I have been a bank staff for 2 years now and honestly I am tired. Tired like physically tired. This isn't about dissing bank jobs but honestly this isn't a job to do for years on end. It drains you. Just one mail in a day is enough to shoot up your bp!. Besides the pressure you have to constantly carry the burden of insecurity surrounding your job.
My plan is to save, save and invest! I hope to leave after another year. I'll say this, for one to be able to save and invest one must consciously decide to live below ones income. But as a bank worker I'll say live far far below your income as your job is highly insecure.
The higher you go on the job the less irrelevant you may become. It's like a pyramid and there can only be one GMD, right? A lot of trainees at the bottom but just one major 'oga' way up there.
Take what you can from the job. Mostly the pay and move on. I've read some comments here about how you don't have any skills as a bank worker. I'll say not. Most of us are salespeople, even those in operation. There's always a product of the bank that everyone is made to sell at some point. Perseverance, not stopping even when all the bones in your body is wailing stop! We still keep going. And then something else I call the 'ability to ginger' for lack of a better way to put it. We all see this being done to us by our bosses or even done by us on the job to our subordinates. Pushing real hard.
These are skills that if put in your own business, will surely go a long way in ensuring success.
For aspiring bank workers, I'll say come in and get the experience, skill and money you need to get you started in life.
The major reward from banking is d salary, as long as it lasts.... no much of skills acquisition. spend your whole career in d bank and become useless after bank....only relevant in d banking sector...nothing more
Its the same "fear of the unknown" especially if one is the type that lacks focus and foresight!
What will most "come back home" to"? House dem nor build! Lands, them nor acquire! Going-business, dem nor start! Shares wey dem buy don turn worthless pennies! Boyz wey dem leave for yonder don turn to "bigger" boyz!
You wan t make shame kill them? For abroad, shame nor dey o, afterall, Prime Minister dey enter train and CEO dey drive himself.
Make dem kuuku stay-put, E go better......if you dey play lottery
Lastpage!
well said, same way bank is a cage. itz difficult leaving the fake status acquired to face the unknown.
leave while itz early for better careers.
people who study banking and finance...not trying to diss any course oo, but not a very relevant course to study, u don't need dat course to be a top banker.
douchesnozzle: The way people are castigating bank job makes me wonder if I work in the same bank. Banking is really stressful I must say but if u are a core staff the pay is very commensurate with the stress. The problem is most people want to take home a six digit pay for doing nothing. I worked in an IT firm immediately after NYSC which was as stressful as my current job but the salary is not up to what I get as meal allowance currently. I ditched a state civil service job for my current job and I have never regretted it. The stress is there but when I remember the alert that wakes me up on the 3rd week of every month I don't remember the stress anymore. I have achieved in less than 2yrs what I wouldn't have achieved if I was in the Civil service or my previous job in 6yrs. I have friends with nice grades who are doing teaching jobs for less than 50k monthly. I need not tell you how stressful such jobs are plus the irregularities of the pay hence planning becomes difficult. If you find yourself as a permanent staff you should be grateful cos thousands if not millions won't mind dat job for double the stress sef.
PS..am writing this from the perspective of a permanent staff of a bank, I know it's a different experience as a contract staff. The bottom line is to have an exit plan and develop yourself while on the job. Bad mouthing a job that pays your bill or has been a stepping stone to where you are today isn't cool..
Guitarlife: Banking is a rewarding job. Not a career in Nigeria. Its best you quit at most 30 years. Unfortunately most people realise this too late and they are stuck.
Most people are lazy too. They tend to relax once they get a job.
Man must aspire and pursue a dream.
For me banking is a phase, and till then...Godwin.
I work in Banking operations and I am working at crossing to lecturing or quiting to pursue a Ph.D.
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Helkayklassic: People who travels oversea will always keep to their anthem of "ko easy" yet they will be living large. I am ready to face the stress as long as the salary is rewarding, any help on securing the job will be appreciated.
Leaving abroad is tough especially when they know you are a Nigerian.
