According to LinkedIn research across sectors, acquiring practical skills and experience is more important than ever. Recruiters report being five times more likely to search for candidates by skills rather than degrees. Three-quarters believe that skills-first hiring will become a priority in the next 18 months.

The finance industry is evolving rapidly in multiple ways, with above-average projected growth in roles such as Investment Banker and Securities Trader at 7%, and Quantitative Analyst and Finance Analyst at 8%. There is also a growing drive for a more inclusive, diverse, and adaptable workforce.

These trends have led financial institutions to seek candidates with proven abilities aligned with their specialist roles, acquired through practical training and experience, commonly known as skills-based hiring.

In short, very important. While for the majority of institutions, a degree or an advanced degree is still usually an essential prerequisite for competitive graduate roles, traditional hiring practices that consider education and degrees as the only predictors of success are becoming less common.

As the recruitment partner for leading firms, including our global sponsor Morgan Stanley, we witness firsthand how valuable practical experience is and a growing number of firms, such as Dare, a leading energy trading firm founded by AmplifyME alumnus Ayman Rahman in 2016, are realising the value that non-traditional candidates—those who may lack a formal degree or have an unconventional career path but possess the necessary skills can bring to their workforce.

Dare recruits purely based on the ability to perform in the role, irrespective of degree or background. By focusing on the skills and competencies required for a position, institutions like Dare can identify the most qualified candidates, regardless of their educational background or work experience.

For most, the goal is to secure an internship, either during university or directly afterward, offering first hand exposure through interactions with seasoned industry experts. Internships, however, are famously competitive to secure, with leading firms receiving upwards of 150,000 applications each year.

To be considered, acquiring practical experience beforehand proves to increase success, as demonstrated by the employability rate from our Summer Analyst Training Programme. From our 2020 alumni, 92% secured roles in finance within two years, including top internships at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, RBC, and more. 

The 2024 Programme is open for applications and is currently offered at the pre-2024 price.
Secure your place early to avoid disappointment.