Starting "at the bottom" on reasonable money?

[timbob]

I'm still on the path to a career swap - from teaching into Banking/Accountancy/Financial Services etc...

At the moment, I'm focusing on getting "a job" where I can learn applicable skills and gain experience in order to pursue a career.

The two ways in I can see are the graduate schemes or starting at the bottom.

Competition for the graduate schemes seems feirce - especially considering I don't have a relevant degree. Despite being good at maths (A level maths and further maths), I'm not getting into the top percentile on the online numerical aptitude tests - being beaten by recent maths/economics graduates I suspect.

So, I've widened my search to those jobs starting at the bottom.

Except my local bank branches are only paying £12k for a full time cashiers post - how they can get away with that, I don't know.

So - are there actually any "entry level" jobs in this field - for a 25 year old graduate (with a non-specific degree), bright, quick learner, teacher for 4 years, so excellent interpersonal skills, numerate with a good analytical mind, paying a salary I can actually live off (c. £20k)???

[okgo]

You could take a look on the bloomberg site, they offer a lot of entry level roles, and didn't seem to uppity about what uni you're from etc..Although I only looked at the sales side of things..

[TVR MAN]

timbob said:

Competition for the graduate schemes seems feirce - especially considering I don't have a relevant degree. Despite being good at maths (A level maths and further maths), I'm not getting into the top percentile on the online numerical aptitude tests - being beaten by recent maths/economics graduates I suspect.

I don't think a maths or economics degree helps with these tests. I've just been through this process and whilst I am studying maths and economics (), none of it goes beyond basic arithmetic as long as you understand the question. Just be really fast on your calculator! At the assessment centre I was at the numerical test had more questions than the online version but the same time so you need to be able to fly through them.

If you are going to go for grad schemes I would get your application in quickly as some have already started hiring for 2010.

Edited by TVR MAN on Monday 9th November 15:49

[timbob]

TVR MAN said:

timbob said:

Competition for the graduate schemes seems feirce - especially considering I don't have a relevant degree. Despite being good at maths (A level maths and further maths), I'm not getting into the top percentile on the online numerical aptitude tests - being beaten by recent maths/economics graduates I suspect.

I don't think a maths or economics degree helps with these tests. I've just been through this process and whilst I am studying maths and economics (), none of it goes beyond basic arithmetic as long as you understand the question. Just be really fast on your calculator! At the assessment centre I was at the numerical test had more questions than the online version but the same time so you need to be able to fly through them.

If you are going to go for grad schemes I would get your application in quickly as some have already started hiring for 2010.

Already on it - 4 have gone off so far. I failed the test for Barclays - it was just too quick. 20 questions in 20 minutes. I've always been more of a methodical worker and like to think through a problem thoroughly, and just couldn't finish the test in time.

Did another pair of tests today (not for banks, but for utility companies) and had 18 Qs to do in 25 minutes - which I finished with 3 or 4 minutes to spare, feeling far less stressed, and happier with how I did. Fingers crossed!

[fido]

timbob said:

I'm still on the path to a career swap - from teaching into Banking/Accountancy/Financial Services etc...

I know alot of people are going the other way .. the job security (there is little in finance) and final salary pension being significant attractions. As for retail banking, i can't see it getting much better (Lloyds have just announced 5000 cuts), but good luck with the interviews/tests - the speed ones are there to sort out the best from the good so don't be disheartened.