Retail banking

Graduate jobs in retail banks and building societies.

Retail banking involves working in the smaller, high street branches of larger commercial banks. It is an important part of the banks’ overall operation, providing a mass-market service to personal account holders and business clients. With services that range from savings and current accounts to credit cards and loans, this large sector offers a host of work opportunities for graduates.

The best way to start in this sector is to obtain experience in a customer services environment and apply for a graduate training scheme; you don’t need a finance-related degree. The schemes normally involve spending time in customer-facing roles, learning the basics of banking and serving customers. You may also complete a professional qualification.

What does the job involve?

Many banks, particularly the larger organisations, offer graduate recruitment programmes. You will be given the responsibility of handling the banking needs of the clients, such as lending and depositing. This experience could lead onto roles within branch management. Competition for jobs is quite high, but the fierce rivalry between the leading financial institutions means that there is a range of entry routes. Graduates working in flagship branches may operate in a team of around 40 members of staff. The majority of commercial banks operate on a global scale, which means that you may have the chance to travel at some point in your career.

Qualifications

Although many graduates come from a financial background, many positions are open to graduates in non finance disciplines too. Employers consider interpersonal and communication skills as important as numeric ability. It will be vital for you to relate to the needs of your customer and their experiences as well as possessing the skills to communicate with people on different levels. A higher second class degree is a general necessity, as is a good knowledge of the products on offer.

Salaries

Salaries in the Republic can range from €25,000-40,000 depending on your role and in Northern Ireland can range from £30,000-40,000.