Exploring banking jobs during a gap year

I'm going for a gap year and I'm curious about working in banking for that time. Anyone know how I can find such opportunities and if they require prior experience?

Absolutely, exploring banking jobs during a gap year can be a great opportunity not only to gain professional experience but also to get a solid understanding of whether this career path aligns with your longer-term goals.

To start your search, you could look at job postings on platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Appily. Check under keywords such as "Bank Teller," "Junior Analyst," "Financial Clerk," or "Customer Service Representative in Banking." Be sure to filter the search results to entry-level positions because these positions are more likely to consider applicants without prior experience.

That said, having no prior experience in banking doesn't necessarily exclude you from these roles. However, any role would require certain skills such as customer service, financial literacy, and sometimes sales, which you could have developed in other types of jobs or extracurricular activities. Furthermore, the hiring decision would likely be influenced by how well you present your transferable skills, your willingness to learn, and your interest in the banking industry.

For example, if you held a leadership role in a school club, you can showcase your communication and team collaboration skills. If you’ve worked in retail or food service, you likely have customer service skills. Make sure to emphasize these on your resume and during the interview, even if they weren't in a banking-specific role.

And remember, networking is key. Reach out to alumni, teachers, family, friends or any connections you may have in the industry. Express your interest in learning about their career path and their daily job responsibilities. This could open doors to job shadowing, internship, and even employment opportunities.

Last but not least, keep in mind that larger banks have well-structured intern programs that can provide invaluable experience, but getting into these programs can be competitive. Smaller banks or local credit unions might have fewer opportunities, but the competition might be lower, allowing a higher chance for gaining practical work experience. In either case, these experiences can be valuable in building a foundation for a career in banking.

Good luck with your gap year and job exploration!