Reading time: 5 minsJunior talent meets technology
Our journey into AI isn’t just a technical one - it’s an expedition of curiosity, collaboration, and discovery. That’s why we launched AI-venture, a global, immersive initiative where our graduates are diving into the real-world potential of AI.
From Poland to Qatar, India to Switzerland, and throughout our APAC and US regions, our grads joined forces to tackle practical challenges using machine learning. With expert mentors and in-person sessions across 11 locations, AI-venture is about sharpening skills, building networks, and unlocking what AI can truly do.
Get to know our grads and learn about their AI experience
How has working at UBS helped you learn about or get involved with AI early in your career?
Tonishka, Singapore
It’s an exciting time to be at UBS! We foster an ‘AI first’ mindset that’s embedded in how teams think, collaborate and deliver.
From day one, I’ve had access to a wide range of learning resources and communities that accelerated my understanding of AI. I’ve been able to apply these skills in real-world projects, such as using GenAI tools to enhance internal onboarding processes.
Barbara, Poland
I attended many events where different teams showed how they use AI in their projects. This motivated me to dive deeper into these technologies and complete several trainings and internal certifications helping me build both confidence and capability in this space.
Rachel, US
UBS has given me early exposure to the real-world impact of AI through practical, business-driven applications.
While I learned about AI tools at school, seeing how they’re used, such as AI-generated summaries that help wealth managers prepare for client meetings, has been far more meaningful. These experiences have shown me how AI can enhance decision-making and client service.
Gareth, UK
What’s been especially impactful is how AI learning is embedded into the Graduate Talent Program.
Programs like the AI-venture and the Global Coding Lab have not only enhanced my technical skills but also allowed me to work on real-world projects, which has been invaluable.
Andre, Switzerland
It feels like every week I meet someone applying AI in a new and meaningful way-whether it’s AI agents navigating knowledge graphs to support employees, conversational banking tools enhancing client experiences, or machine learning models helping to detect financial crime.
The diversity of applications is remarkable. As a student on the Graduate Talent Program I’ve found this environment incredibly energising, and I’m looking forward to exploring these use cases further through my rotations.
Can you tell us about one of your most memorable AI experiences?
Barbara, Poland
My most memorable experience was during the AI-venture, organized as a part of the GTP program, we met with AI experts and worked with them on real business problems.
It also gave me the opportunity to connect further with other students in my team and explore various models which helped us better understand how AI can help improve decision making for the business.
Spandan, Pune
During a recent meeting, we identified a process bottleneck and explored how AI-driven automation could help. While it wasn’t a major deployment, the idea sparked genuine interest across teams. It was a great reminder that even small AI ideas can drive real change.
Rachel, US
I was grateful to be able to demo my team’s chatbot to colleagues across the organization. Although I had only been working with the application for a few months, seeing how these developments resonated with those who’ve supported the platform for over a decade helped me appreciate its real impact.
Danagul, Qatar
One standout moment was the AI-venture event! We collaborated to build an end-to-end AI solution. The challenge addressed a real-world business need, identifying and preventing data quality issues caused by high volumes of data flowing from the front office to the back office of the bank. By leveraging AI tools like GitHub Copilot, we accelerated development - quickly generating queries, refining logic, and testing ideas effectively.
Gareth, UK
The AI-venture event! We were given a real UBS financial dataset and tasked with selecting the best models for different scenarios and use cases.
After successfully running the model, we focused on fine-tuning its performance. Throughout, we had close support from AI mentors, whose guidance was invaluable. The highlight was presenting our work to senior leaders driving AI at UBS, an incredible opportunity to showcase our efforts and gain expert feedback.
What support or resources helped you most when learning to use AI at UBS?
Andre, Switzerland
There’s a lot of resources here! There are communities like the AI Guild, that host regular meetings discussing papers or presenting AI use cases in UBS. There’s also workshops and challenges like the UBS AI-venture Challenge, or the Global Coding Lab, where young engineers team up to solve problems with AI.
We can also sign up for courses and educational programs like the Certified Engineer and Certified Data Scientist initiatives on fundamental or high-level AI and data concepts.
Rachel, US
My number one resource has been my peers. Seeing how they implement new technologies within their teams has been incredibly insightful.
Because we develop many in-house applications, tapping into the experience of teammates, and even peers across the bank, is the most effective way to understand how technology can be applied.
Danagul, Qatar
The biggest support came from the culture itself. There’s a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, hands-on learning, and mentorship.
From internal workshops and demo sessions to casual knowledge-sharing circles, I always felt supported in asking questions, experimenting, and learning at my own pace.
Gareth, UK
We have access to a wealth of free training material on AI, which has been instrumental in my learning journey.
Platforms like Pluralsight and O'Reilly have been particularly helpful. Additionally, The Certified Data Scientist course, offers guided learning and structured pathways to upskill in AI.
Why do you think it’s important for junior professionals to understand AI – regardless of their role?
Andre, Switzerland
The applications of Large Language Models, or “AI” as they’re more commonly called, are here to stay. They prove themselves useful hundreds of millions of times per day, both for the common end-user and for large enterprises. This is a very good source of motivation to learn how these models actually work, and how they’re used.
Danagul, Qatar
AI’s already shaping every industry and function-not just tech. Whether you’re in marketing, operations, or finance, understanding AI gives you an edge. It helps you ask better questions, make smarter decisions, and adapt faster.
For young professionals, it’s about being future-ready. You don’t need to be a developer to engage with AI-you just need curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Tonishka, Singapore
It’s super important for young professionals to understand AI across all types of roles from advisory to compliance or tech. AI is reshaping how clients are served,how risks are analyzed, how back-office processes are automated.
Even in non-technical roles, having a solid grasp of AI helps teams use tools better,spot issues like bias or data privacy risks,collaborate more effectively.AI isn’t a buzzword anymore,it’s a key skill for anyone who wants to stay ahead and create value across the board.
Gareth, UK
As AI becomes more integrated into society, understanding its ethical implications is essential.
Young professionals equipped with AI knowledge can contribute to discussions on responsible AI to help ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed ethically.
Spandan, Pune
AI is reshaping how decisions are made across roles. Even if you’re not building models, understanding how AI works helps you contribute better and stay ahead. It’s less about coding and more about being able to think critically about where AI can add value.