Commercial Banking Associate - Houston January Cohort 2027

South State Bank•Katy, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Commercial Banking Associate Program is designed for new graduates and provides a structured start to a banking career through training, mentorship, and exposure to commercial banking operations and leadership. Associates train onsite in Tampa, Florida, for the first six months and then return to their local market. The role begins January 11, 2027, and is based onsite at the Katy, Texas work location. Associates develop expertise in underwriting, loan processing, portfolio management, and relationship management. The hourly role supports acquiring new Business Banking clients and enhancing existing relationships. Areas of focus include commercial term loans, lines of credit, cash management, treasury services, owner-occupied and investment real estate loans, and SBA-guaranteed loans. Associates collaborate with commercial banking staff and sales partners, participate in cross-functional projects, and meet leaders from different lines of business. Upon successful program completion, associates transition to the Commercial Portfolio Analyst role for 6–18 months, with potential progression into other roles over time based on performance and available opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree earned within the last two years or expected in December 2026; minimum GPA of 3.4 is stated as preferred.
Previous internship experience, preferably in finance, banking, or a related field.
Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with financial modeling or banking software.
Internship experience in finance, banking, or a related field.
Minimum GPA of 3.4.

Responsibilities

Learn how financial spreads work and apply them across different tiers.
Assist with evaluating credit applications by analyzing financial statements, credit reports, and other relevant data to assess risk and creditworthiness.
Prepare preliminary underwriting documents and structure loan proposals.
Assist with monitoring and managing assigned client portfolios, tracking loan performance, identifying potential risks, and recommending solutions to maintain portfolio health.
Conduct periodic reviews of client accounts to ensure alignment with financial goals and bank standards.
Gather and verify client documentation for loan origination and ensure compliance with bank policies and regulatory requirements.
Learn from internal teams to streamline loan approvals and closings.
Build and maintain relationships with Retail, Small Business Banking, Business Banking, Middle Market, and Commercial clients by addressing inquiries, providing tailored financial solutions, and ensuring high-quality service.
Collaborate with sales partners to identify and pursue new business opportunities, including prospecting for commercial banking clients.
Assist in preparing presentations and proposals to attract new clients and expand market presence.
Develop sales acumen to contribute to business growth and client retention.
Participate in cross-functional projects involving areas such as product development, process improvements, or market analysis.
Engage with business line leaders to understand strategic priorities and contribute to team initiatives.
Complete required compliance courses and participate in training to develop technical skills in financial analysis, credit risk assessment, and treasury services.
Build product knowledge in commercial term loans, lines of credit, cash management, owner-occupied and investment real estate loans, and SBA-guaranteed loans.
Attend leadership training.
Support commercial banking sales efforts by preparing client pitches and identifying cross-selling opportunities for treasury services and other banking products.