Uptree

What is it?

The financial industry is one that includes firms that participate in investing, lending, insurance, securities trading and securities issuance. Generally the clients are individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations and agencies of government.

What skills do you need?

Interpersonal skills ➕ Ability to communicate ➕ Financial reporting ➕ Analytical ability ➕ Problem-solving skills ➕ Management

Companies

• Credit Suisse Group
• MS&AD Insurance Group
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Goldman Sachs
• JP Morgan

Salary range

• <1 year experience: £23,530
• 1-4 years' experience: £27,855
• 5-9 years' experience: £40,430
• 10-19 years' experience: £49,728
• 20 years' or more: £53,933

What qualifications do you need?

Accountancy firms usually seek good academic grades (eg 112 UCAS points) from applicants, with usually at least a B grade (although some will accept a C) in GCSE maths and English.

Pathway options / different routes in / Next steps

There are two routes into most finance careers. You can go to university full time first and then apply for a graduate job (usually on a graduate programme), or you can join an apprenticeship.

Helpful tips

Banks’ retail and corporate divisions hire college leavers at a level 4 apprenticeships. Recruiters typically ask for at least two good A levels (A to C) or between 80 and 112 UCAS points, as well as five or more A to C grade GCSEs (Grades 5-9), including maths and English. Recruiters may also seek customer service experience.