If you enjoy building new relationships, working with different people, why not explore a career in corporate banking? This page covers what you need to know about becoming and working as a corporate banker, including skills and qualifications as well as opportunities to progress.
What is a corporate banker?
If you work in corporate banking, your role will be very client-focused. You’ll connect with many types of businesses, while assisting them with their financial needs.
As a corporate banker, you would normally work in a bank. Your typical day could involve:
- liaising with and supporting corporate clients
- discussing clients’ banking requirements and providing appropriate financial advice
- guiding clients’ decisions about acquisitions and mergers
- supplying loans for growth purposes
- preparing lending agreements
- promoting the bank's services and products
- supervising and training junior bankers.
How do you become a corporate banker?
If you’re thinking of working in corporate banking you need several skills, such as:
- good analytical ability and numeracy skills
- verbal and written communication skills
- excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain relationships
- ability to negotiate on behalf of clients and prioritise their interests
- time management and working well under pressure.
You may be able to start in a customer service-based role and work your way up. However, most employers require you to have a 2:1 degree in a related subject such as finance, business, mathematics or economics.
Internships and work placements are also a great way of breaking into the corporate banking sector. These give you the chance to gain practical experience alongside your degree, and will also help you stand apart from other candidates after graduating.
Is there a qualification for corporate banking?
If you want to pursue a career in corporate banking, you could consider studying with us. We offer two undergraduate degrees:
Our strong rapport with leading banks allows our undergraduates to form professional connections. This has given our students an advantage when looking for internships, work placements, and graduate jobs.
If you’re working in another area of banking and finance but are interested in corporate banking, why not think about doing a professional qualification? We currently offer two relevant courses:
What’s the best thing about being a corporate banker?
Customer-centric roles allow you to build new connections and establish valuable relationships throughout your career.
Typically, you start off as an analyst at a bank with opportunities to progress to associate level. Many banks offer graduate programmes with:
- training and mentoring
- a clear career progression route
- and a rewarding benefits package.
Some of our graduates have gone on to enjoy promising careers in corporate banking. Ben Woods, one of our alumni, describes it as a “fun and exciting sector to work in which embraces fresh new talent”.
Ben has had opportunities to build relationships with larger organisations and household names, as well as small to mediums enterprises (SMEs). He also values the flexibility of his role.
“Career progression and personal development is strongly encouraged with plenty of opportunity,” he says.
Related content
Find out more about our undergraduate degrees
Find out more about our professional qualifications