If you’re interested in a career in investment management, there are a range of brilliant options for you to pursue. Here are five companies we think should go high on your list.
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N.B. We use the terms ‘investment management’ and ‘asset management’ interchangeably. Asset management is the more common term in the UK, while investment management is more common globally.
1. BNP Paribas
Who?
One of the largest banks in the world, BNP Paribas has a sizeable investment management business within its retail banking arm.
Where?
BNP Paribas is a French company, with its main retail banking arms in France, Italy and the US, and investment banking services worldwide. In the UK, it has offices in and around London.
What can BNP Paribas offer you?
BNP Paribas offers 10-12 week summer internships for penultimate-year students. They’re designed to give you an insight into the bank, as well as formal training in business skills.
The bank also offers a structured one-year graduate programme. It’s non-rotational, designed to give you the training you need and get you started in your specific area of work.
BNP Paribas has a very mobile career structure – you will find a lot of opportunities to move around and travel in the 75 countries in which it operates.
2. Schroders
Who?
A global investment manager, Schroders has nearly £350 billion of assets under management and employs 3,700 people worldwide.
Where?
Schroders is a British company headquartered in London. It has offices in 28 countries around the world.
What can Schroders offer you?
Schroders offers internships in a number of business areas, including investment management. The eight-week programme begins with an introduction to fund management and skills training that will prepare you for a graduate role.
The graduate programme accepts graduates from all degree areas. It includes a formal induction and training, including taking the Investment Management Certificate. You then join your department and continue to learn as you explore your role.
While a well-respected company, Schroders’ small size gives you a chance to make an impact. It’s said to offer an unusually good work life balance, as well as strong support for your training.
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3. Silicon Valley Bank
Who?
Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank that loans money to technology and biotech start-ups. It also has a hand in private equity and venture capital investing.
Where?
SVB has offices across the US, as well as in the UK, China and Israel. Its UK office is in London.
What can Silicon Valley Bank offer you?
Working at Silicon Valley Bank means you’ll get an inside look at some of the most innovative companies in the UK and worldwide. You’ll also find it a flexible working environment, willing to help you work in the way that best suits your life.
Silicon Valley bank offers UK summer internships in various commercial banking roles. You gain experience and formal training in areas such as entrepreneur banking and life sciences.
The firm’s graduate programme is based in the US.
4. Blackrock
Who?
Blackrock is a global asset manager employing more than 10,000 people. At over £3.6 trillion, it has by far the most assets under management of any company in the world.
Where?
Blackrock is a US company headquartered in New York, with offices in 30 countries. Its UK office is in London.
What can Blackrock offer you?
Blackrock offers summer internships based in the US. The graduate programme is global. It begins with a two-week orientation in New York, where you’ll meet and network with your peers and other colleagues.
Blackrock is a prestigious name in asset management that can afford to draw in the best talent. Its employee engagement statistics are excellent. Employees say that the work is challenging, the company has a clear sense of purpose, and individuals are valued and supported.
5. Investec
Who?
A specialised bank and asset manager. Investec manages investment funds and provides asset management for private clients. It also offers many specialist banking services.
Where?
Investec operates in three main markets: the UK, South Africa and Australia. Its UK headquarters are in London.
What can Investec offer you?
Investec offers eight-week investment banking summer internships to penultimate year students. The graduate programme in the UK starts by giving a broad view of the bank’s departments before you choose a specialist area.
Investec is just a little bit quirky, with its bright, cheery London offices and its famous zebra mascot. It’s also innovative, entrepreneurial and focused on learning, allowing you plenty of support to gain professional qualifications.
And finally…
There are many other potential companies to consider. Search our list of 300 top graduate employers for investment and asset management.
Ready to start your career in these exciting sectors? Browse hundreds of available finance roles and take your first step towards a rewarding career in asset & investment management.