Does anyone here have a career in banking?

[Discordian 6,015]

For a while now I've considered trying for a job at a bank, just to try it out, but I wanna know if it's easier to do schooling for it first or just try for an entry-level position or something.

 

I also wanna know what it's like to work as a banker, any sort of experience that could give me an idea of what working at a bank would be like.

[Page.Turner 940]

I don't take banking, but in my program we have to learn a lot of banking like balancing cheque-books and accounting. I would say, from my experience, that it would be MUCH easier to go to school for it. Not only that, but if you go to school you have a much higher chance of getting a job than you do trying to get an entry-level position.

[Discordian 6,015]

Hmm, so I should try to see what schools I can get schooling for it in. I heard about one from my mom but I'll have to check it out for myself.

[Splashee 28,566]

I think you should talk to @Stone Cold Steve Tuna, he works at at something bank'ish

[Stone Cold Steve Jobs 22,441]

It depends which job you wind up with. There is a difference between a credit union and a bank. A bank is for profit, owned by share holders. A credit union is not for profit and owned by its members. If you're a teller, you're handling the front line customers or members of your work place. You'll be expected to perform transfers, withdrawals, deposits, negotiate checks and understand check holds. You'll also be required to have an understanding of the Bank Secrecy Act if you're working in the United States. It's... fascinating. 

Spoiler

It's not.

Some financial institutions are more lax about this than others, but at the end of the night you'll likely be expected to count your box and "prove" it. Basically your box will keep track of your transactions throughout the day- deposits, withdrawals, etc. And it will add or subtract funds as needed. You will count all the money in your box and ensure that you have zero variance. 

You'll also be required to understand check holds, why they exist, and when and where they apply. All institutions have different check hold policies. What I hold for 2 business days you might clear, or what I might clear you hold for two business days.

If you work at a desk, then your work will be different. You'll be working with fewer customers/members generally speaking throughout the day, but the people you do work with you'll be with for longer. There is no box to prove at the end of the day, but you have other responsibilities. You'll be opening and closing accounts, making debit cards, negotiating loans, etc. In either field you'll probably also be expected to have some sales experience too.

Of course this all can change or vary depending on the institution you work for. 

[Dreambiscuit 10,094]

I would never be able to handle it; way too many computers and I would feel really nervous handling something as important as other peoples' money. One mistake and I'd be wrecked.

[Treeglow Flicker 13,854]

I used to work as a cashier in a counting house. I can actually say that I've literally held millions of pounds in cash on a daily basis before.

[Splashee 28,566]

I am good with money but not "that" good