The banking industry may have taken a bit of a reputation knock in recent years but if you want a lucrative and rewarding career following university going into banking could be the right decision for you.

There are many options available to you in this fast-paced and competitive sector, from retail banking to investment banking and it is, despite the recession, a booming industry.

Retail bankers are responsible for the bank accounts of both business banking and personal banking customers, these are people who work in what we would call 'high street' banks.

Bank managers are responsible for managing the daily business of a branch and for the development of new business banking customers, ensuring that sales targets are met and maintaining a customer orientated retail team.

At the more high-powered and lucrative end of the banking industry is investment banking. Investment bankers provide a wide variety of services, from investment of surplus money, venture capital and floating shares in the stock exchange to assisting with a merger of a business.

Investment bankers assist corporations, governments and individuals in raising funds by acting as the client’s agent and/or underwriting financial dealings. An investment bank may also assist companies involved in mergers and acquisitions, and provide other services such as market making, trading of derivatives, fixed income instruments, foreign exchange, commodities, and equity securities.

There is often a direct route into the banking industry with many banks and investment companies offering graduate banking training programmes and graduate banking schemes, taking you straight from university and training you in different areas of the banking sector. These often include fast-track routes into top positions and managerial roles. These managerial roles can pay very well.

It is worth researching the graduate scheme opportunities at various employers through your university careers service and by visiting careers fairs.