Graduate careers in Banking

Graduate careers in banking can provide a challenging and rewarding path for individuals with an interest in finance and business. Banks offer a wide range of career opportunities for graduates, including roles in investment banking, retail banking, commercial banking, risk management, compliance, technology, and operations. These roles can involve a range of responsibilities such as financial analysis, customer service, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, technology development, and project management.

Graduate programmes are a common entry route into the banking industry, providing structured training and development opportunities to help graduates develop their skills and knowledge. These programmes may include rotations through different departments and teams within the bank, exposure to different products and services, and the opportunity to work on high-profile projects. Many banks also offer mentoring and coaching to their graduates to support their professional and personal development.

To pursue a career in banking, a degree in a relevant subject such as economics, finance, business or mathematics is often required. Professional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) qualification may also be necessary for some roles. The banking industry is highly competitive, and graduates will need to demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work well in a team and adapt to changing circumstances.

There are a wide variety of graduate careers available in banking in the UK. Here are some of the most common options:

• Investment banking: Investment banks help companies and governments raise capital by underwriting and selling securities, as well as providing advisory services for mergers and acquisitions. Graduate roles in investment banking typically include analyst and associate positions in areas such as corporate finance, equity capital markets, debt capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions.
• Retail banking: Retail banks offer financial products and services to individuals and small businesses, such as savings accounts, mortgages, and loans. Graduate roles in retail banking may include customer service, sales, and financial advice.
• Commercial banking: Commercial banks provide financial services to medium and large businesses, including loans, overdrafts, and trade finance. Graduate roles in commercial banking may include credit analysis, relationship management, and sales.
• Risk management: Risk management is a key function in banking, ensuring that banks understand and manage the risks associated with their activities. Graduate roles in risk management may include credit risk analysis, market risk analysis, and operational risk analysis.
• Compliance: Compliance teams in banks ensure that the bank is complying with regulations and industry standards. Graduate roles in compliance may include monitoring, testing, and advising on regulatory compliance.
• Technology: Technology is increasingly important in banking, with many banks investing in digital technologies to improve their products and services. Graduate roles in technology may include software development, data analysis, and project management.
• Operations: Operations teams in banks are responsible for the day-to-day running of the bank, including processing transactions and maintaining systems. Graduate roles in operations may include processing, customer service, and project management.

To pursue a career in banking in the UK, it is common to have a degree in a relevant subject such as economics, finance, business or mathematics. Many banks offer graduate programmes that provide training and development opportunities, as well as the chance to work in different areas of the bank. Graduates may also need to gain professional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) qualification.

There are many banks and financial institutions that offer graduate recruitment programmes in the UK. Here are some of the major graduate recruiters in the banking industry in the UK:

• Barclays: Barclays offers graduate programmes in areas such as banking, risk management, technology, and operations. They also offer a summer internship programme for penultimate year students.
• HSBC: HSBC offers graduate programmes in areas such as commercial banking, global banking and markets, and risk management. They also offer internships and industrial placements.
• Lloyds Banking Group: Lloyds offers graduate programmes in areas such as retail banking, commercial banking, and risk management. They also offer internships and industrial placements.
• RBS: RBS offers graduate programmes in areas such as corporate and institutional banking, retail banking, and technology. They also offer internships and industrial placements.
• Santander: Santander offers graduate programmes in areas such as banking, risk management, and technology. They also offer internships and industrial placements.
• Goldman Sachs: Goldman Sachs offers graduate programmes in areas such as investment banking, securities, and investment management. They also offer summer internships and off-cycle internships.
• JP Morgan: JP Morgan offers graduate programmes in areas such as investment banking, asset management, and treasury services. They also offer summer internships and off-cycle internships.

These are just a few examples of the many banks and financial institutions that offer graduate recruitment programmes in the UK. Graduates can find out more information about these programmes and other opportunities by visiting the career pages of these organisations or attending university career fairs and other recruitment events.

Graduate Salaries in Banking

Graduate salaries in banking can vary depending on the specific role and the employer. However, in general, graduate salaries in banking tend to be competitive and can be higher than those offered in many other industries.

For example, according to the 2021 High Fliers report, the median starting salary for graduate jobs in investment banking is £50,000 per year, with some employers offering as much as £60,000 per year. In retail banking, the median starting salary is around £28,000 per year, while in commercial banking, it is around £32,000 per year.

In addition to base salaries, many banks also offer bonuses and other benefits to their graduate employees. These bonuses may be based on individual or team performance, and can often be a significant portion of a graduate's overall compensation package.

It's worth noting that salaries can also vary depending on the location of the job. For example, salaries in London are typically higher than those in other parts of the UK, due to the higher cost of living in the capital.

Overall, graduate salaries in banking in the UK can be highly competitive, making it an attractive industry for graduates seeking a challenging and rewarding career.