Finance

Banking and Building Societies

Insurance
Pensions
Tax

Accountancy
Actuarial Work
Banking and Building Societies

Banking covers both investment and retail banking.

Investment Banking attracts a lot of graduates and covers a variety of financial activities such trading, fund management, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions of companies. Essentially, investment banking deals with corporate or commercial customers. Investment Banking is very competitive with around 250 applications for every graduate job so the standard and calibre of graduates in this role tends to be high. Many graduate employers in investment banking also offer summer placements and internships which are a great way to gain valuable experience and put your CV ahead of the crowd. 

Roles in Retail Banking are normally based in high street branches and you will mainly be working with private customers.  Building Societies previously only offered savings and mortgages but have now diversified to offer a range of personal financial services including current accounts, credit cards, loans, insurance and estate agency services and roles within the sector are now very similar to that of the high street bank.

Opportunities are open to graduates from all degree backgrounds and roles tend to be public facing so good communication skills and an excellent people manner is essential. You will also be expected to be good with numbers, be a good team player and have excellent problem solving skills.

Opportunities exist across the region with smaller high street branches as well as larger offices of banking organisations such as Bradford and Bingley, Norwich Union in York and Sheffield, HSBC in Leeds and Sheffield and HBOS in Halifax.

Useful links:

British Banking Association

Building Society Association

Personal Finance Society