Banking Associate Program FAQs

Our most asked questions about CWB's Banking Associate Program

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When do applications open for the Banking Associate Program?

The application period begins in September each year.

Where are Banking Associate opportunities?

All over Canada! In 2022 we are seeking applicants in the following areas: Vancouver Island, Greater Vancouver, BC Interior, Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Regina, and the Greater Toronto Area.

What prerequisites do I need to have to be competitive as an applicant?

Often graduates with a Bachelor of Commerce, Finance or Business thrive in this opportunity. However, we have had program graduates of all kinds of disciplines! If you’re interested in a career in business banking and have an undergraduate degree, you’re qualified.

Want to stand out? Tell us why you’re the one in a thoughtful cover letter.

Recruitment process

What does the recruitment process involve?

We want to get to know you... and want you to get to know us!

Apply: To apply, select the posting that corresponds with the geographical region you’re available to work in. When you apply, ensure you include an updated resume and stand out cover letter.

Information sessions. There will be CWB-hosted information sessions by invitation only for standout candidates at this stage in the process. This allows candidates to engage, inquire and get to know CWBers and ensure this is the right career opportunity for them.

First interviews. Our team of recruiters will select a shortlist of candidates to participate in first interviews, engaging with a panel of our business leaders. At this stage we want to understand your financial and business know-how, get a sense of what drives you (motivation), and understand how your values align with CWB through a series of behavioural and values-driven questions (Tip: do your homework on CWB!).

Case study & presentation. The top selected candidates from the first interviews will move to the next stage, which is a business case study. You will be given a business case to analyze and apply your knowledge with a written submission, followed by a presentation of your findings a recommendations to a second panel of HR and business professionals.

Background checks, references & transcripts. All candidates participating in "Case study & presentation" will undergo pre-employment checks and will be required to submit post-secondary transcripts.

Offer presentations. The final candidates will be presented offers for their start dates in May 2022.

What is the structure of the Banking Associate program?

The program consists of development in four key areas (credit structuring, credit underwriting, risk management and client service) designed to equip you with the foundation for a career in business banking.

Over the course of approximately 12 months you will move between training in these areas, shadowing professionals such as account specialists, relationship managers, credit analysts and business development managers. Learning comes in the form of mentorship, coaching, online course content and more! You’ll be hands on, rolling up your sleeves and learning and applying that knowledge, all alongside experienced banking professionals.

Upon program conclusion you will have the opportunity to explore a role and path best suited for your career within business banking including commercial banking, real estate lending, equipment finance, agriculture banking, specialty financing or cash management at CWB.

What happens upon completion of the program?

When you have completed the program in approximately 12 months, you will be graduate into an appropriate role representative of your strengths and performance within a business banking team. The exact role or time of graduation may differ depending on several factors, including your selected interests and career path design, availability and needs of the business banking team, regional, geographical, location factors, and more. Typically, Associates graduate into either an Account Specialist role, or Credit Analyst role, within one of our many lines of business (Commercial, Cash Management, Equipment Financing, Agriculture, Specialty Financing, or Real Estate Lending).

The current state of work is different than it used to be. We have seen many organizations move to work from home. How do things work in today’s environment and into the future of work?

The pandemic has changed many things – traditional office work being one of them! Since March 2020, differing ranges of CWB employees have moved their professional offices to work from home offices. At one point, more than 85% of our work force worked from home, while our essential branch staff ensured smooth operation at our banking centres. As things shift and change, CWB adheres to public health advice ensuring that in all jurisdictions across Canada our employees can expect a safe work environment. At different times this will mean working from home and others connecting safely in an in-office environment. Connect with a CWB Recruiter to learn more! CWB has proven to be both adaptable and resilient during this time and relied upon our core values and culture to guide us – always putting our people (and their safety) first.

What are some of the benefits of working for CWB?

We thought you’d never ask! We’re proud and we like others to know why. Check out our People First benefits, 360 wellness perspective, value-driven culture, financial rewarding compensation design, personally-focused career design and much, much more all available here.