Scottish Widows Investment Partnership re-opens graduate scheme

Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP) has revived its graduate investment manager programme. Applications for the asset management company’s scheme are now open.

The two-year programme, which was cancelled for 2012, will be based in SWIP’s Edinburgh office and will train four graduates to become investment managers. A graduate position is available in each of the investment departments – global equities, fixed income, investment solutions and real estate – for a September 2013 start.

As part of their role, graduates will get involved in company analysis; research and portfolio construction; risk; and desk support. They will also be supported to study towards professional qualifications: either the investment management certification and the chartered financial analyst program, or the assessment of professional competence with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (for the real estate programme).

‘Graduate recruitment is a key part of SWIP’s overall strategy of attracting and developing the best talent in the market,’ says Nikki Humphrey, SWIP’s HR director. ‘We already have several colleagues who have progressed through our graduate programme up to a senior level and I am pleased we are able to continue the development of fund managers of the future.’

Apply to the SWIP graduate scheme

Graduates who want to apply to the SWIP scheme should be prepared to put a lot of time and research into their applications: SWIP’s resourcing partner, Joanne Parsons, says that they receive over 100 applicants per place – and there are only four.

A minimum 2.1 degree is required, but SWIP does say it will consider those with a 2.2 if they have relevant experience and/or further qualifications – it’s fair to say these will have to be exceptional, given the level of competition. Candidates will also need impressive problem-solving and communication skills, with specific examples of when they’ve demonstrated these abilities. The application closing date is 1 November.

Source: Targetjobs.co.uk, Tuesday 4th September 2012