No finance degree? No problem for job-savvy graduates
Investment banks and investment management firms seek graduates from all degree backgrounds. But with the graduate recruitment market becoming ever-more competitive, you are going to have to really prove to recruiters that you have the genuine desire, ambition and skills to work in finance.
Graduate insight
‘The graduate training scheme was comprehensive and taught me everything I needed to know. After all, even economics graduates haven’t worked at a bank so everyone learns together.’
Jane Lefever, manager of corporate clients and history graduate
Think beyond your degree subject
Remember that a degree in any subject gives graduates a good grounding in many of the skills needed for graduate investment banking jobs: logical thought, analysis, presentation and communication skills.
A basic level of numeracy is necessary but you might be surprised at how many graduates with arts degrees do possess this. Think beyond your degree subject: if you’ve done maths at A level, this will definitely stand you in good stead. You may also have other relevant experience that proves your ability to work with numbers: a position as treasurer for a university society, a summer job as a cashier at a shop, or any other project where you’ve had to deal with finances or work with numbers. Then highlight these in application.
Graduate gurus not required
Like any other applicant, you’ll need to demonstrate that you’ve done your research into the job, company and industry. Read the Financial Times or the business pages of any reputable broadsheet for the latest banking and business stories and it won’t hurt to read up on things that have been pertinent to the recession like sub-prime mortgages either.
Develop your own opinions on them so you can talk about them at interview, but don’t feel you need to become a guru: recruiters look for evidence of interest rather than an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things finance.
Graduate tip
‘Don’t be afraid to apply – but take it seriously and do your homework. The best places to prove your interest in finance are in your interview and covering letter.’
Fiona Davy, equity research associate and modern languages graduate
Work experience helps
An internship is a great way to explore the sector and decide whether a career in banking and investment is right for you. The vast majority of employers in banking and investment offer work experience in the form of ten-week internships. Whatever your academic background, internships offer a real opportunity for you to get to know all about banking – and for employers to get to know you.
Your degree subject won’t be as important as the other qualities that you can bring to the internship, such as enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, determination and teamworking ability.
The covering letter: a non-finance student’s best friend
Your covering letter – or the ‘why do you want to work for us?’ and ‘information to support your application’ boxes on an application form – is a great place to show that you have a real interest in finance. It can be an ideal place to tell recruiters why you want a career in the sector, tell them how your skills are relevant to the role, and demonstrate that you’ve done your research and have a good level of relevant knowledge.
