Banking graduate jobs & schemes 2025

Banking is a broad industry, and graduate jobs typically fall into the following areas:

• Investment Banking: Working on mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and capital markets.
• Commercial & Corporate Banking: Managing relationships with businesses and offering financial services.
• Retail & Personal Banking: Helping individuals with loans, mortgages, and financial planning.
• Asset & Wealth Management: Managing investments for high-net-worth individuals and institutions.
• Risk & Compliance: Ensuring banks follow regulations and manage financial risks.
• Trading & Markets: Buying and selling financial instruments like stocks, bonds, and derivatives.
• Operations & Technology: Managing the infrastructure, payments, and digital banking platforms.

Many banks offer structured graduate schemes , rotating through different departments before specializing.

Not necessarily. While a degree in finance, economics, or accounting helps, banks also hire graduates from math, engineering, physics, and even humanities backgrounds—especially for analytical and risk-focused roles. Strong numerical and problem-solving skills are key.

• Numerical & analytical skills – Especially for investment banking, trading, and risk roles.
• Commercial awareness – Understanding global markets, interest rates, and economic trends.
• Attention to detail – Small errors can lead to financial losses.
• Resilience & work ethic – Long hours are common in many banking roles.
• Communication skills – Presenting data, negotiating deals, and interacting with clients.

Salaries vary depending on the role and bank:

• Investment Banking Analyst: £50,000 – £70,000 + bonuses (which can be substantial).
• Corporate & Commercial Banking: £30,000 – £45,000.
• Retail & Personal Banking: £28,000 – £40,000.
• Asset & Wealth Management: £35,000 – £50,000.
• Risk & Compliance: £30,000 – £45,000.
• Operations & Technology: £28,000 – £45,000.
  

Investment banking roles tend to pay the most, but are also the most intense.

Banking is highly competitive , especially in investment banking and asset management . Top firms receive thousands of applications for a handful of positions. To stand out:

✔ Gain internships or work experience at banks or financial firms.
✔ Show strong numerical skills (e.g., financial modeling, Excel, Bloomberg).
✔ Stay updated on financial markets and economic trends .
✔ Network with professionals on LinkedIn and at banking events .
✔ Highlight leadership roles and extracurricular achievements .

• Internships & work experience – Summer internships are crucial for securing full-time roles.
• Financial certifications – Consider CFA Level 1, IMC, or Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC).
• Stock market knowledge – Stay informed on interest rates, economic news, and investment trends.
• Networking & referrals – Many roles are filled through connections, so attend networking events.