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Step 1
Enroll in a two- or four- year institution to get academic training. Some courses that will be beneficial for a commercial loan career are finance, accounting, business and communications. Finance and accounting courses will prepare you for the complex math principles you'll encounter when scrutinizing a business. Communications courses will improve your people skills--an essential ability in lending.
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Step 2
Acquire an apprenticeship with a commercial lender--either at a bank or a finance company while you are still in school so that you can get college credit. When on your internship, get intimately involved in loan processing and ask many questions of your mentor.
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Step 3
Obtain a job at a commercial lending company or bank that makes commercial loans. Most employers will not hire a commercial loan originator right out of school, so be prepared to take a low-level or entry-level position (mortgage processor, teller) at first, and work your way up.
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Step 4
Attempt to stay within the same company if it's a positive experience. The experience you build up at a company will prove your dedication to your bosses who in turn will reward you with a junior commercial loan officer position. Most likely you'll work under a senior officer until they are confident in your abilities.
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Step 5
Learn to expertly peruse a business's balance sheet, revenue, and growth. As a commercial loan officer, you are the last line of defense when mitigating a lender's risk and exposure. Make solid loans to credit worthy businesses and develop working relationships with the commercial community in your area to develop new business.
