdoors, you probably already know all about Cabela’s. But have you checked out their job opportunities?

See the complete Cabela’s profile

WePay - WePay is strongly focused on the college market, so it’d be a great place to start your career after graduation.

See the complete WePay profile

Bling Nation - Check out jobs at Bling Nation. Right now they have a Marketing Internship and an Online Marketing and Website Evolution Leader position posted.

See the complete Bling Nation profile

The Reinvestment Fund - If you’d like to help “build wealth and opportunity for low-wealth people,” then you need to look no further than The Reinvestment Fund’s Jobs page.

See the complete The Reinvestment Fund profile

Bank Information Center - The Bank Information Center's strategy and mission are reflected in their positions: Latin America Program Assistant and an Africa Program Assistant.

See the complete Bank Information Center profile

ING Direct - ING Direct has a handle on where banking is headed, so they should be the place to be if you want to work in “retail” banking.

See the complete ING Direct profile

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency - The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has become much busier recently, so now is a great time to check out their entry level hiring program.

See the complete Office of the Comptroller of the Currency profile

Federal Reserve Board - Based in Washington, D.C., the Federal Reserve Board oversees the 12 District Reserve Banks and would be a great if you'd like a career in the financial sector.

See the complete Federal Reserve Board profile

Federal Reserve Bank of New York - If you're drawn to finance by a love of economics, but fear the investment banking lifestyle, take a look Federal Reserve Bank of New York's job opportunities.

See the complete Federal Reserve Bank of New York profile

Check out the latest job and internship postings in banking.

Careers in Banking

Companies with Entry Level Jobs and Internships in Banking

See more companies with entry level jobs and internships in banking: