Gateway to the City for graduates
An ambitious, money-motivated graduate is bound to be seduced by both the salary and the glamour offered by investment banking. Because of the allure, the competition for placements is fierce - for every one vacancy on offer, an investment bank will receive hundreds, if not thousands, of direct applications.
How we can help you
As market leaders in the UK recruitment industry, Hays Banking is well placed to help you get your foot in the door.
By only selecting the candidates we feel can realistically be placed, we are ensuring that those who have the right qualifications, skills and attitude will be up against much less competition when they are put forward for roles. Because of this selectivity, Hays Banking has become well respected throughout the market and our opinion on the suitability of a candidate is highly valued.
What you need to know
Here are some points which are worth considering, especially if you are still studying towards your degree:
- Banks like strong academic achievers - normally with a minimum of a 2:1 degree and strong ‘A’-Levels.
- Our clients often request that candidates have business related degrees and, occasionally, qualifications in subjects such as economics and law.
- Despite the above points, internships or previous investment banking experience can override academic achievement - although having both would be ideal. It is strongly advisable to use academic holidays to obtain an internship, thus enhancing your CV.
- ‘Soft skills’ are critical, too. Confidence and the ability to communicate are necessities for most jobs, so by building a good relationship with your recruitment consultant, you will also be selling your skills in these departments.
- Due to the global nature of the banking industry, fluency in foreign languages is always a marketable asset.
Additionally...
The ability to use a variety of IT systems is vital to an investment bank. Therefore, your marketability will be greatly increased if your CV includes knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Excel and its applications (i.e. macros, VBA, VLookup and pivot tables) or Microsoft Access.
A graduate with previous work experience will always be highly sought after. If you do have relevant experience, your CV should list any systems which you used during this time.
Climb the ladder
Graduates will normally enter at trainee level, although there will often be opportunities to make swift career progress. By making a good impression, showing plenty of potential and delivering results, you will be increasing your chances of landing a role in senior management. And once you have the necessary experience, Hays Banking will be at hand to help find you your next role.
If you are a graduate of the calibre described above, and you are hoping to break into investment banking, contacting Hays Banking could well prove to be the best decision you make.
