|
|
|
|
|
|
January 2002 |
Service you can bank on
Iqbal Haer is a Financial Ser-vices Manag- er at the Bank of Montreal. Did the 28-year-old always want to join the banking profession? "Well, actually, I started out wanting to be an accountant." However, Haer discovered after taking a few accounting courses in high school that it wasn't for him. "Banking was where I wanted to be!" It all began when... It all began, though, with an accounting co-op placement at the Bank of Montreal which opened up the financial industry for Haer. "I started as a cashier, finished school at the same time, did business management courses and here I am, nine years later!" As simple as that? As simple as that! It helps if you have a business management background and have taken Economics in high school. Canadian Securities courses and Personal Financial Planning courses taken at university and college level are a definite plus but a lot of the learning is done on the job. There is a range of internal courses that help you specialize. "Once you know the position you are aiming for and what the requirements for it are, you can progress very quickly. You are given many opportunities for growth within the organization." Let's backtrack a bit Did his parents want to see him behind a desk at the address on King Street or did they have other dreams for him? "My parents were pleased when I showed interest in accounting steady job and all that, you know! But they were cool with whatever I wanted to do. They didn't have a fixed career path charted out for me or anything and left it to me." Where else could one go with these qualifications? One could get into corporate audit, for one. And even within the banking industry, the choices are wide open. "The banking industry is so wide, you can go into the marketing department, into real estate, even into banking law...When I started out, I used to think, cashier, customer services, loans and mortgages, this was about all there was to banking. But I have discovered that with pretty much any degree you have, banking has an opportunity for you." Now let's talk money! One can expect to start between $22,000 and $24,000, says Haer. As you progress, obviously, the salary goes up accordingly. It all depends on the experience and the number of courses you have taken. In five years, you could expect to make within $35,000 to $40,000 and that's if you've met the minimum requirements for the job. "There are different tiers and within each tier, the more you know, the higher your income." Tiers? "There are five tiers for this post. I'm at tier two and handle small portfolios of clients and deal with loans and mortgages. As one moves up, one handles high net worth portfolios and can decision applications on one's own. At this point one gets to attach 'Senior' to the designation!" One can also apply to become a sales leader and manage a team of sales managers. What makes a good banker? Excellent customer service, says Haer without a moment's thought. "You are selling the bank and its services. The importance of knowing the products your institution offers can't be stressed enough. It is service and expertise that draws a client to you in a situation where most financial institutions offer more or less the same things. It is up to you to match your product to the client's needs." Math. What about Math? Surprisingly, you don't need to be a Math wiz to be a good banker! "Even if I'm adding two plus two, I use a calculator!" says Haer. "Of course, one needs a basic knowledge of figures but you don't really have to do complex calculations." The bank has programmes that do all the calculations for you. Why would anyone want to be a banker? "Speaking for myself, it's the one-on-one contact with my clients. I like to meet them, develop a relationship. I feel this helps me to serve their needs better." Also, he points out, the financial industry is an ever-changing one. "Since I joined in 1992, things have changed so much. The entire corporation has restructured. If you like to learn, if you like challenges, this is the industry for you. People with 25 years of experience are doing courses to learn the latest!" So, this is not your average sedate, not-so-exciting job? "Anything but! People talk of the daily grind I don't know what that is!"
|
|
