Career opportunities in banking span a wide range of roles and educational requirements. Bank tellers, for example, typically only have a high school diploma along with on-the-job training. However, these customer service-oriented positions are declining in number as ATM machines and online banking services reduce the need for in-person tellers.

In contrast, bank roles requiring a higher level of education continue to grow. Jobs for loan officers, who evaluate and authorize approvals of loan applications for individuals and businesses, are projected to grow 8% between 2018 and 2028 - faster than average - by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These roles blend analytical skills needed for the underwriting process as well as customer service and sales skills to guide borrowers through the process, and typically require a bachelor’s degree as well as on-the-job training.

Financial analyst is another prominent entry-level banking job requiring a bachelor’s degree. These professionals evaluate investment opportunities by doing sector-specific research and financial modeling and make recommendations to banks of ways to profitably put their money to work. Because of the importance of banks in the financial system, these analysts must do rigorous due diligence, and typically have strong skills in math, statistics, and proficiency in software like Excel used to build financial models.

Yes, absolutely. Coursera offers courses from world-class professors at top-ranked schools like Columbia University and Yale University that can give you a deep understanding of global banking and financial markets. You can also take courses and Specializations to build the skills you need for a career in the rapidly-evolving banking industry, in topics like financial technology, data analysis, business, and computer science.

Regardless of your needs, Coursera lets you learn remotely on a flexible schedule that is ideal for working professionals that want to expand their skill set in banking or begin a career in this field. Tuition is also significantly lower than on-campus alternatives, making online learning an especially smart investment in your future.