There are over 4,500 banks supporting approximately 900,000 professional and managerial positions in the United States. Factor in the significant retirement cliff occurring in the field, and commercial banking is an exceptionally reliable industry supporting a booming job market.
It begs the question: who is preparing the next generation to step into this integral industry and innovate to meet the needs of an evolving economy?
Enter: the Commercial Banking Program at Marquette University. For ten years and counting, this program has been innovating commercial banking education and preparing its students to be industry leaders of tomorrow. Under the guidance of founder, director and professor Dr. Kent Belasco, the Center for Commercial Banking has grown into one of the nation’s premier banking programs with no sign of slowing down.
Here are five fun facts about Marquette’s Commercial Banking Program and how it’s proven to educate the next generation of commercial bankers:
1. Since 2017, over 600 students have taken the Intro to Commercial Banking Course
Marquette’s Commercial Banking Program — one of only a few undergraduate programs of its kind across the country — has spearheaded innovation in banking education. Each year, 60+ students take the program’s introductory course and gain exposure to the industry, creating awareness of this stable, opportunity-rich field.
2. Over 140 students have been admitted to the program
To be accepted, students must go through a highly selective admission process that professionalizes banking as an academic discipline. Once admitted, students complete coursework and experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for a career in commercial banking. The program places a strong emphasis on real-world training and applied learning opportunities, and students travel to renowned banking centers in Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Zurich, Switzerland to experience the work firsthand.
Through these opportunities, the Commercial Banking Program deposits young, qualified and high-performing professionals into the industry pipeline, ready to reap benefits such as a healthy work-life balance, wide diversity of roles, lifelong learning opportunities and excellent compensation.
3. 100% job placement in the industry
A standout statistic is the program’s 100% job placement rate in the industry. Students benefit from a second-to-none curriculum along with extensive industry connections. With over 35 program partners, including Wintrust, BMO, Capital One, CIBC and Baker Tilly, students build valuable relationships with industry professionals that last far after graduation.
4. Founder Kent Belasco authored two textbooks for the curriculum
Because only a few commercial banking programs exist in higher education, Belasco wrote two of the textbooks used within Marquette’s curriculum: Fundamentals of Commercial Banking and Financial Modeling Foundations. Beyond the textbooks, Belasco also has a strong publication history across disciplines, focusing on productivity, project and general management, and information systems technology.
5. Marquette has welcomed a new director of the Commercial Banking Program
Looking ahead, the future of the program is primed for continued success. Following Belasco’s retirement in May 2026, Alexandra Hottinger has stepped into the role of director. Hottinger looks to build upon the program’s legacy, impact and growth for future students. Outside of work, Hottinger serves as the choreography director for Cedarburg Pom and Dance, a nonprofit program in Cedarburg, Wisconsin that serves as a prep program for local dance teams.
For ten years and counting, the Commercial Banking Program equips students with the knowledge to be successful and the industry connections to foster a fulfilling, rewarding career. For more information click here.
