Frequently asked questions

1. What exam passes do I need to

get a job in investment banking?

Most banks specify a 2.1 degree in the

UK, or something equivalent in other

countries - roughly translated, this means

being in the top third of your class. Banks

will also expect good performance in other

exams taken since you were 16.

2. Does it matter what university I

am at?

Banks restrict active searches to a handful

of top universities in each country, for

practical reasons - including problems in

making comparisons between different

international exams, and the potential for

variations in standards between colleges.

In France it is rare for banks to seek

recruits outside the grandes ecoles and

most graduate trainees do still come from

these institutions. However, students

from less well known colleges can find a

job if they make the effort.

Banks do not

want to turn away a talented applicant

just because they went to the 'wrong'

university.

3. I have received three job offers.

How should I decide between

them?

Think about what is on offer: training;

career prospects; reputation of the

bank and the hiring department; culture

of the organisation. Talk to as

many people as you can: you will have

met people throughout the recruitment

process at interviews, informal meetings,

career fairs, so ensure you collect

their business cards; contact any alumni

from your university working in the relevant

banks.

You can also ask to spend a day or an

afternoon in the team you will be working

with - an employer will accede to a reasonable

request that helps you chose them.

Don't make money a decider. It is not as

important as other factors.

4. Do I need a second language?

Everyone needs fluent written and spoken

English. Some career streams, such

as corporate finance, international sales

or trading and wealth management,

often require an additional language;

overall, languages are an asset.

In the German, French or Swiss-owned banks,

it's obviously helpful to have French or

German. Usefulness of other languages

will depend on key geographical markets

for a particular bank.

5. I am a mature student, aged 27.

Am I too old to apply for graduate

training programmes?

Theoretically there is no age bar.

Graduates from continental European

universities are typically aged 26-28,

compared to 21-24 in the UK.

However,

if you are over the normal age range you

will be at a disadvantage and will need to

prove you are capable, committed and

have spent your additional years productively.

Many banks recruit only within two

years of graduation.

6. I did not get a graduate training

place. Is there another way in?

One of the best 'back door' routes is

through temping or contract work. Ask

the banks which recruitment agencies

they use (most have a small number of

preferred agencies) and telephone to register

with them.

There is nothing to stop

you applying next year if you didn't get in

this time - but it is a long shot, only

worth it if you have identified your weaknesses

and done something about them.

How can I prepare for an assessment

centre?

Information is available on the internet.

If you get to an assessment day you will

receive details from your potential

employer about the format of the day

and what they are looking for.

Self-awareness

is a great asset, ie knowing

your strengths and weaknesses and how

others perceive you - ask friends, family

and tutors.

8. How can I prepare for psychometric

tests?

Dummy tests are available from careers

offices and websites of large test

providers such as SHL.

Do I need an economics or

finance degree to get into banking?

An economics, finance or other numerate

degree is desirable for certain careers,

such as trading; however, it is rarely an

absolute requirement for any career

stream.

Banks do take graduates with

arts degrees and train them. The key is to

show that you have a genuine interest in

and aptitude for investment banking - so

choose holiday jobs and extra-curricular

activities wisely.

10. I am a non-EU national. Can I get a work permit for a graduate

training position in the UK?

Yes. A recent change in regulations makes

this a non-issue in practice. The employer

handles the application.