Operational investment banker : Employers and vacancy sources

Operations professionals are recruited by investment banks. Graduate schemes run with very early closing dates, many before the end of October, and it is advisable to apply as soon as possible as they often interview before the closing date is reached.

Investment banks come in many shapes and sizes, from large global organisations, such as RBS, Goldman Sachs, HSBC and Credit Suisse, through to smaller niche players, such as Rothschild and Lazard Ltd.

The banking sector is a volatile one and investment banks are affected by economic cycles, which have a knock-on effect on graduate recruitment. The economic downturn (2008-2009) had a significant effect on investment banks many of which reported huge losses which had an impact on employment opportunities. By early 2010, the tide had started to turn, and many institutions were already looking to increase its staff levels again. 

London and New York have dominated financial employment in the last few decades, but the crisis and the increased growth in emerging markets, such as Russia and China, have lead to other financial centres growing around the world.,The crisis has also given a boost to the growth of Islamic finance, with Malaysia and Indonesia looking to capitalise on the expansion.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Jobs and Courses    
• Prospects Finalist  
• TARGETjobs City and Finance 
• Inside Careers: Banking, Securities & Investments  
• eFinancialCareers  
• Financial Times  
• Times Online  
• The Daily Telegraph Jobs  

Vacancies in operations are also available through specialist financial/banking recruitment agencies in London, although many of these will require relevant experience.

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