Wow! Good read right from the first page, I can only pray God blesses all those who made relevant contributions. Well, I have always had this "thing" (passion) for banking since childhood. I see bankers as super smart- Sanusi Lamido, Atedo Peterside, Otunba Subomi, Fola Adeola, the Late Tayo Aderinokun et.al comes to mind. However, all I have been hearing lately are not encouraging, they only threaten my passion for this revered profession. From allegations that it has been reduced to bringing in deposits by all means (hook or crook) and littering every street with "marketers" whose countenance is even enough to dissuade people from opening accounts and all that. We have heard them, seen them and read them in the papers. If they are so true, I think it ridicules the intelligence of the employees because I am, for instance, more of a "strategy" person and not just the "bros, do you have an account with us?" type. I even heard that a major criterion for finally getting an offer with one bank (I resist the urge to mention the name) after surviving the rigour of tests and interviews, is bringing in an initial deposit of nothing short of 2 million naira.
That said, I won't be deterred to ask some vital questions, now that I can get reliable answers here:
1) What really gets you ahead (executive/top management) in banking? Is it academic feat (Msc. MBA)/professional qualifications (ICAN, CIBN, CIS, CIBN etc) or years of banking experience or just your ability to bring in deposits? I have seen a couple of relatively young guys holding managerial and executive positions in bank excluding Uzoma Dozie of Diamond, Ladi Balogun of FCMB as it is widely opined that they smoothly rode on their fathers' influence to get such positions.
2) Some have argued that having work experience in consulting (especially with the Big 4's) is a better route to getting in and ahead in the banking industry. However, I have noticed that most guys from consulting are usually placed in Compliance which I feel limits their growth prospects. Kindly clarify.
3) What role, function or department would give an experience that would be useful in other industries?
4) Does carving a niche really makes you indispensable? I have been developing interest in Risk Management lately and I intend to take courses in this sepcialization and perhpas do my Msc therein or any other Finance related field (maybe Investment Banking) .
I think that is all, at least for now. God bless you more as you respond.
Pardon me for the quite lengthy post, it's my little way of optimising this rare opportunity.
PS: Had a brief stint during my undergrad days with one of the South African banks in Nigeria and it was a worthwhile experience probably because they believe so much and are guarded by their values.
Nevee: Wow! Good read right from the first page, I can only pray God blesses all those who made relevant contributions. Well, I have always had this "thing" (passion) for banking since childhood. I see bankers as super smart- Sanusi Lamido, Atedo Peterside, Otunba Subomi, Fola Adeola, the Late Tayo Aderinokun et.al comes to mind. However, all I have been hearing lately are not encouraging, they only threaten my passion for this revered profession. From allegations that it has been reduced to bringing in deposits by all means (hook or crook) and littering every street with "marketers" whose countenance is even enough to dissuade people from opening accounts and all that. We have heard them, seen them and read them in the papers. If they are so true, I think it ridicules the intelligence of the employees because I am, for instance, more of a "strategy" person and not just the "bros, do you have an account with us?" type. I even heard that a major criterion for finally getting an offer with one bank (I resist the urge to mention the name) after surviving the rigour of tests and interviews, is bringing in an initial deposit of nothing short of 2 million naira.
That said, I won't be deterred to ask some vital questions, now that I can get reliable answers here:
1) What really gets you ahead (executive/top management) in banking? Is it academic feat (Msc. MBA)/professional qualifications (ICAN, CIBN, CIS, CIBN etc) or years of banking experience or just your ability to bring in deposits? I have seen a couple of relatively young guys holding managerial and executive positions in bank excluding Uzoma Dozie of Diamond, Ladi Balogun of FCMB as it is widely opined that they smoothly rode on their fathers' influence to get such positions.
2) Some have argued that having work experience in consulting (especially with the Big 4's) is a better route to getting in and ahead in the banking industry. However, I have noticed that most guys from consulting are usually placed in Compliance which I feel limits their growth prospects. Kindly clarify.
