The banking industry provides jobs for approximately 445,000 people, 1.6% of all UK employees (IFSL’s Banking Report 2000). Investment banking encompasses a wide variety of services, from investment of surplus cash, venture capital, floating shares on the stock exchange to assisting with a merger of a business.
As a graduate you maybe advising corporate and government clients on the raising of capital, you could be a trader, deciding when to buy or well shares, you could be involved within in venture capital, raising funds for a new business, or you could be a fund manager, selecting a portfolio of shares. A career within investment banking is an exciting and rewarding career, the pace of business is extremely fast and reacting to economic change is crucial.
Most large investment banking organisations will recruit from any degree discipline, but busines studies, financial, degrees can be an advantage. You must achieve a 2:1 minimum and have 22 UCAS points.
While employers may not specify degree subject they do require certain skills, including the ability to work with figures, charts and graphs and to analyse information. A wide range of soft skills is also essential in this profession. These include good communication and the ability to work as part of a team.