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.