Aspiring finance professionals face increasingly competitive landscapes as they seek internships and graduate positions within the industry. Recruitment specialists report a significant rise in applications, driven in part by digital platforms that streamline job listings and application processes.
Dartmouth Partners, a recruitment firm operating in London, New York, Charlotte, and Hong Kong, receives tens of thousands of applications annually. According to Will Munn, head of its early careers team, the firm now sees around a 35 percent annual increase in applications for internship and graduate programmes from both City and Wall Street clients over the past two years. Dartmouth has expanded its focus from primarily sales and trading roles to more fund management positions, reflecting shifting employer demand.
The recruitment process for these programmes is extensive, often lasting six weeks and involving multiple rounds including telephone interviews, video assessments, and final face-to-face interviews with practical technical tests. Munn notes that companies must work harder to differentiate themselves, as candidates increasingly prioritize workplace culture and the likelihood of securing a full-time offer after internships.
Candidates rely heavily on digital resources for job hunting. One graduate from the London School of Economics highlighted Trackr, an interactive spreadsheet-style platform that updates finance internship and graduate vacancies from a broad range of employers including banks, quantitative trading firms, hedge funds, and boutique advisories. Trackr’s founder, Sam Leong, says the platform lists nearly 1,000 programmes annually, with 94 percent reviewing applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Some firms reportedly fill openings within hours of posting.
However, some employers dispute claims of strict application caps. Hannah Tupper, head of emerging talent at asset manager Schroders, described their approach as “dynamic,” reflecting demand for individual programmes rather than setting fixed limits. She acknowledged a sharp rise in applications and that interest grows immediately after new roles are advertised.
Competition is intensified not only by the volume of applicants but also by geographical factors. European students competing for London-based roles often have more experience and maturity, with some traveling internationally to participate in recruitment events.
Industry insiders advise early and thorough preparation. Bright Network’s Ben Uffindell emphasizes early application submissions, refining presentation skills, and readiness for technical challenges such as modelling leveraged buyouts during interviews. He also highlights the importance of networking opportunities—whether through university career fairs, employer events, or personal connections in finance.
Various programmes exist to support entry into the finance sector, particularly for underrepresented groups. Organisations such as upReach and Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) provide guidance and access to opportunities from secondary school onwards. SEO runs a week-long Ignite programme aimed at students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to build career awareness and skills.
Globally, banks and financial institutions have developed diverse entry schemes. For example, UBS in Switzerland offers an 18-month programme for school leavers, while Singapore’s OCBC and DBS banks provide apprenticeships for polytechnic students that can lead to permanent roles. In Hong Kong, most banks seek degree holders, though government initiatives like the Youth Employment and Training Programme help younger candidates without university qualifications find opportunities.
Recruiters and educators alike stress the value of building a professional network, beginning with personal contacts and extending to peer groups and platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with finance societies at universities and taking advantage of careers fairs can help candidates gain insight and expand their connections, increasing their chances of securing coveted finance positions.