Successful graduates share their paths into investment banking

Danielle Wright

Associate, Markets graduate programme, JP Morgan

Eirik Fladmark

Analyst, Investment Banking graduate programme, JP Morgan

One leading financial institute doesn’t just hire people who went down the traditional entry routes; they are hiring diverse teams from varied backgrounds to build a resilient and confident workforce.

Eirik Fladmark, Analyst on the Investment Banking Graduate Programme, began his journey with a degree in computer science and AI. He then went on to do a software engineering internship before deciding to pursue a career in investment banking. It was only after exploring various roles both inside and outside the bank that he realised his passion for high-level strategic and financial decisions. “I got a lot of encouragement to speak to people across different areas of the company, to make sure I found the right fit for me,” he explains.

Diverse paths to a career in finance

Danielle Wright, Associate on the JPMorgan Markets Graduate Programme, started with a land economy degree. She then took up a summer internship for the company and landed an offer in the programme. “Many people have a perception of the type of people who work in finance,” she says.

“But I’ve been positively surprised by the vast range of backgrounds and academic experiences which make up the team here. I try to bring my creativity into the team, whether through sports days, cultural events or art exhibitions,” she adds. “I’ve even had the opportunity to travel to New York through the programme and meet my peers in different teams, which really fosters a diverse and inclusive community throughout the bank.”

Join financial societies, seek
out opportunities and always keep
learning and challenging yourself.

Finance is not limited by your choice of degree

From consumer banking to tech, marketing and beyond, JPMorgan offers a diverse array of career options, and the decision to pursue one does not have to be limited by your undergraduate degree. “I discovered investment banking later than most,” explains Fladmark. “In the UK, your degree doesn’t limit you. What matters is your interest. If you put in the time and secure an interview, the bank already recognises your potential.”

Wright agrees: “Be curious and put in the time and effort, and if you’re genuinely interested, you are already in a strong position to succeed. Join financial societies, seek out opportunities and always keep learning and challenging yourself.”

Transferable skills from undergrad

Many of the skills learned at university are transferable across roles at JPMorgan, including problem-solving, communication, time management and the ability to learn new things quickly, all of which provide an excellent foundation for a fast-moving financial career.

Wright explains: “The interdisciplinary nature of my undergraduate studies taught me time management, communication and lateral thinking, working across areas of law, economics and environmental policy. Even though much of my actual degree is not relevant here, I apply these skills daily in the dynamic, cross-asset markets in which I work.”

Fladmark adds: “Being part of the technology investment banking team, my background has helped me when it comes to giving structural and technical perspectives in many discussions. The blend of backgrounds within the team ensures we always get new ways to look at the businesses we work with.”

Advice for future graduates

Stressing the importance of dedication and hard work, the graduates are passionate about the opportunities offered as part of the programme, including mentorship, networking opportunities and the chance to connect with colleagues dedicated to shared success. “Everyone experiences imposter syndrome at some point; it’s normal, and it motivates you to keep learning,” says Fladmark.

Wright explains: “One challenge I faced in my first year was accepting that I will never be able to know everything, but you are surrounded by such experienced and talented people who can help you to succeed. I like to be constantly challenged, and I strive for roles that will allow me to grow and learn many different things at once.”

Most of JPMorgan’s graduate programmes are filled through its summer internships, which are aimed at penultimate year university students.