Countless jobs within the banking industry are available for qualified applicants, so the path you must take in order to become a banking trainee can vary. Sometimes a trainee will work an entry-level position such as a teller at a bank branch, while in other cases, the trainee may work as an apprentice to an investment banker. The best way to become a banking trainee is to first decide what type of banking interests you. This means you will need to research the different banking options as well as the positions available to you.
If you are interested in obtaining a position within the investment banking industry, you will likely need to earn a college degree in business, finance, mathematics, economics, or even accounting. While you are in school earning your degree, it is a good idea to seek out internships that will help you become a banking trainee after you graduate. Internships are great opportunities to develop valuable connections within the banking industry, as well as great times to learn more about the inner workings of various types of banking institutions. After you graduate, you will be able to cite your internship as relevant work experience, increasing the likelihood that you will be able to become a banking trainee.
Sometimes you do not need a college degree in order to become a banking trainee, though such paths will usually start at the lowest levels in the banking industry. Most banks do require that you have some post-secondary education under your belt, and at the very least, you will need a high school diploma. You will need to undergo a lengthy application procedure, and you will probably be subject to a background check; once you pass these hurdles, you may be hired as a bank teller trainee.
The teller trainee will work under the guidance and supervision of a teller supervisor. During this training period, the trainee will learn the basic skills necessary to safely and appropriately perform the duties of a teller. The training period can last anywhere from six months to a year. Once the training is complete, the trainee will be considered a full teller who can perform all relevant duties independently. As a teller, you will have opportunities for more training as time progresses, which can lead to career advancement within the bank, though you should expect to spend several years in the teller position before you are considered for promotion.
