The Financial Services Authority EmployAbility Graduate Development Programme 2012

FSA EmployAbility Graduate Development Programme 2012

Start Date	September 2012
Location	London
Who	Final year students and graduates of any degree discipline
Application Deadline	6 December 2011

About the FSA

The importance of regulation has never been greater. Financial issues are front-page news and, in light of one of the biggest financial crises in history, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has had to develop a far-reaching strategy that will change the way we work and the shape of the industry as a whole.

The FSA is the UK’s sole financial services regulator, in 2013 will divide into two new bodies. The regulatory framework will change, but the new organisations will continue to rigorously supervise all 27,000+ regulated firms and cover the four key areas of the FSA remit: to maintain market confidence; to ensure consumers are protected; to contribute to the protection and enhancement of the UK financial system; and to target and reduce financial crime.

This is an exciting time to be involved, as they implement the new regulatory regime and transition into a new era. The graduates who join the FSA at this crucial time will have a key part to play in these changes and the opportunity to develop their careers by shaping these exciting new organisations. It’s a tough job but it’s also fascinating – a constantly evolving arena in which to build a rewarding future.

About the Graduate Development Programme

The carefully constructed Graduate Development Programme will give you maximum benefit from the FSA’s broad-based expertise. Based at the Canary Wharf office in London, it will give you in-depth exposure to their work within the UK's financial services industry.

Rotations

After an intensive induction to introduce you to the organisation, their work, their aims and your peers, it’s straight down to business. As part of the programme, you will be allocated to one of the FSA’s business areas. You will also have the opportunity to experience different areas of the organisation on rotations of 6, 12 or 18 months. The length and placement of your first rotation will be pre determined, but you will be able to influence subsequent rotations in line with your career aspirations.

In addition, to rotating within one of the Conduct business or the Prudential business divisions, you may also rotate within the organisation-wide functions of Enforcement, Risk, Financial stability, Financial Crime or International.

Secondment

Later on in the programme (usually your third year) you'll go on an external secondment, giving you the opportunity to view the industry from a different perspective, while building on your knowledge of financial services. Graduates have previously been seconded to investment banks, law firms, fund managers, professional services firms, as well as HM Treasury, the Bank of England, the European Commission, as well as European regulators.

What the FSA look for

You will need to have gained, or be expecting, a 2.1 or above in any subject. You will be analytical and results-driven, combining a genuine interest in the work of the FSA with the desire to make a positive difference to financial-services firms and consumers. However, if there are extenuating circumstances which may have affected your grades, please state this clearly in your application and/ or contact EmployAbility for further information.

As well as having a strong commercial awareness, the ideal candidate will be a proactive team player with the confidence and people skills to build effective working relationships and make a real impact on those around you. Above all, you will have the drive and ambition to make the most of these attributes in an environment where you'll have your wits tested, but not your hand held.

Rewards & benefits

The graduate starting salary is £29,000, with a £2,500 joining bonus and further performance-related awards. The basic package also includes 23 days' holiday, non-contributory money purchase pension scheme, life assurance, private medical insurance, health screening and the ever-handy interest-free season ticket loan. But it's the choice on offer that will really whet your appetite.

Our flexible benefits allowance lets you opt for extra holiday, dental cover, childcare vouchers or travel insurance, or top up your pension contributions. And because we want you to enjoy your time in the office, we've paid just as much care and attention to creating an appealing work environment.

We’re an organisation that’s always focused on achieving the right outcomes and getting the job done. It’s hard work. And with our incredibly responsible and high-profile roles, we expect a lot from our people – namely professionalism, self-sufficiency and effort. In return, we’ll support you throughout your working life, with ongoing training and development opportunities to match the changing nature of the industry, as well as mentoring by experts.

Outside of work we've fostered a strong social network with a variety of sports teams as well as an on-site gym and a staff restaurant – all of which will make your life at the FSA even more enjoyable. Our graduate network is extensive and there to provide you not only with social interaction, but also support. What's more, our active Community Affairs programme gives all employees the chance to get involved in valuable voluntary work, such as helping out in schools or on environmental projects, making us as socially responsible as we are sociable.

How to apply

Please register or login to your profile, and complete the application online.

Apply as soon as possible - we review applications as soon as they are received and positions will get filled quickly.

Don’t forget to contact EmployAbility should you have any questions or require further information regarding the opportunities at the FSA. We can provide additional information about these programmes and can give you useful advice and tips on how to make a successful application.

This programme is now closed for applications.