Santander currently has 25 million customers throughout the world from 1400 branches employing 23,000 people across the UK. There are three distinct sectors to their organisation: Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Global Banking and Private Banking.
The size of the organisation means that at Santander you have the opportunity to take your career anywhere! And with 12 different Graduate Programmes to choose from there’s bound to be something that suits you:
– Banking Operations Support
– Corporate Banking
– Finance
– Global Banking & Markets
– Global Banking Operations
– HR
– Internal Audit
– Marketing
– Operations
– Retail Management Programme
– Risk
– Telephone Distribution
The majority of courses are held all across the UK and Santander will endeavour to place you in your preferred location, but you may need to be flexible. Further details can be found on the Santander graduate website https://www.santanderjobs.co.uk/realiseyourfuture/graduates.php.
What is the recruitment process?
Once you have decided which graduate scheme is right for you, you can apply directly to Santander via their careers website http://www.santanderukgraduates.com/#/#apply
The initial application form should take 10-15 minutes to complete which is primarily to confirm that you are eligible to apply. You will need to attach your CV and covering letter to the form, and your application will be checked for spelling and grammar, so get it right!
If you are suitable you’ll be asked complete some online tests which check your numerical and verbal skills which will take 20-30 minutes.
Once you have passed these tests, you will be contacted to arrange a telephone interview. This is to get a better understanding of your history and acquired skills. The questions will be competency-based, asking you about a time when you have demonstrated a specific skill or dealt with a certain problem.
Pass this and you will be asked to attend the Santander Assessment Centre where you will complete a number of individual and group exercises while you are being observed. You may even be asked to give a presentation.
If you have been successful at the Assessment Centre you will probably be asked to attend a final individual interview.
What can I expect?
The courses are generally 2 years long, and in addition to the very competitive starting salary you can also expect: discounted health insurance, life assurance, at least 25 days holiday, discounted car scheme and special rates on Santander UK financial products and access to other retail discounts.
What do I need to apply?
In order to be considered a suitable candidate you must have, or be expecting to receive a minimum of 2:1 degree in a suitable degree which in the majority of cases will usually include maths or numerical content, for example Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Technology (IT).
About
Our Graduate schemes provide everything you need to get your career off to an incredible start. The real, live projects you’ll be involved in will not only provide you with valuable experience but also contribute towards our purpose of helping people and businesses prosper.
Lots of different strands of schemes here, not just relating to banking, which is good – especially given that banking has a bit of a low image right now
I just noticed that the scheme was 2 years long. I do think it’s important before starting anything like this to remember that it is fairly long-term (not a couple of weeks!) so you have to be able to commit. Committing to it will also look good on your CV for the future and proves that you can stick at something for a while.