FAQs - Graduates
Graduate recruitment enquiries
When can I apply?
Applications open in approximately August/September each year. We recruit on a rolling basis, so you are advised to apply sooner rather than later. Check the job descriptions on the website for full details and we advise saving a copy of the job description to refer to later in the recruitment process.
What areas of the business do you recruit graduates in to?
Roles vary year on year depending on where the business needs you most. We generally recruit graduate trainees into all areas of the business from Wealth Management, Corporate Functions (e.g , Finance, Internal Audit, Risk & Compliance), Public Markets (Fixed-Income, Multi-Asset, Equities), to Client Group (including Sales, Marketing, Product) and Private Markets (Schroders Capital).
When does the graduate programme start?
Our two-year graduate development programme usually starts mid-September. There is one intake of graduates per year globally.
Am I eligible for the graduate programme?
If you are in your final year of study (degree or masters qualifications) or recently graduated and have the relevant right to work in the country for the programme you’re applying for without requiring sponsorship now or in the future, you are eligible for the graduate programme.
Can I apply for more than one graduate programme?
We can only accept one application at a time per candidate, per region. You may apply to more than one role if the programmes are located in different regions. We may also re‑route strong candidates to a different team or programme if there’s clear fit- without requiring a second application.
What degree disciplines do you accept?
For the majority of our graduate roles, we welcome applications regardless of the degree subject you’ve chosen to study. For more technical roles, such as our Quant Public Markets graduate programme, a STEM degree is preferred. This will be clearly advertised on the job description at the point of application.
What do you look for in candidates?
We look for open-minded, hard-working and intellectually curious individuals. We’re not expecting you to be experts, however in your application, we like to see your motivation and drive, what experience you have (whether this is within the Asset Management or Wealth Management industry or in part-time jobs/volunteering work), a level of commercial awareness and a passion for the industry.
What qualifications will I gain on the programme?
You will have the opportunity to gain an industry recognised qualification that is relevant and appropriate for the role. All graduates are required to sit a Level 4 qualification. This is likely to be the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) or Investment Advice Diploma (IAD) for graduates in Wealth Management. The majority of our graduates in front office roles (such as Public and Private Markets and Client Group) will go on to be supported to study for and sit the CFA qualification (Level 1). Wealth Management Graduates will be supported to sit the Chartered Wealth Manager or Wealth Planning specific qualification. Graduates in Corporate Functions, e.g. Internal Audit, Finance, Risk, Compliance and Tax, will be supported to sit an alternative professional qualification relevant to the role. Finance and Tax graduates typically complete either the CIMA or the ACCA qualification.
What is the graduate application process?
Stage | Assessment | What is tested? | Why are we testing this? | Format | How long is it? | |||||
Application submitted | ||||||||||
Stage 1 | Cognitive Assessment | Numerical, critical and diagrammatic reasoning, including how you work with numbers, interpret information and spot patterns. No specialist knowledge is needed. | How you analyse information, solve problems and make decisions. | Short online multiple-choice test. | Around 20 minutes | |||||
Stage 2 | Motivation & Behavioural Assessment | What motivates you, how you like to work and what matters to you. | What drives you, how you work with others, and how your strengths align to the role and our values. | Short online multiple-choice questionnaire. | Around 20 minutes | |||||
Stage 3 | Workplace Scenarios & Video Intro | Realistic workplace situations and a short recorded video answer. | How you think, communicate and respond to practical workplace scenarios. It is not about being polished. | Online workplace scenario questions plus a short recorded video answer. | Around 30 minutes | |||||
Stage 4 | Assessment Centre | A group activity, short presentation and interview. | How you work with others, communicate and approach tasks in practice. | Usually in-person at one of our offices, or virtually depending on location. | Around 4–5 hours | |||||
When do the assessment centres take place for graduate programmes?
Assessment centre for the graduates take place between October - December.
Can I re-apply if I am unsuccessful?
Yes, we would welcome you to re-apply the following year if you are unsuccessful this year.
How do I apply?
If the application window is open please apply here
In line with our commitment to a fair and transparent recruitment process, we are unable to accept or review applications submitted via email. All applications must be submitted through our website.
If you are not a university student, or have withdrawn from your studies, you may be suitable for our school leaver programmes. You can find out more about our school leaver programmes here
General enquiries
When can I expect to receive updates on the progress of my application?
We receive many applications each year and process them as quickly as possible. We will notify you of any updates or decisions regarding your progression to the next stage. If you are not successful, we will also let you know
Due to high application volumes, processing takes time. We aim for timely communication at each stage via email:
- Online assessments: An automated email invites you to complete online assessments. A bespoke feedback report after all three stages of the online assessments will follow within 24 hours, with further communication from the recruitment team. You may wait for outcomes as we consider all applications and shortlist candidates for the next stages.
- Interviews and assessment days: Expect a minimum of one-week notice before an assessment centre. We will do our best to be flexible, especially for those with examinations to complete.
Can I request feedback?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide additional individual feedback on request due to the high volume of applications we receive. However, candidates will receive an individual and bespoke feedback report after each of the three online assessment stages, usually within 24 hours of completion. These reports provide deeper insight into your strengths, as well as development recommendations you can take forward throughout the recruitment process and beyond.
My circumstances have changed. How do I remove myself from the application process?
You can withdraw your application at any time with the account details that you used to apply for the role. If you have any difficulties in doing so, please email earlycareers@schroders.com.
What if I have access requirements or special needs?
Online assessment Stages 1 and 2 are not timed, so you can complete them at a pace that works for you. If you progress to Stage 3 onwards and would benefit from any adjustments or support, please contact us as early as possible at earlycareers@schroders.com so we can help.
What do I need to wear to the assessment centre?
We recommend dressing smartly and comfortably in a way that helps you feel confident. This aligns with both the assessment centre dress code and our day-to-day working environment.
Smart business wear is recommended and may include a smart suit, plain shirt or blouse, smart knit top, smart trousers, a skirt or dress, and clean, smart shoes. You do not need to buy anything new or expensive; what matters most is that you look neat, presentable and professional.
We recommend avoiding trainers, ripped jeans, hoodies, caps and clothing with slogans.
For the stage 3 video interview, please dress as you would for an interview or assessment centre, as your camera will be on. This does not need to be anything fancy or expensive, but we recommend choosing something neat, comfortable and professional.
Why do you collect information about me and how do you use it?
At Schroders, our vision is for our workforce to represent the diversity of the communities in which we operate globally. We invite candidates to complete a short set of diversity questions as part of the recruitment process. This helps us understand the diversity of our applicant pool and identify any areas where representation may be lacking.
Providing this information is entirely voluntary; however, we strongly encourage applicants and employees to complete the diversity questionnaire. This allows us to continually monitor and improve our process, ensuring it is inclusive to everyone regardless of background.
This data is not used to make decisions on who we progress through the recruitment process, and the recruitment team has no access to your diversity data. Your data will be used for statistical and monitoring purposes only, informing our Inclusion and Diversity strategy.
Your answers will be treated in the strictest confidence, and all data is held in line with legal data privacy requirements, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our Job Applicant Privacy Policy can be found here:
Further questions?
If you have further questions about the graduate programme, please email earlycareers@schroders.com.
What student programmes are available?
Visit our Early careers | Schroders global site to learn about available programs, eligibility requirements and upcoming events.