Finance Graduate Schemes

What do you do on a finance graduate scheme?

Lasting between one and three years, you'll spend your time gaining practical experience across different finance functions, developing technical skills, and building professional networks that will serve your career for years to come.

Lots of graduate schemes include rotations, letting you experience different departments in a company before deciding on your specialty. If rotations aren’t for you, there are schemes where you can specialise from day one.

On top of all of that, you'll also receive mentoring from senior professionals, attend structured training sessions, and you could even study towards professional qualifications like ACCA, ACA, CIMA or CFA alongside your day-to-day work.

What finance graduate schemes can I do?

There's so much choice! All employers have several areas in which you can get involved. Before you apply, think about what aspects of finance interest you most. Maybe you love working with data, helping businesses make decisions, or even managing investments.

Some routes you can take include the following:

• Financial analyst

• Risk analyst

• Acturarial assistant

• Data management

• Corporate banking

• Commercial banking

• Investment banking

• Internal audit

• Wealth management.

You'll find these opportunities across different types of businesses - from global banks and investment firms to insurance companies, accountancy firms, and even your favourite brands.

Finance is ever evolving, and new types of job opportunities are created all the time. So it’s worth considering roles in emerging areas like fintech and cryptocurrency where there is room for you to make an impact.

Are finance graduate schemes worth it?

YES. Finance graduate schemes are packed with benefits that’ll do a whole lot of good for your career. Here are some of the benefits of the scheme:

• Experience various finance roles rather than being stuck in one position

• Mentorship with experienced professionals

• Competitive starting salaries that typically increase each year

• Clear progression paths so you know where your career could lead

• Structured training specifically for graduates.

“I have really enjoyed my graduate programme and am excited to stay with NESO at the end of it. I was given a good amount of support. Starting in the energy industry is quite hard because there is a lot to learn, but the teams I've been in have been pretty good at answering my questions and helping me learn. I have been given good support as well by the early careers team who run the graduate programme.” Graduate Economist, NESO

Ready to discover where your finance career journey could begin? Let's explore the top employers offering graduate schemes.

Which companies run finance graduate schemes?

Looking for a finance graduate scheme? You're spoilt for choice! The industry is overflowing with opportunities at big banks and financial institutions looking for fresh talent like yours. Here's where your finance career could take off:

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“I love my placement year so much that I have come back on the graduate scheme. Now, halfway through my first rotation on the graduates scheme (3 x 6 month placements), I recognise how much I have achieved so far, and I am excited about what is to come.” Graduate Commercial Analyst, NESO.

Wondering what grad scheme life is really like? Hear directly from finance graduates about their day-to-day experiences.

Wondering what grad scheme life is really like? Hear directly from finance graduates about their day-to-day experiences.

How much do finance graduates earn?

You're looking at impressive starting salaries as a finance graduate. Most graduate schemes offer between £30,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on the employer you choose.

Want specifics? The Lloyds consumer banking graduate scheme pays £45,000 per year plus benefits, while Network Rail's finance graduate scheme offers £32,000 with a £2,000 welcome bonus.

As a full-time employee, you'll enjoy more than just your salary. Benefits vary by employer but could include:

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Gym membership

• Free lunch (it’s a real thing!)

• Volunteer days to help out causes you care about.

Remember, your value will grow as you gain experience, and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to increase your earning potential throughout your career.

What are the entry requirements for a finance graduate scheme?

Most employers will ask for at least a 2:1, although some employers will take you on if you have a 2:2. It’s always worth checking!

Some schemes will also require you to have mathematical skills, these will come in handy if you’re interested in accounting.

You can make your application stand out in several ways. Work experience like placement years, internships, spring weeks, or vacation schemes gives you a significant advantage, especially if you’re applying to companies where you've already worked. These experiences show employers you're proactive and serious about your career journey.

How can I apply?

Application season kicks off in September, with interviews typically following in January/February. With around 86 applications per graduate scheme, you'll want to get in early to stay ahead of the competition.

If you haven’t - don’t worry! You’ll have a whole bunch of soft and technical skills you’d have picked up during your time at university. It’s all about how you show these skills off on your CV and cover letter.

Check out all our application advice, where you'll find everything from creating a standout CV to acing your assessment centre and interviews. Click below to get started.