With over 200 years of history, Schroders is one of the largest and most prestigious asset managers in the UK. Landing a job at Schroders Investment Management is highly coveted yet competitive. This article will provide insights into Schroder careers from recruitment timelines, application tips, interview preparations to workplace culture and future prospects. There are ample examples of Schroders graduates and interns sharing their experiences across different functions like investments, product, technology and operations. For students interested in asset management, this is a must-read guide to better understand the investment management industry and succeed in your Schroders applications.
Schroders graduate recruitment overview – key programs and timelines
Schroders kicks off graduate recruitment as early as September each year for the following summer internship and graduate intake. There are a few key graduate programs to apply for at Schroders Investment Management UK:
– Investment Graduate Program – 2 years structured program rotating across asset classes and teams like equities, fixed income, multi-asset before joining a team permanently. This is the most competitive program with only 8 spots each year.
– Technology Graduate Program – Front office technology like trading systems, data analytics as well as middle office programs like client reporting, pricing. Usually 5-10 spots per year. Coding tests required.
– Operations Graduate Program – Rotations across settlement, corporate actions, reconciliations. 5 spots per year. Excel test required.
– Client Services & Business Management Graduate Program – Rotations across marketing, product development, RFPs. 5 spots per year.
For all programs, 1st round is video interview, 2nd round is assessment centre group case study and individual interview, final round is panel interviews. Schroders makes offers as early as November. But vacant spots can open up later for rolling applications.
How Schroders interns described their experiences across different teams
Internships are the best way to experience Schroders Investment Management culture and team dynamics before committing to a graduate program. Here are some reviews from previous Schroders interns:
– Investments intern: “I was in the Global Emerging Markets team and loved the intellectually stimulating work and collaborative culture. We analysed macro trends, financial statements, modeled DCF valuations for pitches. My manager gave me a lot of responsibility to lead research tasks and join client meetings.”
– Technology intern: “I was placed in the Data Analytics team. It was inspiring to see how programming skills are applied to solve real business problems. I worked on a machine learning algorithm to analyze client sentiment from surveys and feedback. The team was very supportive of my learning and projects.”
– Operations intern: “As a settlements intern, I learned the entire trade life cycle from execution to settlement. It was fast-paced and detail-oriented. I also got to work with people across different departments and gained a good overview of asset management.”
– Marketing intern: “I worked on competitor analysis reports to support new product launches. I liked the collaboration between investments, product, legal and marketing teams. My manager valued my input for client presentations and marketing materials even as an intern.”
Overall the interns emphasised the steep learning, high responsibility, supportive team culture and social aspects as highlights of their experiences.
Top tips for acing your Schroders investment management applications
Here are some top tips for standing out in your Schroders applications and interviews:
– Research the firm’s history, business strategy and latest news on growth plans, new products or hirings. This shows motivation.
– Highlight both technical and soft skills in your CV – attention to detail, stakeholder management and communication matter.
– For investments roles, show your passion for markets via investing clubs, acads, projects etc. Knowledge of modeling and valuation important.
– Prepare answers with structured problem solving process using real examples of teamwork, leadership, overcoming challenges.
– Show your intellectual curiosity to learn more about asset management and develop your skills.
– Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end to show your engagement and interests.
– Be yourself, authenticity and culture add matters a lot here. They want to assess your motivation and fit.
Schroders Investment Management offers a highly prestigious platform to launch your career in asset management and investments. With a rigorous recruitment process and competitive applicant pool, early preparation and putting your best foot forward is key. By following the tips shared by previous Schroders graduates and interns, you will gain valuable insights into creating a compelling application and interview strategy.