Why Fidelity Investments Ireland’s graduate programmes are great entry-level jobs

Being a recent graduate means life is one part celebration (Woo-hoo! You’re done with textbooks!). Then you realise, for maybe the first time, that you don’t know where you’ll be from September to May. Now what? The pressure to get a professional job, one that requires a college degree, is on.

Why getting an entry-level role after graduation is so tough

As a graduate, you’re not just competing with other graduates for jobs, you’re competing with the entire job market. It can be difficult to stand out in a crowded and competitive field, especially if you don’t have much professional experience. That’s why some graduates struggle to break into the professional sector even though they have the educational requirements.

Underemployment among graduates

One study shows that 35% of graduates are underemployed—working jobs that do not require a college degree such as office support, retail, hospitality, construction, transportation, and manufacturing—a year after graduation.

The risk of remaining underemployed as a graduate

Unemployed or underemployed graduates can fall behind their peers financially. They typically earn 33% less than their college-level employed peers. Over time, that lack of earning power compounds.

When you have student loan debt to repay, remaining underemployed can jeopardise your financial well-being now and in the future. Taking longer to pay off your debt means you end up paying more, sacrificing other goals like saving for a home, travelling, or starting a family.

Why you should consider a graduate training programme for your first job

Instead of applying for just any entry-level job after graduation, look for jobs that double as training programmes and are specifically geared toward recent graduates. These programmes help you develop your skill set and professional network and are limited to recent graduates versus being open to the general market.

Graduate training programmes can give you essential experience in and outside your area of study, helping you to establish a track record of performance you can use to launch your career.

Why you should apply to Fidelity Investments Ireland’s career development programmes for graduates

Here’s why you should give an entry-level career development programme at Fidelity Ireland a chance:  

• You’ll do meaningful work that helps people achieve their financial goals.
• You’ll work in a stable, yet fast-paced, growing industry for a private company that believes in diversity and inclusion and is focused on career growth and development.
• You’ll be challenged to think critically, solve problems creatively, and bring innovative ideas to the table every day.
• You’ll deepen your skill set with formal training as well as informal coaching and mentorship.
• You’ll build a lasting professional network with a cohort of peers as well as experienced leaders in the firm.
• You’ll work in a fun, collaborative environment with best-in-class amenities while maintaining a work/life balance.
• Our extensive benefits are designed to help you in your career and your life.
  • Flexible workplace – supporting a hybrid working environment
  • Healthcare plan and Employee Assistance Programme
  • Lifestyle benefit – an annual €500 tax-free pre-paid credit card
  • Subsidized onsite canteen
  • Access to lifestyle savings and discounts
  • Performance related bonus
  • Pension with company contribution based on age and tenure

Explore Fidelity Investments Ireland’s career development programmes for graduates

Read highlights of a few of the job-training programmes we offer, so you can determine which one is best for you, your background, and your career goals.

Fidelity YOU Operations Onboarding Programme

Duration
21 months

Business area
Business operations

Description
Get the tools and resources you need to build a robust career in operations with hands-on experience across our global operations community.

Past internship experience
Previous internship experience a plus but not essential

Degree requirements
Recent completion or in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in business or finance related field

Skills needed

• Strong interest in financial services
• Active listening skills
• Clear communication and attention to detail skills
• Outstanding problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Passionate about learning new skills

Technology Graduate Programme

Duration
20 weeks

Business area
Technology

Description
Gain immersive, high-impact learning experiences to practice your technical skills with a full-time role waiting for you upon completion.

Past internship experience
Previous technical internship experience a plus

Degree requirements
Recent completion or in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and/ or Information Technology majors.

Skills needed

• Solid understanding of software development principles and data structures
• Hands-on technical experience
• Outstanding problem-solving ability and analytical skills
• Ability to achieve group goals in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Passionate about learning new technologies

What participants have to say about Fidelity Investments Ireland’s job-training programmes

“My experience with LEAP has been nothing short of exceptional,” Agata, a recent LEAP participant and now an employee software engineer said.

LEAP has really helped me transition from a university environment to a professional agile development environment through various training, courses and group projects, all while making me feel supported at every stage of my learning journey. The people and culture at Fidelity are truly one of a kind, creating an environment that is both nurturing and inspiring. From the comprehensive curriculum to the encouraging community, every aspect of LEAP has proved to give me the tools to become a professional software engineer, of course while having a lot of fun along the way!”

“The Fidelity YOU programme equipped me with the skills I needed when starting my career in Financial Services and supported me with transitioning to life after college. It played a vital role in helping me gain confidence and provided many development opportunities for me to continue to grow my career, “ said Hannah an Analyst in operations.

Ciaran is a Principal Cloud Engineer and LEAP alum. He said, "Participating in the LEAP program was a transformative experience that laid the foundation for my career path to Principal Cloud Engineer. The program not only equipped me with the technical skills and confidence to excel but also fostered a network of incredible peers, many of whom remain close friends today. LEAP taught me the value of continuous learning, determination and hard work - qualities that have been instrumental in my journey."

Agata, Hannah and Ciaran all launched their post-college careers through a Fidelity Investments Ireland career development programme, and they’re still learning and growing with Fidelity Ireland today. Their interests led them down different paths, with Fidelity Ireland’s ongoing support and encouragement at every step.

Find Your Fidelity—apply for Fidelity Investments Ireland’s job programmes for graduates today

Get the hands-on experience you need with a company that shares your values of doing good, being inclusive, and focusing on the ongoing career growth and development of its employees. Kick start your career with one of Fidelity Ireland’s career development programmes for graduates.

Meet us in person at your school’s next career fair. Check your school’s career centre for details.