How can I get a graduate job in Jersey or Guernsey?

Jersey and Guernsey have an international reputation as offshore financial centres, and opportunities are as good as you could find anywhere. Investment banks, Big Four firms, accountancy firms, stockbrokers, legal firms, financial services… everything you could find in the City is available in the Channel Islands, along with specialist services specific to the offshore environment. The financial services and legal sectors in Jersey and Guernsey continue to grow and graduates from all degree backgrounds are in demand. Once you’ve trained, you will have transferable skills you can take anywhere – or you might choose to continue your career in the Channel Islands long-term.

The lifestyle is enviable. The Channel Islands are closer to France than to England, which means a warm, sunny climate. And because of their size you are never far from a beach. You’ll be paying less tax than in the UK and you’ll also find that many things – such as eating out – are cheaper than in London. An hour on the Tube in London or a ten-minute commute on the Channel Islands? It’s your decision!

Where can I work?

Banking
Offshore banking is central to the financial services industry in the Channel Islands. Banks in the islands are used by clients in more than 200 countries, with many deposits held in foreign currencies. Jersey and Guernsey offer a range of services: banking for expatriates and international clients; private banking and wealth management; corporate and institutional banking; and many other specialisms.

Funds
Making money work harder is essential to the offshore financial services industry. The fund management and administration sector is a major employer and covers everything from private equity schemes to Islamic finance.

Insurance
Guernsey is a major offshore insurance centre and the sector is also growing in Jersey. It includes both domestic and international insurance: everything from life assurance to offshore-specific areas such as captive insurance, a specialist insurance model for businesses.

Law
Both private individuals and commercial organisations need lawyers to help with their financial and legal affairs. Work can range from high value corporate transactions to family and property law for private clients. Firms will help graduates gain the specialist qualifications they need.

Professional services
Accountancy and tax are just some of the numerous services offered by professional firms. The biggest names in the business have bases in the Channel Islands and many will help graduates gain professional qualifications.

Trusts
Trusts are a traditional part of offshore finance and the Channel Islands are among the leaders in this sector. Private individuals and corporations use offshore trusts as a tax-efficient way of protecting their assets. Charitable trusts, employee benefit trusts and estate planning are also parts of this growing industry.

Alternative careers
Along with finance and legal positions, there are also opportunities for graduates in HR, IT, marketing and other business support functions.

Facts and figures

About Jersey

• Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, at 45 square miles.
• In June 2006, 12,000 people were employed in the finance sector – nearly a quarter of the total workforce.
• Banking accounts for most people employed in the financial services sector, followed by trust and company administration, legal and accountancy work.
• Financial services employs more graduates than any other sector apart from computing.

About Guernsey  

• Financial services is the largest employment sector in Guernsey, accounting for 23 per cent of the workforce.
• Other growth industries include construction and business services.
• The main sectors in the finance industry are banking, investment, insurance and accountancy.
• The Channel Islands Stock Exchange is based in St Peter Port, Guernsey.
• The cost of living is similar to that in the UK although some items, such as cars and household appliances, are generally cheaper.