James works in the global industries team within the corporate and investment banking division at Bank of America. He joined the London office in August 2004 after completing the bank’s four-week training programme in New York. James read Economics at the University of Cambridge.
Q: Can you describe the application process?
My career at Bank of America started with an internship in the summer of 2003, so my application process was very much in two stages. For the internship I completed an online application form, attaching a CV and covering letter. I then had to take a numeracy test, followed by two interviews – one with a junior banker and one with the managing directors (MDs) of the global industries team. The internship itself comprised daily challenges, on which I was assessed, as well as formal interviews with MDs, which led to a full-time job offer.
Q: What’s the trick to filling in investment banking application forms?
Do as much as you can to find out about the bank to which you’re applying. I used two main channels – 1) people who were in the years above me at university, and 2) careers fairs. Using these, I was able to get a good feel for the atmosphere at Bank of America and the fact that it’s growing fast in Europe. This enabled me to include some intelligent comments on the application form.
Q: What kinds of questions were you asked at interview?
The first interview explored my background and whether I would be a good personality fit with the organisation. I was asked a lot about my team and interpersonal skills. The second interview was more technical, as well as testing my drive and reasons for wanting to work in banking. One of the toughest questions was being asked what my friends would say my weaknesses were.
James’ tips- Research extremely carefully so you can talk intelligently about which bank you want to join and the division in which you want to work.
- Think hard about whether you want to go into investment banking, debt capital markets or the trading floor, for example.
- Show enthusiasm and a real desire to learn, and demonstrate a broad range of interests and skills.
|
 |
|
UK
