UBS, Asia: Sales and trading (internship)

Question

Why investment banking?

Candidate's answer

It is the most exciting and interesting job, with expected status, excellent exposure and

great responsibility. The most important reason for me to enter investment banking industry is that I can work with the smartest people in the world and change the world using our wisdom.

Question

Do you prefer sales or trading?

Candidate's answer

Both are important areas in banking industry, but I would choose sales in considering my own situation. Mainly because I have some internship experience in wealth management department of Standard Chartered Bank. I learnt lots of principles in meeting with clients and in dealing with crisis there. I think an excellent salesperson should know what the clients need first before polishing his product, thus I would choose to be a sales person.

Question

How will you allocate a fund of money?

Candidate's answer

The most important principle is to know the purpose of the investment and expected return rate of the fund. If the fund is fully under my control without clear goal, I will allocate the money into 4 parts. First is stock market, especially ETF, where the liquidity is higher with guarded risk exposure. Second is fixed income, which is more risky but exciting to get better return. Then will be energy and precious metals, because in the long run the price of them will soar undoubtedly. Lastly, just small amount of money, I will try on some exciting gambling or charity contribution.

These questions were provided to us by a candidate claiming to have interviewed at the institution named above. We cannot guarantee that these were the actual questions asked.