Investment Banking Apprenticeship

Hi everyone, I made the title generic so I can hear back from people since my last post got no comments. Looking for any advice to ace and get as close to guarenteeing a role. I'm set on IB but my grades weren't the best but everything else is up to par

Reply 1

Insouciant.

Original post

by Dan NM

Hey,

I have nothing to do with investment banking or banking of any kind, however I did get 4 offers for degree apprenticeships so if my advice is helpful I will list It below as I saw no one reply to this:

work experience:
you can get online work experience in anything from big companies on forage and springpod, all remote and only take 1-4hours, you get a certificate and a list of skills to add to your CV after completion, employers dont pay too much mind to it and believe you were working for the company just online, very good addition,

it helps to join the companies you're going for own career days, work shops, sessions etc, shows you're actively interested in bettering yourself and getting to know the company.

Interviews:
Be yourself, genuinely, if you're yourself and they dont like that you won't enjoy working there

remember the interview is as much you interviewing them as them interviewing you, I turned down 2 companies purely because I didnt like the culture or the contract they offered me

dont be nervous, nerves will mess you up

uplift other in your team, be friendly, genuinely care and ask for others in your groups participation when it comes to group activities

make sure you listen in group activities, ive seen so many candidates just repeat what another member has said in different words, and can come across as very demeaning but also that you're not listening or actively engaged in discussion,

I also found most companies didnt ask much about the company- learn 2-3 facts that motivate you to join the company, that's all

a commercial interview is asking you for details on current markets etc relating to your job- for example, how did covid affect stock shares, how did the banks help the economy stabilise after x world event.

Remember they dont expect you to know everything- its a learner position, if they ask you a question and you dont know- be honest and say you're motivated and willing to learn- this shows initiative and integrity usually in company values.

Dont show off to other candidates, I saw it too much during assessment centres, if I could notice it, so could the staff facilitating, it doesn't help!

Application stages:

it starts with a cv or online application, read carefully answer honestly, if you have a disability please declare it- if this negatively impacts you, its not a company you want to work for.

after psychometric tests- verbal and numerical reasoning- usually a set of tests iq tests or easy math and comprehension tests

on demand interview- an online one way interview- you're given a question 2 minutes to think then automatically recorded, the first video taken is sent, dont worry if you dont feel like it went well- they know youre nervous- just make sure your background is presentable and your clothes aren't too distracting.

this is where companies differ, they may ask for a second set of interviews, an essay of some sort or straight to the assessment centre

assessment centres: consist of 1-2 interviews (either combined, or one compliance and one commercial|) and a group task, your assessment centre may also include a presentation which you will be made aware of in advance- these can either be in person or online

final tips:

ask questions if you're unsure- they love the initiative- shows you're taking it seriously and genuinely see yourself working there

be honest with any additional needs you have and visa status

Be yourself!! you've got this!!

Any other questions feel free to ask, I hope this was helpful :smile: