Hello Club Members!

What do you want to be when you grow up? You’ve heard that question before, haven’t you? It’s a fun thing to imagine. But what does that question really mean — we all know you’re not going to turn into something else when you grow up, right?

Of course not. You’ll always be you. That question is just a fun way of asking what you’d like your career to be one day.

A career is a job that adults devote a lot of their time and effort to, and get paid to do, over many years. It can be made up of several jobs or just one job over time, but usually involves the same type of work and is often based on a person’s interests and talents. Careers allow people to earn what they need for a living, or whatever is required to support themselves and their families.

There are many different types of careers, which can also be called professions, occupations, or trades. Some take several years of school or training to learn; other types are learned “on the job.” Some people know exactly what they want their career to be, while others decide as they get older. Learning about different careers can help you discover interesting options where your skills might be a good fit.

Since we know a few bankers, we can help you learn about a career in banking. Let’s talk to real Wintrust bankers Jon, Mi, and Tom to learn about their careers in banking.

How long have you worked at a bank?

Jon: “I started working at a bank part-time in the late 1980s.”

Mi: “I have worked in the banking industry for 30 years.”

Tom: “32 years.”

Why did you become a banker?

Mi: “I needed a job to pay my way through college and thought I would try banking.”

Tom: “My best friend was working as a (bank) teller and referred me for a teller job.”

Jon: “I started in banking while in college and figured I could turn my school side hustle into a full-time job.”

What are some of the skills you use as a banker?

Tom: “I believe that an excellent customer service mindset along with problem solving, math skills, the ability to adapt and change, good phone and email etiquette, and being nice, are all helpful skills in banking.”

Jon: “I’ve found that listening, asking questions, and having the ability and desire to ‘connect’ with people on a personal level are the most important skills for success in this career. A passion for what you do helps, and of course, some accounting and math are necessary.”

Mi: “You definitely need people skills. Communicating with both customers and the team is most important.”

What is challenging about your job?

Jon: “Sometimes you can’t say ‘yes’ because, as a bank, we have to follow strict regulations. And, when you know so many of your clients and prospects personally and want to help them, that sometimes presents challenges.”

Mi: “The most challenging aspect of my job is balancing between serving and talking to customers as well as managing the daily operations of the bank.” 

Tom: “Switching gears. Work can be fast-paced at times, and I have to prioritize what needs to be done right now versus what can wait a bit. It’s never boring and always challenging.”

What is your favorite part of your job as a banker?

Jon: “Being a community banker means giving back to my hometown in ways that most don’t get an opportunity to explore. Not only do I get to work with different customers and industries, but I get to do so supporting the community in which I chose to raise my kids.”

Mi: “The most enjoyable part of my job is meeting people.”

Tom: “Also switching gears! At any one moment, I will be opening an account for a brand-new baby that is one month old, and the next customer may be a billionaire or a Fortune 500 company that needs help. I love working with all customers and finding solutions to their needs.”

If you’re interested in learning about different types of careers (including banking) look for free informational events in our Teen Banking Club® and Junior Savers Club® newsletters. And you can always drop by your local bank branch to talk to one of our bankers!

If you or your child has an account at any of our bank locations, our clubs are free to join for anyone under the age of 22. Get more information on the clubs or open an account here today!

Thank you to the bankers who took the time to answer our questions and make this article more enjoyable by sharing their experiences:
Jon A. Levey, LEED AP | President | Highland Park Bank & Trust
Mi Balderas | Branch Manager | NSCB – Skokie
Tom Groth | Branch Manager | Highland Park Bank & Trust

Highland Park Bank & Trust is a branch of Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company, N.A. North Shore Community Bank & Trust is a branch of Wintrust Bank, N.A.

Junior Savers/Teen Banking Club. Membership is for those under the age of 22 with a customer relationship. See a personal banker for more details.