A guide to asset and investment management graduate schemes

Asset and Investment Management is an undoubtedly fast-paced sector. Every day something influences the way people move or invest their money. We’ve outlined the latest asset and investment management graduate schemes, including what you need to apply, application process tips and what you can expect from this non-stop sector.

Citadel

Citadel is an American multinational hedge fund and financial services business. They also own Citadel Securities, one of the leading global market makers that offer various equity and fixed income products that drive down the cost of transactions. During Citadel’s quantitative researcher graduate scheme, you’ll be a part of the team responsible for testing and developing automated quant trading strategies using statistical techniques and tools. This graduate scheme develops your knowledge of a financial market, applies statistical techniques to trading and innovates by using one of the industry’s most powerful trading platforms. To apply, you need at least a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or physics - Master’s and PhDs are beneficial. They look for candidates who are passionate about the market, have an eye for investment opportunities and someone who can think about the world systematically and quantitatively.

BDO

BDO global is a top accounting company that dips into public accounting, consulting, tax and business advisory. BDO's three-year BS&O graduate programme offers you real hands-on experience in a leading firm and the opportunity to achieve the highly recognised Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) professional qualification. They cover exam fees and allow you to study time or any extra training you need to pass the exam while balancing your workload. This graduate programme isn’t just about professional qualifications, it’s about learning your full potential and gaining personal, management and client-related skills. BDO looks for candidates with analytical skills, desire to get involved, eager to learn about the business, organised and can balance study with professional work. For internships in this sector, look at the latest Asset and Investment Management internship application deadlines. 

Close Brothers Group plc 

If you dream of working in the financial services or technology sector, a graduate scheme with Close Brothers Group plc might be for you. Their competitive data governance analyst graduate programme gives you the chance to work alongside the Data Governance Manager and IT Director to achieve their IT strategy and maintain IT risk control methodologies. Close Brothers Group plc look for graduates with excellent communication skills, proactive attitude, problem-solving and organisation skills. During the programme, you’ll have lots of responsibilities from cyclically analysing business data, working with the Information Security team to deliver the WINS security framework objectives and assisting or presenting MI to senior business stakeholders. Could you be a part of their growth? 

BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB) is a leading global European investment bank, recognised across advisory, financing, capital markets and security services. They offer two graduate schemes and two internships for graduates and students. Their Automated Market Making graduate programme is highly quantitative and IT-driven, with your day-to-day focus on numerical research and trading with strong interactions between quant traders and IT strategists. BNP looks for analytical skills, knowledge of programming language (Python is a must), interpersonal skills and candidates with the ability to work under pressure. 

Learn about the leading graduate employers in Asset & Investment Management

What attributes do asset and investment management employers look for? 

Desirable attributes:

• Commitment to the industry
• Professional
• Desire to understand the business 
• Determination 
• Proactive 
• Leadership
• Commercial awareness
• Curious
• Confident

Learn about key skills and how to demonstrate them in Investment and Asset Management. 

When can I apply? And is there a typical application process?

Applications for asset and investment management graduate schemes are advertised during the last few months of the year or the first months of a new year. It’s recommended that third-year students research graduate programmes when they begin their first semester - this way, you can get your application in early to avoid missing out. 

In terms of application processes, asset and investment management follows a similar process to other graduate schemes, but we recommend you prepare for the following:

• Online application 
• Telephone interview
• Assessment centre
• Aptitude or numerical test
• Face-to-face interview

It's beneficial to scratch up on commercial awareness to show employers you’re aware of the latest business happenings. Listen to Thinking Commerically, our podcast with commercial awareness author Chris Stoakes for a monthly round up of important goings-on in the business world. 

Top tips for applying to a firm in Investment & Asset Management.

What asset and investment management graduate schemes am I eligible for?

Asset and investment management graduate schemes look for graduates with a minimum 2.2 degree in mathematical or science-based disciplines, such as physics, engineering or accounting. These degrees are a perfect stepping stone into graduate schemes like this because they offer transferable skills and academic knowledge that you can apply to practical experience. 

Some asset and investment management graduate schemes also require a minimum of three A-levels (grade A*-C) or equivalent and grades 9-4 in Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent). It’s beneficial to have work experience, shadowing or internship experience - even if it’s just a week! Big employers like Barclays and HSBC offer six-month or summer internships to give you an insight into a specific role. Taking part in internships proves you're dedicated to the industry and determined to get your foot in the door. 

Learn what top firms offer in Asset and Investment Management.