Qualifications and Experience

A finance degree is the standard route of getting a banking job. Other degrees are acceptable graduates will generally need a 2.1 or a first and a real interest in financial markets. You don’t need to have done a maths degree but you do need to be comfortable working with numbers. Skills such as communication, negotiation, teamwork and an ability to learn quickly are valued by financial institutions, so be sure to include any extra curricular activity and work experience on your CV.

Recruiters in this sector are likely to look for:

• Numeracy
• Analytical skills
• Communication
• Enthusiasm
• Teamwork
• An interest in finance
• Ability to work under pressure

Graduates of all disciplines are of interest to companies in this sector. A degree in any subject gives graduates a good skill set of logical thought, analysis, presentation and communication. The initial training should provide enough information for you to carry out the work expected of you.

Training and Development

Those with banking jobs are well known for putting in extremely long hours at work in exchange for the high salaries on offer. A ten to twelve hour day is not unusual, in this fast paced, demanding and unpredictable.

The initial training will introduce new employees to the organisation, and help you make the transition from university to professional life. It will help you understand the expectations of you, and how to perform your new role.

Learning doesn’t finish when you complete your initial training. Most learning will be on-the-job but you can also expect to develop through communicating with clients, relationships with colleagues and formal training. Set yourself personal goals to help you with your career development.

A career in banking and loans can be intense and stressful, but employees can quickly rise up the promotional ladder, gain a multitude of new skills and receive a fine pay package!