3) What role, function or department would give an experience that would be useful in other industries?
4) Does carving a niche really makes you indispensable? I have been developing interest in Risk Management lately and I intend to take courses in this sepcialization and perhpas do my Msc therein or any other Finance related field (maybe Investment Banking) .
I think that is all, at least for now. God bless you more as you respond.
Pardon me for the quite lengthy post, it's my little way of optimising this rare opportunity.
PS: Had a brief stint during my undergrad days with one of the South African banks in Nigeria and it was a worthwhile experience probably because they believe so much and are guarded by their values.
Nevee: Wow! Good read right from the first page, I can only pray God blesses all those who made relevant contributions. Well, I have always had this "thing" (passion) for banking since childhood. I see bankers as super smart- Sanusi Lamido, Atedo Peterside, Otunba Subomi, Fola Adeola, the Late Tayo Aderinokun et.al comes to mind. However, all I have been hearing lately are not encouraging, they only threaten my passion for this revered profession. From allegations that it has been reduced to bringing in deposits by all means (hook or crook) and littering every street with "marketers" whose countenance is even enough to dissuade people from opening accounts and all that. We have heard them, seen them and read them in the papers. If they are so true, I think it ridicules the intelligence of the employees because I am, for instance, more of a "strategy" person and not just the "bros, do you have an account with us?" type. I even heard that a major criterion for finally getting an offer with one bank (I resist the urge to mention the name) after surviving the rigour of tests and interviews, is bringing in an initial deposit of nothing short of 2 million naira.
That said, I won't be deterred to ask some vital questions, now that I can get reliable answers here:
1) What really gets you ahead (executive/top management) in banking? Is it academic feat (Msc. MBA)/professional qualifications (ICAN, CIBN, CIS, CIBN etc) or years of banking experience or just your ability to bring in deposits? I have seen a couple of relatively young guys holding managerial and executive positions in bank excluding Uzoma Dozie of Diamond, Ladi Balogun of FCMB as it is widely opined that they smoothly rode on their fathers' influence to get such positions.
2) Some have argued that having work experience in consulting (especially with the Big 4's) is a better route to getting in and ahead in the banking industry. However, I have noticed that most guys from consulting are usually placed in Compliance which I feel limits their growth prospects. Kindly clarify.
3) What role, function or department would give an experience that would be useful in other industries?
4) Does carving a niche really makes you indispensable? I have been developing interest in Risk Management lately and I intend to take courses in this sepcialization and perhpas do my Msc therein or any other Finance related field (maybe Investment Banking) .
I think that is all, at least for now. God bless you more as you respond.
Pardon me for the quite lengthy post, it's my little way of optimising this rare opportunity.
PS: Had a brief stint during my undergrad days with one of the South African banks in Nigeria and it was a worthwhile experience probably because they believe so much and are guarded by their values.
Cc: Breadfruit, lastpage and others
These clearly fit the questions I would also like to ask those in the know about the banking profession.
Guitarlife: Banking is a rewarding job. Not a career in Nigeria. Its best you quit at most 30 years. Unfortunately most people realise this too late and they are stuck.
Most people are lazy too. They tend to relax once they get a job.
Man must aspire and pursue a dream.
For me banking is a phase, and till then...Godwin.
I work in Banking operations and I am working at crossing to lecturing or quiting to pursue a Ph.D.
Hello
It is two years gone. Just wanted to find out how far you have gone with the lecturing or PhD dream
It is two years gone. Just wanted to find out how far you have gone with the lecturing or PhD dream
Cheers
Wow I am very humbled by this . Okay I was earlier in brn ops( counting cash) but I managed to move to IT about 6 months ago and I am presently learning very relevant skills to the programme I have decided to pursue at Ph.D level. I am hoping to secure a scholarship for the Ph.D but I am yet to start applying. I am taking my time to learn very relevant areas of my future research. Hopefully in the not too distant future say a couple months from now I'd start pushing hard for the ph.d applications.
