Leadership Development Program Associate Jobs in Illinois

Start Date: June 2027

Commercial Banker Development Program Overview

The Commercial Banker Development Program (CBDP) is a comprehensive development program designed to build a strong foundation in commercial lending and credit. Through a structured curriculum, participants gain in-depth training in accounting, credit analysis, financial modeling, banking systems, and Citizens' products and services. Specifically, participants spend four weeks in classroom training in Boston, MA, where they develop the technical, analytical, and professional skills needed to support commercial clients. Analysts join the program through the direct-hire pathway and, upon successful completion of the program, transition into a full-time Credit Analyst role within a designated business line, applying their training to support lending, underwriting, and portfolio management activities.

In addition to the formal training curriculum, you will gain a broad understanding of how Citizens evaluates credit risk and delivers financial solutions to commercial clients. The program is designed to develop the next generation of leaders within Citizens Commercial Banking through a combination of instructor-led learning, self-study, hands-on systems training, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Participants interact with subject matter experts across various lines of business and support functions, providing valuable insight into the products, services, and teams that support our commercial clients. Throughout the program, you will be paired with a mentor, build relationships with senior leaders across the organization, and have opportunities to participate in community engagement and volunteer initiatives.

Following completion of the program, Credit Analysts play a critical role in supporting Portfolio Managers and Relationship Managers by conducting financial and industry analysis, evaluating market trends, assessing credit risk, and interpreting financial statements. Analysts help inform lending decisions while developing a strong understanding of credit policy, underwriting practices, and client relationship management within Citizens Commercial Banking.

Commercial Banker Development Program Opportunity:

• Mid-Corporate U&PM: Chicago

Job Responsibilities

As a CBDP Associate, you will actively participate in and successfully complete all components of the Commercial Banker Development Program. Key responsibilities include:

• Successfully complete the Accounting curriculum, including two examinations, with a minimum average score of 75% required to continue in the program.
• Attend and actively engage in all required training sessions, workshops, and developmental activities, while completing assigned coursework and independent study requirements.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the concepts and skills presented throughout the program, including the ability to analyze financial information and prepare a comprehensive Credit Proposal Summary for a commercial banking client.
• Build a strong foundation in commercial credit, underwriting, and financial analysis through hands-on learning experiences and practical application of program content.
• Exhibit professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning throughout the program.
• Commit to launching your career with Citizens following successful completion of the program and transition into a full-time Credit Analyst role within a designated business line.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, graduating between Winter 2026 - Spring 2027

• Minimum GPA of 3.2; Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.5

• Relevant work experience, leadership experience or coursework in Finance, Accounting or Economics is preferred but all majors will be considered. 

• Strong analytical skills and software skills: MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) proficiency is required.

• Candidates must currently be a U.S. Resident to be eligible for this program.

  • Please note that U.S. Immigration sponsorship or work visa is not available for intern / full time Analyst positions and candidates must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.

Preferred Skills

Financial Modeling/Excel Skills, Commercial Loans, Curiosity, Finance and Accounting Trends, Leverages Information, Persistence and Tenacity, Process-Oriented

Additional Resources

Click here for more information about our programs and application process:

https://jobs.citizensbank.com/en/Commercial-Banker-Program

Hours & Work Schedule

• Hours per Week: 40
• Work Schedule: M - F

Pay Transparency

The position offers $38.46 per hour as a starting rate.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens' paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of every local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague's or a dependent's reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.

Equal Employment and Opportunity Employer

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Background Check

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the candidate successfully passing a background check, which may include initial credit, motor vehicle record, public record, prior employment verification, and criminal background checks. Results of the background check are individually reviewed based upon legal requirements imposed by our regulators and with consideration of the nature and gravity of the background history and the job offered. Any offer of employment will include further information.