Business Transformation Placement Year Programme

Investment2020; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site restaurant

On-site gym

Private GP service

Buddy system

Senior networking opportunities

Job summary

Schroders invites high-potential placement year students to join its Business Transformation placement year programme. You will work on live projects, contribute to strategy and governance, and gain exposure to Portfolio Management and transformation offices.

You will receive structured training, mentorship, and opportunities to network with leaders, preparing you for a career in asset and wealth management. 12 months of immersive development and on-site activities are included.

Qualifications

• Must have completed your second year of studies and be on track to graduate in 2029.
• Open to all degree subjects and backgrounds.
• No final-year commitment for further study during recruitment.

Responsibilities

• Support live projects within a transformation programme and gain hands-on experience.
• Assist with data analysis, documentation and stakeholder communications across portfolio activities.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Organisation

Proactivity

Curiosity

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Second year student

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Business Transformation Placement Year Programme

You will join as part of the Investment20/20 programme.

About us

Schroders is a global investment manager which provides active asset management, wealth management and investment solutions. We aim to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. We serve a diverse client base that includes pension schemes, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, high net worth individuals, family offices, as well as end clients through partnerships with distributors, financial advisers, and online platforms.

Established in 1804, we have around 5,500 people across 36 global locations. Schroders' success can be attributed to its diversified business model, spanning different asset classes, client types and geographies.

Our 12-month Placement Programme begins on Monday 14 June 2027 and offers a unique opportunity to bridge your academic learning with real-world financial experience. As a Placement Year student at Schroders, you will play an active role in the team, contributing to live projects and supporting strategic objectives through research and insightful analysis.

Throughout the programme you will:

• Take part in comprehensive introductory training to build your understanding of the business
• Be assigned to a team where you will contribute to live projects and gain meaningful hands‑on experience
• Shadow experienced professionals and learn directly from leaders in the field
• Have opportunities to network with colleagues and other interns and placement year students, helping you build connections for your future career

This placement year programme provides practical experience, professional development, and a strong foundation for a successful career in asset and wealth management. We believe that a talented, creative and diverse team is key to our long‑term success, so if you're intellectually curious, eager to learn and ready to make a meaningful impact, this 12‑month programme will give you the skills, experience and exposure to help launch your career in the asset and wealth management industry.

Who We're Looking For

• An inquisitive individual with a genuine interest in investment management, change, and industry trends.
• A self‑starter who takes initiative, embraces new challenges, and is eager to get involved in a broad range of activities.
• Someone with a growth mindset who is open to feedback, learns from experience, and continually seeks opportunities to develop.
• A collaborative team player who builds trusted relationships and contributes positively to team success.
• An adaptable and resilient individual who remains composed in changing environments and approaches challenges with a positive attitude.

Required Skills & Capabilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to solve problems, balance detail with the bigger picture, and apply innovative thinking to challenges.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and deliver high‑quality work.
• Proactive and adaptable approach, demonstrating resilience, accountability, and a willingness to take ownership of tasks and outcomes.
• Curiosity and a genuine interest in investment management, industry developments, and emerging technologies, including AI.

The team

During the Business Transformation placement year programme, you will join one of the Transformation Office (GPTO) teams:

• Group Planning and Transformation Office (GPTO) consists of two separate but complementary disciplines: Business Transformation Solutions is a dynamic team of internal transformation consultants, specialising in providing Strategic Solutions to the entire Schroders Group, across a range of service lines, such as strategy and business model design, target operating models and shaping & support for large‑scale complex transformation. Working closely with business stakeholders, we play a pivotal role in enabling and executing strategic transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company's objectives.
• Programme Management Office (PMO) oversees the organisation's portfolio of projects and programmes ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and budgets to enable maximum value delivery. Their primary focus is setting the policy and structured process for prioritising initiatives, enabling effective resource allocation, monitoring progress against key milestones, managing budgets and key risks and providing governance frameworks to support decision‑making. Additionally, they give Senior Leadership visibility over project and programme performance, enabling more informed and prompt responses to changing business needs.

What you will do

During your placement year, you will be assigned to a live project in the role of either Junior Consultant or Enterprise Portfolio Management Support. Depending on your placement year area, your experience may include:

• Junior Consultant: Gain exposure to supporting the design and delivery of successful transformation whilst building knowledge of the business, its strategy and culture.
• Enterprise Portfolio Management Support: Collaborate with portfolio managers, project teams and business stakeholders to gain exposure to how change initiatives are governed and tracked across the organization. Support portfolio planning, reporting and governance activities by assisting with data analysis, documentation and stakeholder communications. Help maintain portfolio information, monitor progress against key milestones, and contribute to regular review and decision‑making forums.

Throughout your placement year, you’ll receive support and feedback from experienced colleagues to help you learn and develop key professional skills.

Knowledge, experience and qualifications we're looking for:

• When the placement year commences, you will have completed your second year of studies and will be on track to graduate with a degree (or equivalent) in 2029
• We welcome applications from all degree subjects
• Please note that we do not accept applications from students in their final year who intend to undertake further study (e.g. a Master's degree) before entering employment.
• A good working knowledge of document production software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• The ability to understand our target audiences

No prior Change or Investment Management experience is needed. We just need you to bring your drive, passion and enthusiasm to make the most of the opportunity, to start building your career.

Benefits of joining us

When you join our placement year programme at Schroders, you will benefit from a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities, including:

Access immersive training sessions focused on building industry knowledge, technical expertise, and essential soft skills to help you adapt quickly and make a meaningful impact

Senior networking opportunities

Attend “Coffee Hours” led by senior leaders, providing opportunities to connect and grow your professional network

Buddy system

Be paired with a dedicated graduate buddy who will guide and support your integration into the team and wider business

Potential for future opportunities

The chance to secure a place on a 2029 Schroders Graduate Programme, subject to performance feedback

Celebrate your achievements alongside other placement year students, interns and line managers at a dedicated event at Schroders HQ

On‑site facilities

Enjoy the convenience of an on‑site staff restaurant and complimentary use of our on‑site gym

Use of a private GP service

By joining us, you will be part of an inclusive environment where your learning, wellbeing, and professional growth are a priority.

Recruitment process

• Stage 2 Behavioural and Motivational Assessment
• Stage 3 Work Simulation and Video Interview
• Assessment centre

Candidates must be available to start the placement year programme on Monday 14 June 2027 and commit to the full duration of the 12‑month programme.

We Recognise Potential, Whoever You Are

Our purpose is to deliver excellent investment performance to clients through active management. We believe diverse perspectives and an inclusive culture help us make better decisions and achieve better outcomes for our clients. That's why inclusion is a strategic priority for us, and we are an equal opportunities employer. You are welcome here, regardless of your age, disability, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socio‑economic background, or any other protected characteristic.

We will consider flexible working arrangements for all roles and provide reasonable accommodations to support applicants and employees, including those with neurodiversity, disability, or physical and mental health needs. For more information, please visit our FAQs.

About Us

We're a global investment manager. We help institutions, intermediaries and individuals around the world invest money to meet their goals, fulfil their ambitions, and prepare for the future.

We have around 6,000 people on six continents. And we've been around for over 200 years, but keep adapting as society and technology changes. What doesn't change is our commitment to helping our clients, and society, prosper.