Personal banking is where high street banks help individuals to manage their money and advise on financial products and services. As more personal banking goes online and the number of local branches are reduced many of the roles are becoming more centralised.

In personal banking you might be involved in either direct customer contact or ‘back office’ roles. Customer facing roles include working in branches processing transactions and dealing with customer queries on their checking, deposit, or savings accounts. Other areas include advising on loans, overdrafts, mortgages, credit cards, insurance, pensions, investments or other financial products offered by the bank. You could also work in a telephone call centre or on website technical support.

‘Back office’ roles include researching and developing new banking products, finance, risk management, human resources, and technology. You may work in a bank straight after school or after graduating. A degree in business or finance is not always required and candidates are welcomed from a wide range of disciplines. These roles require good numeracy, attention to detail and ability to work as part of a team. You should also have excellent IT, problem solving, communication and customer service skills. You will be advising customers at important stages in their lives journey. They may require a loan to fund their college education, purchase their first house, or help to plan their retirement so empathy and a friendly, professional manner are essential attributes.

Career opportunities include progressing to management positions such as branch or call centre manager or training in specialised products such as credit card services, mortgages, and personal loans. Other financial institutions such as building societies and credit unions offer comparable opportunities.