Starting a career in finance
Kickstart your finance career with expert tips, how to format your cover letter and finding the right start with us.
Pursuing a career path in finance offers an exciting range of opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to investment banking, corporate finance, or wealth management, the finance industry is dynamic, fast-paced, and constantly evolving. If you’re considering a banking career path, here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What do banks actually do?
Banks are the backbone of the global economy, providing services that help individuals, businesses, and governments manage their financial needs. They also act as intermediaries, helping clients borrow, lend, and invest money. From retail banking that caters to everyday customers, to corporate and investment banking that supports global companies, the financial sector is vast and diverse, offering a range of career opportunities.
Which banking career paths can I focus on?
Corporate finance
A career path in corporate finance involves supporting businesses in managing finances, raising capital, and planning for future growth. Roles here focus on financial planning, capital management, and mergers and acquisitions. This path is ideal for those with strong analytical skills who are interested in working closely with corporate clients to drive business strategy.
Investment banking
Investment banking is a high-energy area focused on helping large organisations raise capital, manage assets, and navigate mergers and acquisitions. If you’re interested in a challenging role that requires quick thinking and resilience, investment banking could be a key part of your bank career progression.
Retail and commercial banking
For those who enjoy client interaction, retail and commercial banking offers roles in managing personal and small business finances. This area allows you to build relationships with clients, helping them with loans, savings, and other financial services. It’s an excellent career path for a bank job where you can directly impact customers’ lives.
Wealth management
A career in wealth management involves working with high-net-worth clients to manage and grow their wealth. This area requires strong interpersonal skills and a solid understanding of financial products. Wealth management offers a rewarding bank career ladder for those focused on personalised client services and long-term financial planning.
Tips for starting a career in the finance industry
To succeed in the finance industry, you’ll need a combination of technical skills, industry knowledge, and soft skills like communication and problem-solving. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:
Craft the perfect CV
Your CV is your first chance to make a strong impression. Focus on showcasing your relevant skills and experiences, particularly in areas like financial analysis, problem-solving, and leadership. Quantify your achievements wherever possible and tailor your CV to each job application.
Explore different paths
Graduate programmes are a popular route for new graduates, providing structured training and development. Internships offer hands-on experience, allowing you to explore different areas of finance. Apprenticeships provide a more practical, on-the-job learning experience, often leading to permanent roles. Each path offers unique benefits, so consider which aligns best with your goals and learning style.
Life at Standard Chartered
Join us, and help make real, lasting change that goes well beyond wealth creation alone. From supporting global trade and investment to helping people, companies, and communities grow and prosper. Our promise to be here for good runs through everything we do. It is what makes us different.
Discover Standard Chartered
Our culture and values
Find out more about the purpose that underpins everything we do at Standard Chartered, and the behaviours and culture that drive this purpose forward.
Our business areas
Learn about the different teams across the bank, discover what they do, and find out about the different routes to entry for students and graduates to find your fit.
Application zone
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