Graduate Recruitment
Programme Descriptor
Welcome to the Aberdeen Asset Management Graduate Development Programme. Aberdeen Asset Management places great importance on the training and development of all its employees. As a Graduate in the company, you will embark on a varied and challenging programme.
Training Programme Format
Our training programme is designed to last 12-24 months. It is important to note that the programme is flexible, and will be tailored to the needs of each Graduate and the business. At the end of the programme, your final position will be dependent on business need, your emergent skill set and your performance. The programme includes the following types of training:
Learning about the business through placements in various divisions across the Aberdeen Group.
Structured training (internal and external)
On-the-job training
Learning about the business
All Graduates will undertake placements in key departments that play a vital role in the conduct of our business. The aim of these placements is to enable you to learn about the organisation, while building relationships and finding out more about how each department operates and interacts with others across the Group.
These placements may include the following divisions, however structure and length of rotation is dependent on business need.
- Operations
- Asset Management
- Risk
- Collective Funds
- Distribution
- Finance
- Corporate
A graduate development plan will be tailored for each new entrant to the company and your placements will be devised to compliment any study time or examinations.
You will rotate within a number of functions, gaining extensive business exposure and experience. The programme will help you build a full understanding of how the company and industry operates, developing you into a future leader of our business.
Structured Internal Training
At the point of joining the Company as a new employee you will receive a full induction. The purpose of group induction is threefold;
- To ensure the effective integration of all new members of staff
- To give new staff core information about their job and their environment
- To ensure new staff reach the desired standard of performance as quickly as possible
You will be given an introduction to Lotus Notes. This training covers how to navigate Email, Calendar, To Do Lists and how to personalise Lotus Notes. You will also receive an overview of our other key group databases. Compliance Induction will also be delivered, which provides you with the regulatory background to the company.
Structured External training
Although most of your learning will be via on-the-job training, formal taught courses will be offered where appropriate to your learning needs. These courses may include IT training, presentation skills and report writing.
Examinations
All Graduates must pass the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) during their training programme. This is the regulatory exam for the Fund Management Industry. To prepare for the IMC exam, you can choose to undertake a distance learning course, or you can attend a 7-day taught course. In addition, you will need to plan a period of self-study, and you can then choose when you would like to sit the exam. Exams are offered almost daily at various centres in the UK. However, it is recommended that Graduate Trainees sit the exam during their first 6 months on the programme.
Once you have obtained the IMC, you may be required to study for CFA Level 1. This qualification gives you an introduction to asset valuation and portfolio management techniques. To prepare for the CFA Level 1 exam, you can choose to undertake a distance learning course, or you can attend an 8-day taught course. It is recommended that you complete at least 250 hours of private study. Exams can be taken in June or December.
Achieving success in these exams is considered industry best practice, and should you move into the Asset Management division, these are a pre-requisite to becoming an Assistant Investment Manager.
Mentoring
All Graduates will be assigned a mentor during their first 12 months at Aberdeen Asset Management. The mentor will be someone who has been in a similar position and been with the company for a few years. There are many benefits to having a mentor, such as improving self-confidence, having the support to help you in the early stages of your career and providing you with an opportunity for networking.