Financial Services

There are many different sectors you can work within in financial services, for example retail banking, investment banking, insurance, private equity and fund management. And within each of these sectors there are a wide variety of career paths, for example corporate finance, private wealth, risk management, compliance, equities, debt, research and sales. In addition to the core business areas, financial services recruit into a broad range of support functions, for example: IT, HR, marketing and public relations.

Generally the skills needed are:
– analytical skills;
– a real interest in finance;
– the capacity to work with figures and statistics;
– attention to detail and accuracy;
– numeracy skills.

Entry requirements
Depending on the role, generally employers will accept graduates from an array of disciplines; however, excellent skills in numeracy are an advantage. Normally a 2:1 degree is required. Obtaining work experience or an internship whilst at university will give you valuable work experience and help you stand out from other candidates. In particular, a strong understanding of the industry and the issues it faces will stand you in good stead throughout the recruitment process.

The larger financial service providers all operate their own graduate and internships programmes. Information on these programmes is available on the individual company websites.

Further information about a career in banking:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/accountancy_banking_and_finance_sector_getting_a_graduate_job.htm
http://www.insidecareers.co.uk/
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitebank.htm
http://www.bankingcareersinfo.com/

Recruitment sites for careers in banking:
http://www.bankingjobsuk.co.uk/
http://jobs.theguardian.com/jobs/banking/graduate/#browsing
http://www.efinancialcareers.co.uk/
http://thegatewayonline.com/