Familiarity with a computer is essential. Also, training in sales, communications, and marketing will be a definite asset. In 1995, fifty-five people in the Cowichan region were loan officers or personal bankers with an average age of 39. Education and Training Personal banking positions are seldom entry level. However, as the field becomes more knowledge-based, many college graduates are being recruited after receiving their degrees in business administration or commerce.
Most personal bankers start out as customer service representatives.
With the role of personal bankers expanding to include the sale of mutual funds, completion of the Canadian Securities Course, offered by the Canadian Securities Institute may be required. Also, the Investment Funds in Canada course in mutual funds, offered through ICB, may be required. Both courses take from three to six months to complete and can be taken by correspondence. Many financial institutions are beginning to offer bonuses or commissions to personal bankers for their work. This is a position that may soon require at least a business diploma that includes formal training in securities.