Year in Industry Student Handbook 2025-26

Investment Banking 

Investment banking is the sector of a financial institution (e.g. a bank) that provides advice and services to corporations, institutions and governments regarding financial projects and transactions, such as risk assessment, mergers & acquisitions or raising financial capital. Roles in investment banking are concentrated in large companies such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and Barclays Capital. 

Retail Banking 

(Also known as consumer banking) 

Retail banking is the branch of a bank designated to provide day-to-day services to consumers rather than businesses. Here you may find yourself dealing with mortgages, personal loans, credit cards and saving accounts. This area is ever-changing as banking services for individuals are no longer only provided by high-street banks but also by supermarkets and online credit companies. 

Corporate Banking 

(Also known as commercial banking) 

Corporate banking is the branch of a bank designated to provide services to businesses rather than consumers. These businesses can range from small and midsized companies to large corporations. Starting with credit analysis, you may then find yourself working on loans, treasury and cash management services. Corporate banks may target one specific industry and, therefore, you could acquire a very specific expertise. 

Marketing 

In the broader sense, marketing is a set of processes used by a business aimed at achieving customer interest and satisfaction. This is a big and diversified area, and your job will depend mostly on the services offered by the company you work with, but you can expect to be part of a very creative environment. 

Professional Financial Services 

(Actuarial, accountancy, insurance) 

Opportunities range from those in large financial services firms, advising and providing services to several clients, to working in-house for a wide range of public and private organisations.  

Examples of these opportunities are accountancy, where you will monitor the financial situation of your given clients, focusing on recording, analysing and communicating financial data, and actuarial positions, where you will advise your clients on how to lessen or contain financial risks connected to their activity. 

Sales & Business Development 

A placement in sales or business development will give you the opportunity to play a key role in the growth of a business and its revenues. Working in sales you will develop great communication and negotiation skills, and you will be the ultimate responsible for closing deals with customers. In business development you will be more exposed to the growth strategy of the company, overseeing finding new business opportunities (clients, markets, sectors, etc.) and of generating leads.