Opinion: Why now is a good time to start a career in banking

Tiffany Barnes

If you’ve been thinking about making a career move – and you’re looking for work that’s meaningful and future-focused – consider this your sign. Banking offers more than a steady paycheck: It offers purpose, growth and a clear path forward.

Today’s banks aren’t just places where money moves. They’re built around people. Strong relationships, local impact and supportive workplaces define the culture. Whether you’re starting fresh or shifting directions, there’s room for you – and right now, the demand for talent is real.

One of the biggest draws to the industry is the work environment. Banks operate as close-knit teams. Walk into a branch or operations center, and you’re likely to hear laughter, see mentoring in action or find staff working together on any number of responsibilities. It’s a culture that values learning and connection, not just output – and that’s what keeps people in the industry.

Giving back is part of the job, not a side project. Banks support their communities through more than financial services. Employees are encouraged to volunteer, get involved and show up where help is needed. That might mean mentoring students, organizing a fundraiser or serving on a nonprofit board. For many employees, this alignment between work and values is a major reason they stay.

Another reason people are taking a closer look at banking? The schedule. Unlike many service-sector jobs that require nights, weekends or rotating shifts, many banking roles offer consistent, daytime hours. The ones that do require Saturday shifts are planned months in advance. That predictability matters, especially for parents, caregivers or anyone trying to better balance work and life. You can build a career and still have evenings with your family or weekends to recharge.

Banks are also serious about professional development. They invest in people and promote from within. If you’re ambitious and open to learning, you’ll find opportunities to grow – whether that means moving from a teller position into operations or taking on leadership roles down the road. Many of today’s managers and specialists got their start in entry-level positions.

And here’s the part many people don’t realize: Banks are hiring for much more than teller roles. Yes, frontline positions are still essential – but behind the scenes, institutions rely on people with skills in technology, compliance, marketing, HR, customer service and business development. There’s room for a variety of backgrounds, and not every role requires a finance degree. What banks value most is curiosity, strong communication and a willingness to learn.

Some of the best hires come from outside the industry. People with experience in retail, restaurants and hospitality often make great bankers. They know how to read a room, handle pressure and make others feel heard. Those people-first instincts go a long way in banking – and banks are happy to provide the training needed to fill in the technical gaps.

In a time when many industries are still rebuilding, banking stands out as a field with staying power. It offers stability, but it also offers flexibility and purpose. You can build a career, grow your network and have an impact that stretches beyond your desk.

If banking’s been on your radar – even for a second – it’s worth exploring. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need the right mindset and a willingness to take the next step. The industry is ready for you, and the door is open.

Tiffany Barnes is a culture and retention specialist for OMB Bank in Springfield. She can be reached at t.barnes@ombbank.com.