Act NOW if you want a 2011 traineeship

The Big Four Australian banks are busy recruiting for next year's graduate trainee programs. Now is the time to apply if you want to start your banking career in 2011.

Commonwealth Bank plans to hire about 100 graduates for all areas of its business in 2011. "We're looking for graduates from a wide range of degrees, from banking and finance, to information technology and science and the humanities," says Leah Wilmot from talent management at CBA.

NAB says its 2011 applications will close on March 28. "Our graduate intake will increase slightly in 2011 from the previous year's intake. At this stage we expect the 2011 intake to comprise around 100 to 120 graduates," explains Paula Gepp, national graduate manager at NAB.

ANZ's graduate program will close on March 26 (VIC, WA, SA, TAS) and April 1 (NSW, QLD).

Westpac is set to finalise graduate numbers very soon and according to the bank's graduate recruitment manager, Portia Bridges, 2011 applications will close late in March.

Academic credentials will always be an asset when applying to the Big Four, although CBA says it only requires a minimum 65 per cent grade point average.

"We look for well-rounded graduates who have successfully balanced university, work experience and extra-curricular activities," says Wilmot.

Other essential skills that graduate recruiters like include team-working ability and a desire to learn. "Most importantly, we look for motivation to work in the financial services industry and with us," adds Wilmot.

Gepp suggests graduates should consider seeking the advice of those working in financial services before making a decision about where to work.

"If you get a chance to speak to someone, ask them 'what is it like to work here?' and 'what are the people like to work with?'," advises Gepp.