Is banking a good career? Is it better to work for a local bank or a bank like HSBC?

I'm thinking about working in banking but I have a friend who's in investment management and that looks interesting as well.

I've seen job ads at my school for HSBC commercial banking trainees and some for other big banks. It says that you have to be willing to relocate and fluency in languages is a plus. I think it could be interesting if I got a chance to improve my French but I wonder if they'd just send me somewhere else in the US?

I like where I'm living so maybe it would be better to apply for a local bank? I'd probably just be a teller if I did that though.

from KHS
the best answer

banking is ofcourse a good career if you want to have a steady life. there is no creativity involved there. its a routine job

HSBC is ofcourse good bank to work with. its better to work with big bank hence you can get good exposure.

If you get a good salary - then yes.
If you don't go into debt - then yes.
If you do go into debt and they will let you take out loans - then yes.
If they give you plenty of paid days off - then yes.
If your current job sucks and this one is better - then yes.
If you can do things other than working as a custodian - then yes.

It really all boils down to mobility. Do you plan on moving out of your area in the future? If so, you may want to go to a national or global bank (like HSBC) so that you may do a transfer if you move in the future.

I have so many friends in banking industry..Well banks pays good enough.If u r on junior / middle level,u be mentally prepared that u have to pay 200% against 100% salary.They take a loads of work from their staff..Well also they provide a loads of benefits to..But this is sure that U HAVE TO WORK VERY VERY VERY HARD.
Otherwise industry i s good and also gives u opportunity to grow rapidly if u put up ur work .

One more drawback is there---Reallocation on promotion..
I think u should consider all these factors like salary,growth,location,work pressure,incentives,etc.

i am a banker for a national bank and love it. It pays well, we are very well known so the product is an easy sell, i have awesome benefits, there is stress with my job but we are backed by a HUGE support staff (which most small banks dont have). I have the opportunity to move nearly anywhere i wanted to go, I meet all kinds of awesome people including people who have more money than i can ever dream of. The only drawback is that i cannot talk to anyone about my job. There are so many regulations and rules that i have to keep my mouth shut at all times.... If i even talked generally about someones accounts and anyone finds out... im done

I've always heard that banking was a good career. As for whether it's better to work for a local bank or a national bank, I guess that would depend on the local banks in your area. I've known a few bankers and some of them worked at local banks and really enjoyed the friendly, easy-going atmosphere, which national banks don't always have. On the other hand a national bank may be able to give you more benefits.