Retail banking covers the activities of the main high street banks that provide financial services to individuals and small to medium sized businesses – activities you would typically associate with banking. Retail banks traditionally make their profits by lending to individuals and businesses, and by charging fees for financial services. Competition is fierce in this industry, but if you want a fast-paced, dynamic, customer facing role that gives early responsibility, then a career in retail banking could be right up your street.
Role:
There are many roles within a retail bank or the retail banking arm of a large ‘universal’ bank. Roles include: general management, branch management, compliance, risk management, finance, and marketing. Many banks offer a graduate scheme which is on a rotational basis, typically lasting between 1-3 years; these schemes allow graduates to gain a rounded understanding of all elements of the bank before taking up a permanent position.
Skills required:
- Communications and team work skills
- Customer orientated
- Integrity
- Hard work ethic
Advantages:
- Rotational schemes allow graduates to get a taste for the entire bank and not just be limited to one area.
- Work is not just limited to London; there are positions all over the UK.
- Typically a very competitive salary, with an industry median of £30,000 (High Fliers Research Limited).
- Customer facing and dynamic work environment.
- Opportunity to use mathematical skills to solve real world business problems.
Things to consider:
- Jobs in this sector are very competitive. Think about getting involved in extra-curricular activities and getting work experience to stand out from the crowd.
- Hours can be long and work, stressful.
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