Additional Information
If you're interested in this field, try getting a job at a bank or another
financial institution. Many customer service managers started their careers
as tellers and say it's a great way to get a feel for the banking business.
"Try looking for a summer job in a bank. Banks sometimes hire students
to replace people who go on vacations at this time of year," says Karen Holland,
a customer service manager from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Getting started in banking generally means accepting a part-time, entry-level
job -- usually as a teller or customer service representative. From there,
management hopefuls will have to draw on people skills, computer skills and
enthusiasm to carry them to the top.
Increasingly, banks are looking for advanced education. "Get a degree,
get your foot in the door, then make an impression," says customer service
manager Marge Fisher.
Yet employers aren't just looking for commerce grads.
"Banks hire graduates from a variety of programs," says Marie Gohier, manager
of corporate recruitment for one bank. "Computer science, arts, communication,
even science and agriculture degrees are all applicable to careers in banking."