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- It’s Not Hollywood Style Wall Street. “When I was a freshman I thought people in banking must be super cutthroat and competitive. It’s hard to explain to family, friends, and peers that it’s actually extremely collaborative and friendly,” says Lauren.
- Bigger is Better. “Some of my friends joined startups because they think that you’re just a cog in the wheel at a bigger firm and it’ll take you years to actually make any kind of personal impact.
- It’s Happening Real-Time. “I can’t think of another job where I would feel so directly connected with everything that’s going on in the world,” says Lawrence, a New York based Analyst trading options in Fixed Income.
- It’s a Global, Not a Parochial World. “One of the great things about working at Morgan Stanley is that you’re so often dealing with clients around the world,” says Heather, an Associate in the London Equity Trading department.
- Overview
- Why employers ask why you want to be in banking
- How to answer "Why do you want to be in banking?"
- Example answers for "Why do you want to be in banking?"
Video: How to Tell Your Personal Story during an Interview | Mock Job InterviewsBy the end of this video, you'll learn how to introduce yourself in a professional way!
Banking is a multifaceted industry that can provide rewarding careers. When applying to banking positions, it's important to prepare answers for a few common interview questions. For example, you may benefit from preparing to answer the question "Why do you want to be in banking?" In this article, we explain why employers ask this question, discuss how you might answer it and provide sample answers to use as a guide.Related: Types of Banking Jobs (With Salary Expectations)
Employers may ask why you want to be in banking to learn more about your personality and professional motivations. This information may show them what type of team member you might be. Banking can be a challenging industry, so the most valuable candidates come to work with motivation and interest. Learning more about your personality may also help ...
1. Talk about your relevant personality traits
Jobs in banking are often competitive and dynamic, and they can involve high levels of power and responsibility. When answering the question, you may choose to discuss your personality traits, like focus and determination, that complement the responsibilities of your profession. For example, if you're interested in customer-facing positions, you may choose to talk about your interpersonal skills or highlight your extroverted personality.This question may also be a useful opportunity to discuss some of the traditionally challenging aspects of working in banking. Many finance jobs involve long hours, stressful work and high levels of commitment, and your best personality traits might help you address some of these challenges. For instance, you could say that you're highly motivated by challenges or that you love working in competitive environments. This response may show that you've thoroughly considered all aspects of the job, even those that might be a challenge.
2. Tell a story
Sharing an engaging, relevant story may be an excellent way to help your interviewer remember you and your response. Consider linking a story to your initial comments about how your personality fits the banking industry. You might talk about a time when a particular personality trait of yours was useful in your work or a time when you discovered a new, positive skill or trait through your work.You might choose to tell the story of the first time you realized you wanted to work in banking or how you have a role model who helped inspire you to pursue this career. Regardless of what story you choose to share, it may be useful to include honest, personal details. These can help your interviewer get to know you better, which may help them remember you when they review all candidates.
3. Talk about the banking industry
After discussing your traits and path toward a career in banking, it's useful to talk about the industry at large. Think about which aspects of banking are most interesting to you and match your personality well. Perhaps you're interested in the large variety of careers available in this industry or the open opportunities at a certain company provide a level of professional growth that attracts you. Try to be specific about the position and company you're interested in, such as being intrigued by the opportunity to travel for work or collaborate with well-known industry leaders at the company.Many people pursue a career in banking because of the perks these roles can offer. Common perks include high salaries, good benefits and excellent working conditions. Even if these are your main motivation for working in banking, focus most of your answer on personal goals or interests related to banking. This may show your interviewer why you're a good candidate. However, if you want to include the attractive benefits in your response, mention them briefly at the end. Your interviewer may appreciate your honesty.Related: How To Write a Banking Resume Objective (With Examples)
Example 1
"I love to overcome challenges. I learned that from my aunt. She is an investment banker and the person who inspired me to pursue a career in banking. Growing up, my aunt would always come over on Friday nights for dinner, and she would spend the entire meal telling us about her latest projects. I loved learning about the vast international teams she collaborated with, the all-night work sessions and even the long meetings. While I saw firsthand how challenging her work was, I also saw how fulfilled she was and how close it made her with her colleagues.As I progressed through school, I found joy and confidence in the same kind of intense work and collaboration that I always admired in my aunt. Each time I encountered a challenge, I would think of her at that dinner table and imagine telling my own story of how I overcame the obstacle. Working in banking allows me to overcome challenges for a living, and I'd love the opportunity to inspire children at a dinner table someday."Related: Commercial Banking vs. Investment Banking: Definitions and Differences
Example 2
"I am interested in banking because it's a good match for my hard-working and highly ambitious nature. I have always enjoyed pushing myself and being part of an environment that celebrates hard work. Being surrounded by intelligent, driven peers also inspires me to do my best work. In school, I connected with these types of peers in business and finance classes.After graduating, I spent two years as a credit analyst, where I worked with brilliant and motivated colleagues and management. During that time, I was always the first to volunteer for new projects. My peers often complimented my ability to multitask, and I even led a workshop on time management for my department. Truthfully, I find new projects very energizing, and I know that is useful for working in the banking industry because there are constantly new initiatives to work on and people to meet." Share: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email
Apr 18, 2024 · Reasons to pursue a banking career. There are several benefits to pursuing a career in banking, with the most prominent being: Competitive salaries. Great job benefits, including medical insurance, paid time off, sick leave and disability insurance. A range of positions to choose from. Job security. Opportunities for advancement.
- Demonstrate Your Knowledge Of The Banking Industry: Do you know the different types of banking roles available? Are you familiar with the various regulations and laws that govern banks?
- Showcase Your Interest In Money Management And Financial Planning: Banking is a great field for those who want to gain experience in money management and financial planning.
- Share Your Knowledge Of Emerging Technologies: The banking industry is evolving, with a range of new technologies being adopted. This means that banks need to stay up-to-date with the latest tools and trends.
- Rise Of Digital Banking: Digital banking is quickly becoming the norm in today’s banking industry. To demonstrate that you are an innovative thinker, discuss digital banking.
Jun 15, 2020 · Banking is becoming as exciting as many technology companies, even while many institutions still remain rooted in local communities and their values. A career path in banking can offer the potential for growth and sense of purpose that many people look for in their professional lives.
Apr 18, 2024 · Indeed Editorial Team. Updated 18 April 2024. If you're good with numbers and like working on challenging projects with people from all over the world, you may want to consider a career in banking. The banking sector offers many benefits, including opportunities for rapid progression and high salaries.
A career in banking is open to everyone, regardless of race, gender, national origin, age or physical capabilities. Banks hire and train people who are interested in learning and working. Find online training from the American Bankers Association to help you prepare for your next big role.
