Working in a bank requires exceptional math skills as well as organizational and communications skills. Before you can get banking work experience, you will need to show potential employers that you are ready for the responsibility and rigors of the job. You will need to complete a high school education or equivalent qualification, and you will need to be able to present yourself well. This means dressing appropriately and paying attention to your hygiene. You can then seek out banking work experience by taking an entry-level position such as a teller.
While not always necessary, it is best to earn a college degree or be working toward one when you begin your search for banking work experience. This will show potential employers that you are serious about a career and are taking meaningful steps toward pursuing one by earning a degree in mathematics, accounting, business, or another related field. While in school, you may be able to join clubs or other organizations, and you can volunteer your services as the treasurer of that organization. This will give you some practical experience in managing money and drawing up budgets, which will be useful when you seek out banking work experience.
It is important to write a strong resume, regardless of how much or how little previous education and experience you have in the banking industry. You can cite volunteer activities you may have participated in, and you can write down any other relative skills you may have developed. If, for example, you have experience running a cash register, this should be noted on your resume. If you balance your own stock portfolio, be sure to note your skills in that realm. Previous experience with customer service in a retail setting is also a good thing to note on your resume, as bank tellers very often have to manage customer service tasks.
Internships and apprenticeships are other ways to get banking work experience, but you will have to be qualified for such positions and these opportunities are often highly sought-after. This means tough competition, so your resume will need to be impeccable. Internships usually do not pay, but you will be able to learn a significant amount about the banking industry during the several months you will act as an intern. Apprenticeships are often paid positions, though they most often go to candidates with the appropriate combination of education and experience.
