» Inside and Out Banking

Inside & Out is a virtual event designed to help LGBTQIA students graduating in 2023 or 2024 to develop an understanding of the investment banking sector, while addressing any concerns students may have in relation to being LGBTQIA in the workplace.

13th October 2022
12.30pm – 4.30pm

The Banks

Inside & Out is an initiative of the Interbank Forum, an industry-wide group that focuses on promoting career opportunities in corporate and investment banking.

Put simply, investment banks provide a range of financial services to companies, governments and wealthy individuals. One of their main roles is to help clients raise capital by issuing and selling securities in the capital markets. They provide expert advice on mergers and acquisitions, a well as helping clients manage their financial risks.

Requirements

Attendees need to be in their first or second year of university and identify as LGBTQIA . Because of the wide range of careers on offer, we welcome applications from all degree disciplines – so you don’t have to be studying a traditional finance-related subject to apply.

What you’ll need is a real desire to find out all you can about the industry, as well as the wide range of intern and full-time opportunities on offer.

Gallery

Images and videos taken from past Diversity Solutions events pre Covid 19, typically held face to face.

Person in a suit proudly holding their fist in the air at an Inside & Out LBGTQ+ event

Diverse group of students sitting and conversing during an Inside & Out LGBTQ+ event

Female-identifying student looking and smiling at their peer during an Inside & Out LGBTQ+ event

LGBTQ+ flag standing on a table at an Inside & Out event, with someone speaking into a microphone in the background

Group of students networking and laughing at an Inside & Out LGBTQ+ event with drinks in their hands

Students networking and smiling during an Inside & Out LGBTQ+ event

Students smiling and networking with industry experts at an Inside & Out LGBTQ+ event, with drinks in their hands

Student looking at the Inside & Our LGBTQ+ event welcome pamphlet

Panel of industry experts sitting together at the Inside & Out LGBTQ+ event, one is speaking into a microphone

FAQs

What sort of professional and social LGBTQIA networks exist within the banks and what service do they provide?

All of the banks profiled on this site have LGBTQIA employee networks, and recognise the value they add to a diverse workforce. In general, such networks can provide development and mentoring opportunities, as well as organising great social events and activities. They offer a chance to mix with fellow employees from all levels, allowing you to build connections right across the business. They also serve as the voice of the LGBTQIA population and can help drive change and shape policy.

Should I mention my sexuality in the application process?

That is entirely up to you. Some people are more comfortable being ‘out’ than others – it’s a decision only you can make. You can mention your sexuality on the application form, during interviews or after an offer has been made, or you may decide that you’re not prepared to discuss your personal life at work.

The choice is yours.

Do I need a finance-related degree?

Although knowledge of finance is not essential for many careers within investment banking, you will need to demonstrate a genuine interest in, and motivation for, the area that you are applying for. Most banks run intensive formal training schemes tailored to the needs of each business area, which ensure every graduate joiner has the required skills to be successful in their roles.

Banks typically look for people who combine a mix of skills and aptitudes, and who can contribute to a culture of teamwork and achievement. You will need an excellent record of personal accomplishment, along with impressive academic credentials. Most programmes will require you to have a 2:1 or above in any academic discipline.

Do I need to have been to Oxbridge?

There is no preference shown to graduates from specific universities – banks recruit talented people from universities across the UK and internationally.

How will the industry evolve in terms of career prospects?

The investment banking industry is constantly evolving because our clients are constantly evolving. With that change, comes enormous opportunity for both personal and professional development and mobility. Opportunities won’t necessarily come to you – it’s up to you to seek them out. The global nature of investment banking will offer those opportunities.

How has the economic downturn affected graduate opportunities?

All participating banks in Inside and Out continue to recruit a large number of interns on to their 1st and 2nd year programmes. A large amount of interns hired are then converted on to their full time programmes.

What’s the most common reason for an unsuccessful application?

Most unsuccessful applications for a place on an internship or graduate scheme are due to a candidate’s inability to demonstrate commercial awareness, knowledge of, and motivation for, the investment banking industry. Candidates are expected to show evidence that they’re right for the sector through their studies, work experiences or interests. Coming along to an event like this will put you in good stead and is something you can add to your CV.