Getting Hired

Tips from the inside

Everyone into the pool

UBS is fairly selective in its Asia offices, sources say, and that means there's been "a lot of time and effort spent to recruit the right people." The bank "does a lot to differentiate itself from other investment banks by holding competitions, networking sessions with students, information events and getting managers to talk to university classes." Recruiting takes place at "top schools globally," as well as "laterally." First years may be hired "from local and international universities" within each office's regional footprint, but candidates from "anywhere and everywhere" are considered.

Insiders say the firm "is extremely diverse in recruiting people with different experiences," which makes for a broad candidate pool. And, adds a source, this "should, logically, make it easier for people to get hired. However, the internal processes and check points are often lengthy, and in a volatile market, it's extremely challenging for people to get hired." In some cases, the process goes on so long that "by the time approval is obtained, the potential candidate has moved on to an alternative job."