Banking graduate jobs: What skills do I need? 💰

Graduate jobs in the banking sector

Contrary to popular belief, there are a range of different graduate banking jobs – not just heavily numbers-focused roles like accountancy, analysts, and investment bankers; but a number of other banking jobs such as administration, compliance, operations sales, recruitment, and, due to the unstoppable rise of financial technology (FinTech), IT & tech.

Whatever career in banking think you’d be best suited to, there are certain skills and qualifications which will be attractive to any potential employer in the banking sector.

Common graduate banking jobs

There is a huge range of graduate roles in banking; ranging from those which require financial knowledge, to those which are more client or customer-facing.

Here are a few of the most common banking jobs for graduates:

• Corporate Banking Graduate Scheme
• Investment Banking Internship
• Banking Graduate Scheme
• Banking Associate
• Credit Analyst
• Client Services Executive
• Investment Banking Analyst
• FP&A Analyst
• Bank Analyst
• Financial Risk Controller
• Graduate Trader
• Graduate Fraud Officer
• Credit Risk Manager
• Banking Team Assistant
• Head of Operations
• Banking Operations Manager
• Regulatory Compliance Consultant
• Entry-level Risk Analyst
• Relationship Manager
• Graduate Compliance Analyst

How to get into banking

Most banks will welcome graduates from all degree backgrounds. As you might expect, a degree in finance, maths, or an aptitude for numbers will stand you in good stead for a graduate banking job. Banking also offers some of the best jobs for economics graduates and those that have studied data analysis. However, there are a number of other transferable skills which would make you a good fit for a career in banking.

How to write a graduate CV for banking jobs

In order to demonstrate that you have the skills to succeed in graduate banking jobs, you need to tailor your graduate CV to your job application.

Personal statement ?

In your personal statement, grab the employer’s attention by using relevant buzzwords, like ‘analytical’, and ‘organised’. Depending on what type of banking job you’re looking to get into, do some keyword research on the relevant things to include.

Example: Ambitious Economics graduate from The University of Leeds (2.1), with a keen interest in financial markets and financial modelling. Following my internship with HSBC Bank (January – May 2019), I am now looking to use my practical experience in commercial banking, and develop my knowledge of the banking sector.

Education ?

If you’re a recent graduate and you don’t have a lot of work experience, your education section will be a key part of your graduate CV. If you have studied a mathematical degree, make sure to list each of your final year modules, as well as any outstanding grades. You can also include any clubs, societies, volunteering or other projects you were involved in, that are relevant to banking & finance.

Work experience ?

If you have undertaken an internship, or have any work experience in banking or finance work experience, make sure to include it here. This could have been on a university placement if you studied a relevant finance degree, or you may have undertaken some work experience in banks after you graduated.

Hobbies/interests ?‍♂️

An interest in the banking sector is key, so list your particular interests to make it clear to a potential employer that you’re not only passionate about banking, but you also have a good knowledge of the sector.

Key skills ⭐

Try to list as many relevant skills as you can, and if possible, give examples of times you have demonstrated these skills. If you have done some relevant work experience at banks, or you were part of a banking society at university, list all the skills you demonstrated.