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What does a mature OU grad (27) need to do to get his foot in the door at a city bank??

Asked by Eawxp05

Posted in Qualifications and Operations

25 May 2008

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Answers (8)

  • You are no't mature!!! Know your fundamentals, enjoy what you do, and network network network.

    peter 26 May 2008

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  • duck a boss

    Bernhard 26 May 2008

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  • Like with everything in life, it's a numbers game. You have to get out there and speak to every agent, let them know you're out there and sell them your skills. A great agency to do this with is Robert Walters - they work very hard for all their candidates regardless of background, and have a very innovative approach to recruitment. Essencially, it's easy to get a low level position in any bank, especially within operations. Speaking a foreign language is an asset. But whatever you do, NEVER create the impression that you'd do anything or work anywhere - sell yourself on the basis of what you can offer rather than what you hope to get. Think about which area of banking best suits your skills, focus on that and more importantly; stick to it! -Hélène, Investment Banking professional, London.

    Hélène N 26 May 2008

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  • totally agree with Peter. You are not too old to enter. But bear in mind you dont have the traditional background... i.e oxbridge/lse/imperial so you have to think differently. First off, read everything you can i.e Hull, nattenberg, FT, Economist...second, understand what you have read...and third go network like crazy. HR follow a formula to get candidates...this route wont work for you.

    TH 26 May 2008

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  • I joined a at 28; age isn't an issue. Do your research, figure out which area of the bank you wish to join, and get a good recruitment consultant.

    Andy 26 May 2008

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  • Unfortunately all banks are more difficult to get into at the moment due to the credit crunch. However, you should bear in mind that graduates range in age from 21 to early 30's if you include PHD's etc. You should keep trying to apply online for the graduate programmes at the larger banks where you are most likely to get good training. Also, leverage your network, particularly of friends who left OU and went straight into jobs. I assume that you have done some useful work / studying since leaving OU otherweise that could be the reason that people are turning you down. Good luck

    AP, ex head of capital markets HR at european bank 26 May 2008

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  • a numbers game indeed; supply & demand. and right now, supply is exceeding demand. that said, differentiating yourself is the key in any economic climate.. EVERYONE has "been to a good university" and has flawless school qualifications. forget academic credentials on the cv; they're a given. you'll need a decent understanding/knowledge of the present macroeconomic environment. but forget numbers & detailed terminology, instead think about the bigger picture. if you're looking for a trading/sales role, you need to start thinking about cause and effect; if x happens, the effect on asset price y will probably be z(ish)! (detail & complex terminology are more for research professionals, and to be honest for this you probably need a specialist degree here) some interview questions have right/wrong answers, others are more subjective. be sure you can justify views. on a more practical note, get your FSA exams done. these are simply an administrative chore for both employer & employee, so if you've jumped through this hoop you're able to start adding value faster. and do some spread betting - this is an excellent way of familiarising yourself with markets / having a position. gd luck

    spot n forward 27 May 2008

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  • I joined at 29! If you have the will to work hard and the impetus to acquire new skills then you should be successful!

    FF 03 Jun 2008

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