The Pathway To A Career in Commercial Banking


Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
129 Pages
Reviewed on 10/29/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

The commercial banking sector is vital to the economy and provides a stable and rewarding career path to job seekers with the necessary motivation and aptitude. Steven J. Crane provides valuable guidance for those considering employment in this field in The Pathway to a Career in Commercial Banking. He discusses the differences between commercial banking and the smaller regional banks, with the latter being more retail-orientated. The core of banking is to take deposits from investors and lend the money to companies and individuals who require funding. New entrants to the banking sector will begin by learning to assess the creditworthiness of prospective borrowers. While a university education is helpful, mentorship schemes and in-house training also provide a solid background. Credit management requires a risk analysis that involves what the author describes as the 5 C’s - character, capacity, capital, conditions, and collateral. Understanding the client’s business and circumstances is vital in structuring loans, as is the personal touch. Promotion will lead to soliciting new business and exposure to general management as a commercial banker. Other topics include the establishment and updating of a credit policy framework while ensuring that the bank itself remains financially sound and complies with the strict regulatory framework.

Steven J. Crane speaks from a position of considerable experience, having begun his involvement in the banking sector with a large regional bank before becoming the President and CEO of a community bank based in the Midwest. He outlines the advantages and disadvantages of both types of banks, contrasting the more rigid management structure of the larger regional banks and their client base of higher profile corporations with the more personal style of the smaller community-based banks, which can provide scope for more individual employee participation in decision making. The choice is a matter of personal preference. The author shares an interesting insight in that he became involved in community projects, allowing him to meet more people, contribute to the community, and engage socially with clients. The impact of the 2008 recession and COVID-19 illustrate just two of the unanticipated risks involved in banking that are featured. The Pathway to a Career in Commercial Banking is concise and well-written in a style that makes it a pleasure to read. It is couched in layman’s language and technical terms are explained in the comprehensive glossary that rounds off the publication. The author’s enthusiasm for his work shines throughout. The book will provide a valuable resource for those considering a career in banking and is highly recommended.

Maria Victoria Beltran

The Pathway To A Career in Commercial Banking by Steven J. Crane focuses on the business of commercial banking. The book consists of twelve chapters covering topics such as Credit Analyst, Loan Types, Credit Policy, Funding Sources, Loan Collections, and more. It highlights the various roles within a commercial bank compared to a national bank, providing a comprehensive overview of both industries. The author also discusses the numerous career advancement opportunities in commercial banking. The book aims to equip readers with the necessary information to pursue a career in commercial banking. It can also be useful for those seeking loans and engaging in business with commercial banks. Additionally, the book includes a glossary at the end, which readers may find very helpful.

Steven J. Crane's The Pathway To A Career in Commercial Banking is an informative book for those wanting to pursue a commercial banking career. The author is a seasoned professional with over twenty-five years of experience and is the President and CEO of a community bank. He writes in a clear and accessible manner, ensuring that readers can easily grasp complex concepts. This book is a must-read for aspiring commercial bankers and is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the banking world. Whether you are considering a career in commercial banking or seeking to engage with commercial banks for business purposes, this book equips you with the necessary knowledge and insights. Don't miss the opportunity to benefit from Steven J. Crane's expertise and make this book a part of your professional development journey.

Pikasho Deka

Anyone who considers commercial banking as a viable career option should grab The Pathway To A Career In Commercial Banking. With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Steven J. Crane brings a succinctly written, all-in-one guide to commercial banking. As a commercial banker, readers must acquire knowledge of many different business sectors. Meanwhile, credit analysts must understand a bank's credit policy and the software. Readers will further learn about loan reviews of commercial clients, how being a commercial banker at a community bank differs from a national bank, setting up an installment plan after knowing the customer and understanding their business, the 5Cs of credit, the different loan types, managing and updating credit policies, ensuring the bank holds a priority position on customer collateral as a commercial lender, and much more.

The Pathway To A Career In Commercial Banking will guide you on everything you need to know about being a commercial banker. Author Steven J. Crane is concise with his words and presents all the information in an accessible writing style that makes it easy to understand the concepts and the technical aspects of commercial banking, even for an outsider like me. Additionally, the book is engaging and offers in-depth insights into commercial banking that anyone wishing to join the industry will find beneficial. Toward the end, you will also discover how to prepare for banking examinations and decide for yourself whether working at a community bank or a large national bank is more up your alley. In conclusion, I found the book very informative, educational, and motivational. Highly recommended!

K.C. Finn

The Pathway to a Career in Commercial Banking by Steven J. Crane is a non-fiction guide for individuals considering a career in commercial banking. Crane outlines the essential skills, education, and training needed to succeed in the field, from business development to managing credit risk. He offers insight into the pros and cons of working for both regional and community banks, helping readers determine their best fit. The book also includes a commercial lending glossary, making it a valuable resource for interview preparation and early career success in the banking industry. Crane brings his extensive banking experience into this practical and comprehensive guide that demystifies the path to a commercial banking career, and his confident narrative voice is strong and enthusiastic from cover to cover.

Steven J. Crane's clear, straightforward writing style makes complex banking concepts accessible without oversimplifying them or skimping on detail. I particularly appreciated his honest assessment of different banking environments with an objective viewpoint to let readers make up their own minds. The way he breaks down the commercial lending process provides readers with a solid foundation for understanding the industry, while his personal anecdotes from both regional and community banks add credibility and real-world context to his advice that furthers understanding even more. What I found especially valuable was how he anticipates and addresses the questions and concerns that newcomers to the field might have, creating a resource that feels like having a friendly and knowledgeable mentor guiding you through your career decisions. Overall, The Pathway to a Career in Commercial Banking is an essential resource for anyone serious about pursuing a career in commercial banking, and I'd certainly recommend it.

Joe Wisinski

Steven J Crane's The Pathway To A Career in Commercial Banking helps people decide whether working in that industry would be right for them. He lists the duties of a commercial banker, explains the background potential employees need, and provides the tools they need to get started in the field. Working in commercial banking has been a highly satisfying career for him and he wanted to share his passion with others who may be interested. Part of the book is dedicated to exploring the differences between working for a regional bank versus a community bank. Another large section is about the 5 Cs of credit. The author also explains many terms that commercial bankers use. The book ends with a glossary of banking and financial terms. Crane gives many personal anecdotes about his career and a way for readers to ask him any questions about a career in commercial banking. Crane serves as the president and CEO of a community bank and has more than 25 years of experience in banking.

The Pathway To A Career in Commercial Banking by Steven J Crane should be required reading for college students majoring in business, economics, or finance. I’d consider this book to be a mini college course, not only relating to a career as a commercial banker but also to how financing works, both for businesses and individuals. The glossary of banking and financial terminology is invaluable not only for those interested in a career in banking but for anyone who wants to learn more about the financial world. Crane’s enthusiasm for his work, as well as his commitment to serving his community, comes through clearly. I also liked that the author wrote in a conversational, easy-to-understand way. I felt like he and I were in the same room talking to each other. His explanation of the 5 Cs of credit is useful not only for those working in the banking industry but also for those who may need to apply for credit. I wish I had been able to read a similar book in my field when I was just starting my career. I highly recommend this excellent book. It provides superb advice for those considering a career in commercial banking, or just starting out in that industry, and the advice applies equally to those starting any career.