A keen understanding of the banking industry and financial markets is essential. Graduate role interviews will often focus around current financial affairs and the basic mechanics of the financial system, so reading up in advance is crucial. Most people engaged in the work need a high degree of analytic intelligence, the ability to deal confidently with figures, and decisiveness.
They need to be able to express themselves clearly and succinctly, orally and on paper, and to be persuasive about the conclusions they have drawn, either within their organisation or directly to clients. Given the responsibility, the competition and the pressure, it is important for bankers to show sustained stamina, energy and competitiveness over long periods, the ability to cope with the stress involved, and to maintain good working relationships. Ability to work well within a team is highly valued, as senior members need to rely on you to support clients and sometimes pick up mundane tasks for the good of the team.
