Graduates are confident in the banking industry despite the recession and will work in the City for inflated salaries and opportunities for career progression.
That’s the view among the students and graduates who took part in the first Milkround.com live debate.
Representatives from top employers Citi, Moore Stephens and the Financial Services Authority had questions put to them for an hour-long session, and polls revealed the thoughts of readers looking on.
Readers were asked what attracts them to a career in banking the most with 50 percent stating salary was the deciding factor and nearly a third citing career progression. Just 10 percent claimed bonuses were decisive.
They were also asked how confident they are in the banking industry following the credit crunch. Two in three said they were confident or very confident, suggesting banking is recovering from a loss of faith in the industry after many banks folded or merged to stay in business.
The panelists answered various questions about a banking career. When asked about the long hours often attributed to working in banking, Karen Luckly of Citi said: “You can find the right balance. However, it is very important that you do all the necessary research beforehand. Some business areas work different hours to others so you need to find out what your priorities and goals are.”
Tricia Gardiner of Moore Stephens LLP was delighted with the opportunity to connect to students and graduates in a lively debate. She said: “The online forum is a great opportunity to engage with a large number of candidates and efficiently answer their immediate questions about graduate opportunities and the selection process. It also allows us to quickly convert queries into applications.”
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In closing, when readers were asked whether they thought a banking career was a good or bad idea, 82 percent chose good – emphasising the confidence that has returned to the banking sector.
Milkround.com spokesperson Mike Barnard said: “It was great to give our candidates the chance to talk direct to banking professionals and have their questions answered live online. The debate remains on-site so those who missed the hour session can still read all the advice given too. We look forward to hosting further debates on Milkround.com which get to the heart of student and graduate concerns as they enter the jobs market and to give clients the chance to interact with potential candidates and inform their future graduate recruitment campaigns.”