Wow I am very humbled by this . Okay I was earlier in brn ops( counting cash) but I managed to move to IT about 6 months ago and I am presently learning very relevant skills to the programme I have decided to pursue at Ph.D level. I am hoping to secure a scholarship for the Ph.D but I am yet to start applying. I am taking my time to learn very relevant areas of my future research. Hopefully in the not too distant future say a couple months from now I'd start pushing hard for the ph.d applications.
I am grateful for your care.
Guitarlife, can you help us with the questions above?
Wow I am very humbled by this . Okay I was earlier in brn ops( counting cash) but I managed to move to IT about 6 months ago and I am presently learning very relevant skills to the programme I have decided to pursue at Ph.D level. I am hoping to secure a scholarship for the Ph.D but I am yet to start applying. I am taking my time to learn very relevant areas of my future research. Hopefully in the not too distant future say a couple months from now I'd start pushing hard for the ph.d applications.
I am grateful for your care.
Good to hear. IT is taking over so I guess you made a good decision.
Nevee: Wow! Good read right from the first page, I can only pray God blesses all those who made relevant contributions. Well, I have always had this "thing" (passion) for banking since childhood. I see bankers as super smart- Sanusi Lamido, Atedo Peterside, Otunba Subomi, Fola Adeola, the Late Tayo Aderinokun et.al comes to mind. However, all I have been hearing lately are not encouraging, they only threaten my passion for this revered profession. From allegations that it has been reduced to bringing in deposits by all means (hook or crook) and littering every street with "marketers" whose countenance is even enough to dissuade people from opening accounts and all that. We have heard them, seen them and read them in the papers. If they are so true, I think it ridicules the intelligence of the employees because I am, for instance, more of a "strategy" person and not just the "bros, do you have an account with us?" type. I even heard that a major criterion for finally getting an offer with one bank (I resist the urge to mention the name) after surviving the rigour of tests and interviews, is bringing in an initial deposit of nothing short of 2 million naira.
That said, I won't be deterred to ask some vital questions, now that I can get reliable answers here:
1) What really gets you ahead (executive/top management) in banking? Is it academic feat (Msc. MBA)/professional qualifications (ICAN, CIBN, CIS, CIBN etc) or years of banking experience or just your ability to bring in deposits? I have seen a couple of relatively young guys holding managerial and executive positions in bank excluding Uzoma Dozie of Diamond, Ladi Balogun of FCMB as it is widely opined that they smoothly rode on their fathers' influence to get such positions.
2) Some have argued that having work experience in consulting (especially with the Big 4's) is a better route to getting in and ahead in the banking industry. However, I have noticed that most guys from consulting are usually placed in Compliance which I feel limits their growth prospects. Kindly clarify.
3) What role, function or department would give an experience that would be useful in other industries?
4) Does carving a niche really makes you indispensable? I have been developing interest in Risk Management lately and I intend to take courses in this sepcialization and perhpas do my Msc therein or any other Finance related field (maybe Investment Banking) .
I think that is all, at least for now. God bless you more as you respond.
Pardon me for the quite lengthy post, it's my little way of optimising this rare opportunity.
PS: Had a brief stint during my undergrad days with one of the South African banks in Nigeria and it was a worthwhile experience probably because they believe so much and are guarded by their values.
I don't think there is a thread like this at the moment. I am a banker, a marketer.
We all know it hasn't been a walk in the park for the banking industry in recent times-job loss, the gruelling schedule, the politics. the killing targets, manipulative colleagues, the economy and so on.
For current bankers, how do you survive as a banker and keep your head above water?
For ex bankers, how is life outside banking? Did you quit? Were you pulled out by the lure of another job or were you sacked?
Personally, as a marketer, it's not funny. I guess that's why people say bankers are stingy, as money is not made as easily as a civil servant would for example. So someone like me is as careful as can be when it comes to money.
Please I'm currently in a bank training school, but I got a better offer for another bank where I also have to undergo training . Can someone attend two training school in different banks? Please an urgent reply will be appreciated
