Most college-level business, math, finance, economics and management classes offer valuable insight for students who are pursuing careers in banking. After completing prerequisites in those areas of study, take specific banking courses, such as financial reporting, commercial bank management, investment banking and government regulations to support your career goals. Commercial bankers must have a clear understanding of government-mandated banking policies and lender responsibilities.
Financial Reporting
Take a financial reporting course to learn how to evaluate financial records. Commercial bankers, including those who offer corporate services, must review their clients' financial statements to determine creditworthiness. A financial reporting course teaches you how to interpret income statements and balance sheets and assess individual or company assets, revenue and liabilities. Bankers must determine risks associated with credit accounts and personal or business loans. Accounting and finance departments in college business schools offer financial reporting courses.
Bank Management
Enroll in a bank management course to understand the role financial markets play in the economy and how to effectively administer banking services. You'll learn how to manage banking capital, noninterest- and interest-bearing accounts, interest rate fluctuations, credit accounts, consumer loans and fixed income securities, according to the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. Bank management courses help you assess bank performance to determine what types of services and opportunities fit your clientele. The goal is to meet the needs of your customers without sacrificing the credibility and financial security of the bank.
Investment Banking
An investment banking course can teach you how to asses the value of money over time. Learn how to examine your clients' financial portfolios to help them reduce risk and maximize their return on investments. Investment banking courses explain investments and securities, including stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, savings accounts, real estate investments and corporate ventures. You'll learn about complex corporate investments, such as mergers and acquisitions. Talk with your academic adviser to determine if you'll need investment banking certifications to pursue your intended career path.
Bank Structure and Regulations
Take a course on state, federal and international banking regulations. A banking regulations course covers tax liabilities for investments, including dividends and interest, profit and loss. Your teacher will likely discuss reforms of bank regulatory systems, such as the Dodd-Frank Act in the United States and Basel III in the global banking industry. You'll examine deposit insurance, consumer protection laws, bank failures and the responsibilities of bank officers, according to Boston University. Some introductory courses on banking structure and regulations are available to undergraduate students, but many are reserved for those pursuing advanced degrees.
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As curriculum developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments she's read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.