Please upgrade your web browser

These pages are built with modern web browsers in mind, and are not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 or below. Please try using another web browser, such as Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

Financial Services Industry Interest - Networking Advice - Charlotte, NC

Veteran

Patrick Bergstresser Frederick, MD

I'm looking to relocate to Charlotte, NC and have an interest in entering the financial services industry. Does anyone have any advice on 1) how to better understand the lines of business of the large banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc.) so I can better understand the positions I would be a good fit for and 2) how to work on building my network so I can begin connecting and building relationships within the banks in Charlotte?

Thanks so much,
Patrick

30 April 2018 4 replies Networking

Answers

Advisor

Beth Smits Washington, DC

Patrick, I really agree with Arthur and would say that technology and regulatory compliance are the big two areas where I would want to start with a bank in Charlotte. I'm assuming that you already have a lot of relevant experience in either area -- and because banks need these skills so much, just showing interest and competence could be enough, as they'll offer good specific training. And what's great about both of these areas is that if you decide not to stay in financial services, you can move into other sectors or further education. As for networking, I don't know Charlotte, but remember that any encounter with anyone could be a networking opportunity. Talk about what you're looking for and you will find that many people offer to help, even those who you might not think have the connections you need. Best of luck and thanks for all you've done in the service! Beth

Advisor

M. Arthur Gillis Atlanta, GA

Patrick,

You are already on the right road. Charlotte and banking go hand in hand. But to get instant attention from any big bank you must relate to what's hot these days. Here's my list, and it's all about technology. Don't even waste your time applying for administration, accounting, lending, and branch management. Banks are laying off employees with traditional skills.

1. Mobile Banking
2. Analytics
3. Customer Enhancement
4. Regulatory Compliance
5. Data Security
6. Risk Management
7. Open Banking
8. Biometrics
9. Robotics
10. Artificial Intelligence
11. Big Data

Every large bank wants to be like Amazon.com. If you have any capabilities with Amazon, display them and you'll be hired instantly.
Jeff Bezos and Jamie Dimon are practically inseparable these days.
For more go to my twitter - @banktekinfo

M. Arthur Gillis
Management Consultant in the Banking Technology Industry
Computer Based Solutions, Inc.
Established in 1974
Atlanta, Georgia
404-467-4991
artgillis@artgillis.com
www.artgillis.com
@banktekinfo Powerful tweets that deliver blunt, timely, accurate messages without the rants,
36,006 reads, 139 tweets, past 11 months
GLG Leader Top 5%
Certifications - CMC, CCP, CDP
Faculty, ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking
Expert witness testified on bank IT matters for 23 cases
Recommended a new core system for 323 banks
Gillis Neutralizer - A spreadsheet that converts vendor prices to bank's P&L true expenses
Creator, "Automation in Banking - 2016" (an annual industry research report)
6,000+ buyers of Automation in Banking during 31-year life of the report
blogger - finextra.com 54,946 readers as of 04APR2018, 19 blogs posted in past 50 months
blogger - ABA Banking Journal (now Banking Exchange)
blogger - banking technology - www.bankingtech.com
Creator, Gillis Index (a quantitative measure of customer value to banks)
The Gillis Tool Box - 36 tools bankers can use to acquire a better system for the future
Answer Man for anyone interested in banking technology
My Idea of a Complete Banking System - a picture is worth 362,984 words
Number of projects completed for 176 investment firms - 332
My clients: Banks (37%), investment firms (32%), bank tech companies (18%) and consultants (13%)
16 of the top 20 investment management firms, no idea why 4 didn't come
Volunteer Career Advisor for Returning Vets - ACP AdvisorNet (former Captain at USAF SAC Hq)

Advisor

Misty Jurecek Corpus Christi, TX

Thank you for your service and sacrifice Patrick.
Many financial institutions would be a wonderful consideration. There are numerous areas of the bank to consider as well. I am with Wells Fargo Bank NA as a commercial lender. I am proud that my bank truly supports our military veterans with a goal to hire 20,000 veterans by 2020.
This could be a helpful site to assist in your search; https://www.wellsfargojobs.com/military
Misty Jurecek

Advisor

Bob Combs Houston, TX

Patrick, thank you for your service to your country. I am retired from a large bank in Texas. I suggest you send your resume to the banks you are interested , address them to the Human Relations department, and tell your story about your background, experience and education. Most banks are sensitive to your situation and will send you a breakout of the financial areas of the bank. A good cover letter accompanying your resume is important so they can get a better picture of your situation. I can only tell you this worked for me upon my exit from military service and it lead to interviews and finally employment. Try it and see what happens. Good luck and if you have a chance let me know about the results. Bob Combs

Your Answer

Please log in to answer this question.

Sign Up

You can join as either a Veteran or an Advisor.

An Advisor already has a career, with or without military experience, and is willing to engage with and help veterans.
Sign Up as an Advisor.

A Veteran has military experience and is seeking a new career, or assistance with life after service.
Sign Up as a Veteran.