Careers at UBS
UBS is the largest global wealth manager and leading personal/corporate bank in Switzerland. Accordingly, demand for vacancies is high and the recruitment process is competitive.
The UBS Graduate Talent Programme offers graduates the chance to train in investment banking, asset management or corporate banking. The 18–24 month programmes begin in July or August, and rotations are available in some specialist areas. Summer internships and industrial placements are also available for penultimate-year students.
The firm also runs UBS Career Comeback, a permanent hire programme for those returning to the corporate workplace after starting their family.
Recruitment decisions at UBS are guided by the Three Keys – which also graphically form the company’s logo. These keys represent the UBS Pillars, Principles and Behaviours.
New hires must build upon the foundational pillars of capital strength, efficiency and effectiveness, and risk management; stand for the company’s principles of client focus, excellence and sustainable performance; and behave with integrity, be willing to work collaboratively, and able to challenge themselves and others.
UBS Application Process
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1
Online Application
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2
Numerical Reasoning Test
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3
Cultural Appraiser
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4
Video Interview
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5
Assessment Centre
Due to the volume of applications commonly received for each open position, the multi-stage UBS recruitment process is demanding. It can also be lengthy, often taking months rather than weeks.
The process includes two psychometric tests – a numerical reasoning test and UBS’s Cultural Appraiser test – which are used to streamline the applicant pool. If a candidate does not display that they possess the required mathematical aptitude or sensitivity to the core behaviours of UBS, they will not progress to the interview stage.
There will be at least two interviews: a video or telephone interview, which you are invited to after the online tests, and an in-person interview at the assessment centre.
It is important to carefully prepare for each round as, due to the highly competitive nature of the process, a poor performance is likely to prevent you from having the opportunity to display your skills in the next recruitment stage.
UBS online application form
The first stage of the process is to complete and submit an online application form via the UBS job board. You will be asked to provide your basic personal information alongside details of your education, work experience and skills.
Online applications are screened and, if successful, you will be invited to complete two online psychometric tests.
UBS Aptitude Tests
UBS numerical reasoning test
The first of the psychometric tests is a numerical reasoning test. This will assess your ability to apply basic mathematical concepts and interpret data from charts, tables or graphs.
Alongside basic maths such as percentages, sequences and ratios, you will also be tested on your financial analysis. The maths included will not, however, be above GCSE level.
The test will contain multiple-choice questions and must be completed during the time limit. You will be required to answer all questions quickly and accurately. Only the candidates with the highest scores will progress to the video interview stage.
It is important to adequately prepare for the numerical reasoning test by accustoming yourself with the overall test format and types of questions included. Once you have become familiar with the style of question and approach sought, your speed and accuracy will increase.
Identifying your strengths and weaknesses through taking sample numerical tests will help you to focus your preparation on the right areas. Depending on the position you apply for, you may also be required to sit a verbal reasoning test or logical reasoning test.
Due to the nature of a role in the financial services sector, applicants for all roles must complete the numerical reasoning assessment.
UBS Cultural Appraiser
The UBS Cultural Appraiser is a bespoke situational judgement test that has been designed to assess a candidate’s alignment with the UBS working culture.
UBS seeks talented employees – with unique skills and experiences – who will share in its diverse, supportive and collaborative culture.
The online Cultural Appraiser will present several different hypothetical scenarios. You will be asked questions regarding these situations and the best course of action. The test aims to give an indication of how you would react under pressure in a variety of common workplace situations.
It is essential to display you are aligned with UBS’s core values. Take the time to become familiar with the UBS Pillars, Principles and Behaviours and make sure you understand how they are illustrated through action.
The test will be multiple choice. You may be asked to select the best course of action, or to rank the options.
A situational judgement test is completed under a time limit. It is important, however, to read the questions carefully and take adequate time to consider your response to each scenario.
Inferences about your judgement and character traits will be made from the answers you give, so ensure you create the right impression through your responses.
