Employers

Branch managers are employed by banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. As of June 2019 there were 5,303 FDIC-insured and 3,418 FDIC-supervised commercial banks and savings institutions in the United States. Opportunities are available throughout the country, in small towns and large cities.

Starting Out

Many branch managers worked their way up from entry-level positions such as tellers and customer service representatives. Participating in internships during college is also a good strategy to obtain experience, build your network, and possibly land a full-time job. 

Contact banks, credit unions, and related employers directly to learn about entry-level job opportunities. Visiting a branch office to request a job application or visiting the company’s Web site are effective job-search strategies. Additionally, visit the American Bankers Association’s Web site, https://aba.careerbank.com, for job listings. 

Successful branch managers often advance to oversee several bank branches. Experienced branch managers can advance their careers by managing a group of retail bank offices as a regional manager. Those with commercial loan experience can move into other bank departments assisting commercial lenders or senior management.

Visit the following Web sites for job listings:

• https://aba.careerbank.com
• https://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs-banking-branch-manager
• https://www.monster.com
• https://www.efinancialcareers.com

Attend banking industry conferences to network and participate in continuing education opportunities.

Read publications such as Bank Executive Quarterly (http://www.bankexecutives.com) to learn more about the field.

Try to gain experience and excel in lower-level positions such as teller and customer service representative to increase your chances of being considered for management trainee programs sponsored by your employer.