Associate Development Program – Commercial Banking Innovation

Job Description

Associate Development Program, Sept 2027 (San Francisco) | First Citizens Bank

The Tone:
This is a hybrid role at First Citizens Bank, with the expectation that time working will regularly take place both inside and outside of a company office in San Francisco, CA. First Citizens Bank offers the strength and stability of a diversified financial institution, built on a 125-year tradition of service, while maintaining the personalized approach of a nimble financial partner. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., First Citizens helps personal, business, commercial, and wealth clients build financial strength that lasts, operating a network of more than 550 branches in 23 states and providing best-in-class commercial banking expertise coast to coast. As a top 20 U.S. financial institution with over $200 billion in assets, First Citizens has built a unique legacy of strength and long-term thinking. This Associate Development Program serves as a comprehensive launching pad for early-career professionals, integrating critical thinking, business, and financial fundamentals with hands-on experience. Associates will support diverse teams, markets, and client segments across the Innovation Ecosystem and broader Commercial Bank, gaining a breadth of experiences, relationships, and skills to pursue a wide range of career paths within First Citizens.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Hybrid
• Location: San Francisco, CA
• Pay: $33.77–$40.87 hourly
• Mission: Participate in a comprehensive rotational development and training program that combines critical thinking, business and financial fundamentals, and hands-on experience supporting teams and client segments within the Commercial Bank and Innovation Ecosystem.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Client Relationship Management: Assist in managing various aspects of client portfolios and relationships, collaborating with teams to support innovative businesses, venture-backed companies, and investors.
• Credit Risk Assessment: Assess and monitor credit risk for a variety of innovative companies, developing skills in credit risk assessment and loan portfolio management.
• Financial and Credit Analysis: Provide comprehensive financial and credit analysis for diverse innovative companies, understanding the unique business models, products, and services that drive the innovation economy.
• Strategic Solution Development: Learn to develop and deliver bespoke financial solutions tailored to all participants in the innovation ecosystem, including startups, founders, investors, and public companies.
• Programmatic Skill Development: Participate in a building-block training curriculum combining classroom instruction, case-study exercises, and live work, gaining foundational business, financial, and credit skills.
• On-the-Job Immersion: Embed within business units across First Citizens’ Commercial Banking platform for hands-on experience and exposure to different business areas and geographies.

The Must-Haves
• Background: This entry-level program requires candidates to hold a Bachelor’s Degree, or a High School Diploma/GED combined with four years of experience. We seek associates from diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated an interest and basic knowledge in areas such as business, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, technology, or innovation.
• Experience: No prior years of experience are explicitly required for this entry-level role. Candidates must have earned a bachelor’s degree prior to the start date of September 13, 2027, with interest shown through coursework, internships, leadership experiences, or previous employment.
• Skills: Demonstrated critical thinking, strong written and verbal communication, and effective collaboration skills are essential for this role. Candidates should also possess professionalism, accountability, and strong attention to detail.
• Bonus: Preferred qualifications include a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a passing grade in at least one finance, accounting, and/or economics college course, and a willingness to relocate to one of the 30+ office locations upon successful completion of the program. Ideal candidates will also enjoy challenges, apply feedback readily, and be capable of both leading and working independently as a team player.