Finance Graduate Programmes

Finance Graduate Programmes
These are programmes employing students straight out of university. They aim to give graduates a head start in life by providing them with meaningful employment whilst encouraging them to work towards the completion of a professional qualification.

What types of schemes are there?
Finance programmes are usually grouped by specialism, with the exact structure dependent on company needs and how graduate trainees fit into this. For example, you could solely work in a finance team, or get to spend time in different departments across a financial institution. Some of the most common streams include:

• Accountancy – this usually involves achieving a professional qualification.
• Banking – depending on the services provided, you can specialise in a particular area of banking, e.g., wealth management or investment banking.
• Finance – you can choose more general business finance or you could focus on a related technology, e.g., analytics.
• Insurance – Popular choices are underwriting, claims or risk management.

Remember to always thoroughly research your options to find out what your job expectations will be and what benefits are included. Some jobs may provide better vacation or sick leave whilst others may provide better professional development opportunities. It’s up to you to decide what your priorities and preferences are.

What companies run finance graduate programmes?
Every major bank or financial institution has a finance-related scheme. Some of these organisations include:

• Santander
• PwC
• J.P. Morgan
• Deloitte
• Ernst & Young (EY)
• NatWest Group

Moreover, many non-finance institutions run finance graduate schemes. These are also great options, which you should definitely consider. Here are some of the largest providers:

• Nestlé
• Ford
• Sky
• Tesco
• Aviva
• Fujitsu

Most of these organisations will hold virtual events or physical events to provide students with a glimpse of what a career in the financial services industry might look like.

What are TopCourses #Toppicks for finance graduate schemes?
At TopCourses, we are familiar with all types of finance graduate schemes, but there are some we prefer over others. Here are our favourites:

• Mastercard, Finance Research & Insights Programme, London
• J.P. Morgan, Asset Management Programme, London
• Deutsche Bank, Investment Bank and Company (Equity) Research Programmes, London
• CBRE, Financial Analyst and Planning Pathways, London
• Mercer, Wealth Graduate Analyst Programme, London

We have provided specialised career guidance for countless graduates entering the finance industry. Our career guides have worked at some of the best financial and consulting firms in the world. With their first hand experience, you’ll nail your application and interviews. Why not arrange your free initial consultation today to find out more?

What does a finance graduate scheme include?
Nowadays, corporations have developed their schemes to provide a more rounded experience where graduates get to rotate across a number of different departments. This makes graduates capable of adapting to the changing needs of the industry.

Sometimes, a graduate gets to not only spend time in different departments, but also to work across the world. For instance, Barclays provides bright graduates with opportunities to be based either in the UK or overseas.

Another example of an international-focused graduate scheme provider is HSBC. There are a diverse range of specialisms available, e.g., global banking & markets, commercial banking and digital business services.

What grades do I have to get?
Usually, you will be asked for a minimum of a 2:1, although Network Rail and Lloyds Banking will accept a 2:2. Additionally, there may be further required UCAS points or certain grades at GCSE/A-level subjects. For most schemes, your degree can be in any subject and it is illegal for employers to discriminate according to a person’s age. Therefore, you can be any age.

How and when should I apply?
It’s always best to apply as early as possible as some places are filled by the end of the fall semester. Typically, 2022 programmes start in August or September, but some begin in the New Year.

Most application processes can be subdivided into the following stages:

• Online application – including simple forms and/or CVs.
• Online test – to determine your skill set, e.g., a situational judgement test, a personality test and a numerical challenge.
• Recorded video interview – Record a video about your motivation, ambition and talents. 
• Assessment centre – Virtual or in-person tests and exercises.

What will I earn?
Starting salaries range from £25,000 to £35,000 per year. You may receive extra bonuses or benefits in addition to your base salary.

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