Investec Specific Qs Flashcards
Why Finance and Investment?
I naturally enjoy working in a fast paced environment which is why a career in the sector of banking and finance appeals to me.
I also enjoy working with numbers and solving problems, so using a combination of problem solving and numerical skills to invest people’s money effectively is something I am eager to be involved in.
I am eager to get involved in such a broad industry which offers a great opportunity to build a broad range of skills and go on to specialise eventually.
This combined with the volume of qualifications that can be obtained in the industry such as the CFA qualification make it an exciting career choice for me.
Finally the level of job satisfaction I believe I would obtain working in the industry is very high. I am particularly motivate when I can see the impact of my work in real terms. Therefore seeing the results of advice or investment is something I would find greatly rewarding.
Why do you want to work for Investec?
My primary motivation for applying to work at Investec is because I aspire to work at one of the UK’s leading wealth and investment management companies.
The commitment to developing people is something I am really attracted to as an individual with an innovative and entrepreneurial mind-set.
As someone who is always keen to improve and learn this is an attractive potential learning environment.
I also strongly agree with the core values at Investec of distinctive performance, dedicated partnerships, client focus and cast iron integrity.
The idea of client focus is something that is particularly significant for me as I believe in the idea that their money is invested in their best interests with strong moral integrity if they are to trust you with their investment.
This is clearly the case with the excellent customer service record that Investec has achieved in its history.
Investec’s impressive contribution to social schemes such as the Beyond Business programme is another reason why I have chosen Investec.
I am a firm believer that companies should invest in creating jobs where they can.
Another reason I would like to work for Investec is the commitment to a business which has a sustainable impact on the environment.
The hard work going into reducing the footprint is something I strongly agree with and would love to be able to say I was a part of.
What attracts you to the graduate program at Investec?
The main reason why I am attracted to the Investec graduate scheme is the rotational learning scheme.
I am eager to initially keep my options broad and with this gain a broad range of skills from rotating around the three business units: Corporate and Institutional Banking, Wealth & Investment and Private Banking.
In addition to this I like to take on responsibility, so the opportunity to complete a project with a real business impact is something I look forward too.
I would very much like the chance to get involved on something that would have a real impact as soon as possible, as when I can see the results of my work this motivates me even further.
Working with high profile clients is something I feel I would excel at given my excellent communication skills gained from a variety of customer service orientated positions.
The learning opportunities that come with the graduate scheme are something I think would be invaluable.
Particularly the chance to complete the Chartered Financial Analyst Level 1 is something I am eager to achieve where possible.
What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?
I am inquisitive and ambitious. This is shown by my constant hunger to learn and reach new targets.
An example of this is my work at Midland Computer services in the customer services department where…
I am excellent at thinking outside of the box and being entrepreneurial. I have a proven academic track record of solving problems in innovative ways, which I have also applied in the work place.
Often for projects during my university degree I have had to think outside of the box to design an innovative solution.
An example of this is my design of the exhaust system in the Leeds Formula Student Race team where…
I am always looking to work out how things can be done better and I am not afraid to take calculated risks to achieve my objectives.
An example of this is when I was working in the Midland Computer services Production department and I would often have to take a risk of changing components out for very similar ones in order to get orders out of the door on a limited budget.
5) What do you know about our company’s history?
Our journey is something that sets us apart — from a small finance company founded in South Africa in 1974 to an international organisation trusted to manage clients’ assets worth more than £150 billion.
6) What will the main tasks and responsibilities be in this job?
Working in small teams during the first three months of this fifteen-month programme, you will rotate between our three business units: Corporate and Institutional Banking, Wealth & Investment and Private Banking.
During this time, you’ll complete a project designed to solve a real business need. Not only will you gain a broad overview of each business areas and how they help our clients, you will meet key business leaders and team members that will help you grow a supportive network.
After that, you’ll spend an immersive 12 months within either our Private Bank or Corporate and Institutional Bank, to gain a more thorough understanding of what we do. This will combine both ‘front office’ and support areas, so you can learn about the whole value chain.
9) Where do you see yourself in five years time?
In a few years’ time I aspire to have completed my graduate program at Investec and obtained a more senior role at the company.
I aim to have either completed my Chartered Financial Analyst Level 1 or be working towards that goal.
At this point I aim to have taken on or to be taking on some possible management responsibilities so I can share the range of skills I have acquired.
10) What are our Products and Services that we offer?
Our specialist expertise is delivered with dedication and energy.
Working in partnership with you, our client, we provide services to support your personal and business goals.
Private Banking - We’re a private bank built to service a small number of clients’ individual needs. We’re here to support your success and build a relationship with you for the long term.
Corporate and Institutional Banking - We provide a wide range of products and services including specialised lending and treasury activities. All are individually designed to deliver the best outcomes for your business.
Investment Banking - As an integrated business focused on local delivery but with international reach, we offer clients a highly customised service.
12) What are the company’s core values? Why do you think that these are crucial?
Integrity
We believe that what distinguishes us are the long-term relationships we build with our clients, based on open and honest dialogue and cast-iron integrity.
Distinctive performance
Energy, ambition and outstanding talent are what drive us. Through meritocracy, respect and openness to fresh thinking, we stimulate extraordinary performance in our people.
Client focus
We offer client service, not customer support – and create strategies and services designed around your needs and goals, not ours.
Entrepreneurial spirit
Our unique history and evolution are testimony to what drives us. This entrepreneurial spirit is something our clients tend to share.
13) What are the effects of the credit crunch?
The growth stocks of former years may not be those of the future.
The longer-term effects of the credit crunch have yet to be seen but are having a powerful impact on all markets and shifting the contours of the global economy.
What is Private Banking?
Private banking involves providing a broad range of personalised, individually-tailored financial and banking services, most commonly to high-net-worth individuals.
Private banking is focused on providing financial services to wealthy clients.
Among the many services that a private banker may provide for clients are general investment advice, asset and portfolio management, currency exchange or currency hedging services, tax planning and estate planning.
Being a good private banker requires a certain level of expertise across the whole spectrum of investing.
What is Corporate Banking?
Corporate banking, also known as business banking, refers to the aspect of banking that deals with corporate customers.
The corporate banking segment of banks typically serves a diverse range of clients, ranging from small- to mid-sized local businesses with a few millions in revenues to large conglomerates with billions in sales and offices across the country.
What is Investment Banking?
An investment banker acts primarily in the role of offering advice and services to corporations.
Investment banking typically involves putting together debt and equity financing deals, handling M&As, managing stock splits and share buybacks, restructuring debt and conducting initial public offerings (IPOs).
What are the three things we look for in graduates?
Entrepreneurial mindset, innovative spirit and extraordinary standards of delivery.
