Banking on success: How the Commercial Banking Program prepares students to lead

Marquette University’s Commercial Banking Program is addressing a critical talent shortage in the financial services industry by providing students with specialized, real-world training. Founded in 2016, the program aims to counteract an impending retirement cliff by producing graduates who can make an immediate impact in commercial lending and relationship management. This initiative is significant for the commercial banking sector as it shifts the traditional model of long-term internal training toward a more accelerated, academic-to-industry pipeline.

Founded by Dr. Kent Belasco in 2016, Marquette’s Commercial Banking Program is one of only a few dedicated tracks in the country designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. The program aims to counteract an impending retirement cliff in the industry by providing organizations with a steady stream of highly qualified talent. Following Belasco’s retirement in spring 2026, new director Alexandra Hottinger plans to drive continued growth, emphasizing the development of driven professionals who can navigate the high-stakes environments of commercial finance.

The curriculum distinguishes itself by moving beyond standard classroom theory, utilizing real-world documentation and live case scenarios to simulate the fast-moving nature of the job. Students benefit from active partnerships with ProSight and the American Bankers Association, ensuring that the material reflects current industry trajectories rather than outdated practices. An advisory board of working industry professionals provides additional guidance, helping students build the confidence to lead from their first day on the job.

The program reports a 100% job placement rate for its graduates every year, a result of integrated mentorship, project-based internships, and direct placement support. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and communication skills necessary for building trust across conference tables and making decisions that affect business operations. To provide a global perspective, the program also includes travel opportunities to major banking centers in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Zurich, Switzerland, allowing students to experience the industry firsthand before graduation.