Isabella Crocker

Vice president, APAC graduate recruitment, Deutsche Bank

Q

What would make you pick out one graduate CV over thousands of others you receive in Asia-Pacific?

A

It’s not purely about academics. Yes, candidates need to achieve a certain academic standard but they should also be able to show that they can manage their workload effectively – perhaps through balancing a heavy course load with extracurricular activities or a part-time job. Applications must be well written and concise. Attention to detail is very important and spelling errors are not tolerated. Thorough preparation and communication skills are the most important aspects of the application process – students need to articulate clearly why they are strong candidates and why they want to work for Deutsche Bank.

Q

How integral is gaining an internship to securing a full-time offer eventually?

A

Very important. The internship programme is more than just ‘summer work experience’ – it is a two-way interview, as it allows the employer to assess your ability and potential, and enables the candidate to determine whether this is the right industry, firm, or division for them. Hiring for the graduate programme is a long-term commitment, for both the employer and the candidate, and the internship programme is a key pipeline. It is therefore important that candidates approach their search for an internship with the same rigour, commitment and focus as they would for a full-time job.

Q

Can you offer any tips on how to prepare for the interview process?

A

The key is to evaluate your own strengths, weaknesses and development areas, so that you can anticipate the questions you will be asked during the interview. It’s also important to research Deutsche Bank – not all investment banks are the same and candidates need to know why they want to work for us over other firms. Interviews aren’t always about knowing the right answer to questions. Most questions are designed to test your thought processes and logical reasoning skills rather than specific financial knowledge. We do, however, want to see a real interest and enthusiasm for the banking industry. Remember that the interview is a two-way process. If candidates don’t have any questions at the end of an interview, it doesn’t send out a positive message.

Q

What are the chances of a candidate from the West securing a position in Asia-Pacific?

A

Deutsche Bank aims to recruit the best students wherever they are studying. Our graduate training programme is truly global, and whether you choose to start your career in London, New York, Tokyo or Singapore, you can expect the same high standard of training and opportunities. If you are interested in working in a specific country, it is important to do your research and articulate what interests you about the region.