Qualifications Needed for a Career in Banking

Although there are specific degrees for banking and finance there are no specific qualifications needed for entry level banking jobs. A career in banking can begin with high school certificates; usually A level certificates are sufficient. Graduates can apply for trainee management programmes, which are an excellent first step into a banking career.

Why Choose a Banking Career?

A career in banking offers good prospects for those with an aptitude for finances. Management positions are well paid and the work can include travel and many company benefits. A banking career is no longer just about sitting behind a window dealing with customers; banks now offer a whole range of different products and services. If you have never thought about a career in banking and are considering some form of finance based study then taking careers advice would be beneficial.

Qualifications for a Banking Career

A banking career can be started with a minimum of qualifications. Good passes in A level certificates are all that is needed for entry level jobs. Once you have your foot in the door you can progress to up the banking career ladder rapidly if employers see you have the skills and ability for a financial career. Employees that are seen to have management potential will usually be given in-service training. Talented entry level banking employees can also be placed on accelerated management training courses.

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Graduate Careers in Banking

Banks will employ graduates with degrees in a variety of different subjects. However, graduates that have degrees in accountancy, banking and financial services, economics, or law degrees may find they have a particular aptitude for a career in banking. Graduates who apply for trainee management positions and are successful will be placed directly into the management training scheme. These are rapid training schemes are designed to have graduates management trained in a short time.

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Management Degree Courses

There are a wide range of financial degree courses available to those that are considering a career in banking such as Banking and Finance degrees and Business Management. Those wishing to apply for these degree courses will usually need three A level certificates. Two standard grades are also usually needed and these will usually be in Maths and English. These entry qualifications are never set in stone and talking to a university or college advisor will be helpful. Older people may not be required to have these educational certificates if they have a number of years of relevant work experience.

Degree courses will usually last between three and eight years depending on the course and graduation level. There are other options available when studying including home based degree courses such as The Open University. Part time study will usually take longer to complete but this is down to the student and their existing commitments. Students can gain financial qualifications through night classes and these are a good way to study while continuing to work during the day.

Qualifications for Career Development

Any career planning should include training and development factors. There are a range of educational qualifications that will help with career progression. There are a number of vocational qualifications available such as the Certificate in Financial Services and the Diploma of Financial Services. Any banking career planning should include researching material from official bodies such as The London Foundation for Banking & Finance. If you already have an entry level position within a bank then gaining these financial certificates will help with developing your career.

There are a great many different banking jobs available including sales jobs and Internet banking. Career progression will not just be dependant on educational and vocational certificates but they will be recognised as a sign of career commitment by employers.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Finance Career Path Finder lets you discover which finance career could suit you, from accountancy and investment banking to fintech and financial planning, matched to your strengths and what you enjoy. Try it now →