One of the challenges for he NBA team is synthesizing the input we receive from our members with relevant statistical analysis. Attracting and retaining the next generation of bankers is one of those unique issues where member input and the data converge perfectly. Every member visit over the past year has included a conversation about the difficulty in hiring new banking professionals. We also recognize that Nebraska has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. However, did you know that the NBA online job board received more than 15,000 visitors last year? To enhance the banking industry’s ability to attract new and diverse talent, the NBA is pleased to roll out the new Job Board with upgraded features.

NBA members can view and access the new board at nebankers.mcjobboard.net/jobs or find it on our main website (nebankers.org) by clicking on Workforce.

For more than 15 years, the NBA has provided a free job board to members to promote career opportunities. The new NBA Job Board provides a much-improved user interface for both employers and job seekers. NBA members can now easily post jobs directly to the Job Board; likewise, banks can add promotional logos.

If banks have their own online application process, applicants will be directed to the bank’s site. For those members without an application portal, applicants can easily use the system available on the NBA Job Board. The system also allows banks to track and communicate directly with applicants, similar to national recruitment sites. Banks will also be able to post full-time, part-time, temporary/contract and internship positions.

For job seekers, the new Job Board allows interested parties to search for career opportunities by keyword or location. In addition, the system will enable applicants to upload their resumes for review by potential employers. Finally, job seekers can sign up for email alerts when new positions that meet their interests are posted. Your NBA leadership will utilize the new Job Board as a tool to increase high school and college student interest in banking careers, which will prove especially valuable at job fairs and when making classroom presentations.

As we evaluate additional strategies to attract increased student interest in banking and finance, the NBA Foundation Board is planning additional changes to several existing programs. For example, starting next year, the NBA will begin offering select banking/business scholarships at the community college level. Similarly, we are working closely with our higher education institutions to modernize the NBA’s scholarship and philanthropic investment strategies.

We look forward to working closely with our members to boost the number of individuals interested in banking as a career choice.

Before I close, I wanted to draw your attention to two upcoming programs of interest. First, on October 6-7, the NBA will host a pandemic-modified 2021 NBA Convention Lite at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln. Also based on continued questions and dialogue with numerous NBA members about cryptocurrency, digital assets and blockchain technology, the NBA will be hosting a Cryptocurrency/Digital Asset 101 training event on November 3 at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about digital assets and how they will impact the future of banking and finance in the country. Following the workshop, banker registrants for this event will be given free access to two webinars focused on “Profit Opportunities for Banks in Digital Assets” and “How Do Bank Regulators View Digital Assets.”

As always, thank you for what you are doing to support your customers and our Nebraska communities!