Where to start
This sector offers well-paid, fast-paced, pressurized jobs. It gives you exposure to high-profile deals and clients that shape financial markets and have massive global impact. The Prospects website provides a good overview of the banking and investment sector and the roles within it.
This unofficial guide to investment banking explains what different banking divisions do, and what roles you may fit. The Bankers By Day website gives more detail.
The range of roles, divisions and different types of organisation make the opportunities here vast, albeit complex. Are you motivated by the buzz of the markets and the trading floor? Do you prefer to be working on high-profile deals for important clients in IBD/M&A? Or are you more comfortable working a bit more behind the scenes, in middle or back office roles?
It’s vital that you reflect on why you’re drawn to the investment world, as well as how it fits your interests, strengths and personality. You will need a genuine interest in finance and what makes the markets move to work in this sector.
The general traits required include: problem solving, people skills, the ability to negotiate, adaptability, attention to detail, and good numeracy skills.
Look through the following links to get an idea of what different roles entail:
- Investment industry career paths and roles explained
- Steps to becoming a quant trader
- Investment banking, IT and technology opportunities
- Hedge funds
- Corporate banking
- Wealth management
- Hear from people working in research roles within the sector on our panel 'Research Careers in Banking, Finance and Consulting Panel (March 2022)' via our Catch up on past talks: Banking (requires CRSID)
The CUFIS guide to roles and divisions provides frank advice about what it’s like to work in investment banking, private equity, venture capital, hedge fund and trading.
Interested to learn more about FinTech in the UK? Read Deloitte's report of the 'UK FinTech Landscape'
efinancialcareers provides a guide to careers in banking and financial markets
- Get work experience – insight days, spring weeks, work shadowing, internships
- Do some trading – virtual trading and trading games are easily accessible as a student
- Fill gaps in your knowledge and skills – study accounting, learn how to program, track companies/sectors, read the Financial Times for free through the university
- Take on projects and roles of responsibility to demonstrate entrepreneurial drive
- Network and learn from people who work across this sector.
Work experience can be gained through spring insight programs, summer internships, work shadowing, ad hoc work experience, and virtual internships.
Firms start recruiting for summer and spring internships the previous autumn, with deadlines around October-December. This varies by firm, so always check their website for exact details.
Find internships on Ratemyplacement, Target Jobs, and Handshake.
You may find this resource with recommendations from employers helpful to increase your knowledge and skills in this area.
For some roles in investment you need certain qualifications - the IMC and the CFA are two examples. For Quant roles, many firms recruit strictly from Master’s and PhD programmes. InsideCareers has a guide to qualifications in the finance and investment industry.
Find employers on Handshake, and attending the Banking and Finance Careers Fair (details also on Handshake). It's a good idea to find out more about employers and the roles they offer.
Look through the following websites for longer lists of all companies in the investment area.
efinancialcareers provides a guide to careers in banking and financial markets
Application stage
- Determine what specific banks/employers are looking for by dissecting their website and identify skills and key words they may be looking for in applications
- Build effective CV and person specification statements (Tips to maximise the impact of your applications)
- Read our CVs and cover letters booklet
- Join CUFIS and read the CUFIS Application Bible
Interviews and Assessments
- Practice psychometric assessments: numeracy, SJT Situation Judgement Tests, business case scenarios, group exercises.
- Read through websites that give tips on interview questions, and prepare all your answers:
- Target Jobs
- Trading Interviews (for trading and quant roles)
- Shortlist.me
- Attend skills sessions on Handshake.
- Watch our videos on Career Essentials
Our Supporters are committed to supporting the development of Cambridge students and graduates.
Search Handshake for job vacancies, sector-related emails, Banking & Finance fair, employer presentations, connecting with employers. Sign up for events from the Judge Business School Centre for Endowment Asset Management.
There are many relevant University societies. They often hold useful careers events, particularly during Michaelmas term, with key speakers and sponsor-hosted events.
- CU Finance and Investment Society
- CU Algorithmic Trading Society
- CU Women in Business
- CU Real Estate Finance & Investment Society
- CU Marshall Society
Watch all briefings and panels on banking and financial markets, on our Catch up on past talks: Banking page (requires CRSID)
Inclusivity and diversity initiatives
Many investment firms have partnered with external organisations in order to recruit a more diverse workforce. Look out for their events, mentorship and placement programmes.
Now you have looked at this page, think about your next steps. Everyone's journey is different. There are many ways to move forward. Here are some actions you could take now:
- Look for roles using the resources above.
- Talk to alumni working in this field via Handshake or LinkedIn.
- Talk to a Careers Consultant - book a 1:1 appointment through Handshake.
- Attend events - watch for relevant events.
- Ready to apply? Use the CV and cover letter guide to draft a CV or an application. CareerSet is a tool you can use to review your CV and cover letter. Write a speculative application.
- Subscribe to the Banking and financial markets Newsletter