Graduate FAQs

What degree type do you look for?

We’re looking for outstanding graduates from any degree discipline.

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Do I need a maths, economics or business/finance degree?

No. Obviously, these qualifications are helpful, but we are more interested in your overall ability and your personality than in what degree you studied.

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Is there a minimum academic requirement?

We require a minimum of a 2.1 degree and 300 UCAS points or equivalent.

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What other skills do you look for?

Individuality. Although we seek graduates with strong commercial acumen, an interest in financial markets and good numeracy, we are also interested in you and what you can bring to the Bank. So, interpersonal skills like relationship building and working in teams are important. But so is a healthy competitive spirit, a deep motivation and drive to succeed, a passion for what you do and a hunger to keep learning and be the best in your chosen field.

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Can’t I just send in my CV?

Because of the number of applications we receive, we are not able to accept paper-based CVs. Please apply on-line via this website.

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What are the salary/benefits?

We offer a competitive package that includes:

  • Market competitive salary
  • Discretionary performance-related bonus
  • 25 days annual leave
  • Non-contributory pension plan
  • Fully comprehensive healthcare cover
  • Employee Assistance Programme to provide you with confidential consultation and support about any aspect of your life
  • Subsidised in-house gym and restaurant
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Can I get feedback on my interview/application?

We can give detailed performance feedback to candidates who attend one of our selection centres. Regrettably, because of the number of applications we receive, we cannot provide feedback after the application or first round stage.

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How many graduate vacancies are there?

We operate an exclusive graduate trainee programme with approximately 15 to 20 vacancies a year. As a result, we can focus on graduates as individuals and successful applicants are assured of a highly personalised programme and lots of support.

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You have invited me to an interview/selection centre. Will you pay my travel expenses?

Click here to see our travel policy.

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Are secondments to other countries possible?

Yes. Secondments may last from a week to several years, depending on business needs and personal circumstances.

During your graduate programme, dependent on the business area you join, you may spend one or more rotations in an oversees office, such as Düsseldorf.

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How can I prepare for my interview?

Preparation is the key to success. Do your research before you come. Familiarise yourself with WestLB and with Investment Banking. Be able to explain the products and services offered by WestLB AG.

Your research should start with this website as well as our coporate website (www.westlb.co.uk) and any recent press coverage. Read the financial press regularly so that you can talk knowledgeably on current financial issues. Be ready to discuss the current state of the markets, particularly those markets you’d like to work in.

Look smart. Personal presentation should be professional. First impressions matter!

Review your application. We’ll ask you about it. So refresh your memory before the interview. Make sure what you’ve written is clear in your mind and be prepared to elaborate on your answers. Try to use different examples in the interview to the ones you’ve already given in the application.

Lastly, know when and where the interview is and make sure you arrive with plenty of time to spare. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of time. London transport is notoriously unreliable so allow for it. And if you’re unavoidably detained, it’s courteous to phone ahead to apologise and explain.

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I live away from London. If accepted, will you help me with moving and accommodation?

The Bank will provide, on a discretionary basis, reasonable relocation assistance for those relocating from an overseas location if your move is on the request of the Bank.

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I’m from overseas. Can you help me get a work permit?

Yes, if your application is successful we will support you in applying for the necessary work permit.

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I have a disability. Will this affect my chances of a place?

No, it will not. The Bank is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, regardless of race, ethnic or national origins, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status, age or disability. We welcome applications from anyone with a disability. However, we do encourage you to tell us about your condition so that we are able to support you as much as possible and make the necessary arrangements for your interviews and selection centres with us.

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What happens if I want to change business areas after I join?

WestLB encourages you to be fully committed to the business area you indicate on your application form since the Bank invests a lot in developing you and in return expects commitment and top performance. However, we do believe in continuously developing our people and where possible, dependent on individual performance and business need, we may facilitate departmental moves.

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Will I have to work long hours if I join?

As with any challenging, well rewarded career, you may find yourself working late at times, but there is certainly no pressure to work long hours unless it is necessary to get the job done.

We believe people are more effective if they maintain a healthy balance between life and work, and maintain an active social life and outside interests. We do not believe in a high-stress culture of working excessive hours as some larger banks seem to.

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I play a lot of sport. Will I have time for that after I join?

Whilst we offer a dynamic and challenging work environment, with early responsibility and opportunities, we never lose sight of the fact that our employees are individuals and have lives outside the office and we encourage employees to maintain their sport and social activities.

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