Recruiting in Zürich/ Geneva vs London
Hi all,
I'm currently an incoming second year at a UK target (Oxford/ Cambridge), and soon to begin applying for summer internships for next summer.
For now, I've mainly been thinking of London (natural office to apply to, and I like London a lot) but increasingly I've been thinking of trying to start my career in Geneva/ Zürich. I've spent time growing up here (parents work here), and now especially in the backdrop of corona/ Brexit, the UK seems to have gone mad, while I've really enjoyed spending the summer in Switzerland so far (skiing is also probably my favourite pastime - so another reason to come).
The main issue I can see is that I can't speak a word of German or French as I'm not Swiss, and I've only ever gone to school in England. On a day to day, it seems everyone here speaks English, especially in Geneva/ Zürich -- but I was hoping you could all share your thoughts on working here without any local languages?
Also, is it generally possible/ okay to apply to multiple offices? And are there any banks/ funds which are particularly prominent in Switzerland and/ or which may seem particularly undemanding of German/ French speaking ability?
I'm mainly interested in AM/ HF, but will also be applying to IB to diversify and because there are more spots available.
Many thanks for your help!
For most roles there German (and french to a lower extent) will be required. I do agree that Zurich offers an amazing quality of life. For most banks you can apply to multiple locations, so shoot your shot and apply to both London & Zurich. But I wouldn’t expect too much from the Swiss side. HF/AM investing roles are mostly in London with few family offices / one-off HFs based in Zug/Zurich.
The thing I don’t get is why you went to school in the UK, when you clearly had an amazing opportunity to learn languages in Switzerland. Surely your parents only considered the pros of sending you to a top boarding school in the UK and not the multinational aspect of studying in an international school in Zurich!
Thank you Pan European Monkey ! Great to hear its possible to apply to both, so will give both a go as you say, but clearly will focus on London because of the languages. If I were to do a summer in London, and successfully convert, would requesting a lateral for FT be any easier than applying for ZRH outright?
And I'm surprised AM isn't big in Switzerland as I know private banking/ PWM definitely are, and I assumed that as well as the client management side, there would be roles on the investing one.
And I really can't fault the education I've had in the UK (and I'm currently really enjoying university, minus what's happened because of COVID) but it probably would've been a good idea to pick up and learn some languages while in Switzerland ... My brother is currently at an international school, and while he seems to enjoy himself, I can't say that the education (or university options) have been anywhere near as good (and I wouldn't say his language skills are much better than mine)!
Thanks again for the advice,
You could try to request a transfer to Zurich directly but I am not sure how well that would be percieved/successful that would be (only UBS/CS have IB offices in ZRH I think). After a year or two it shouldn't be too hard to come back to Zurich on the other hand. Frequently in IB DACH is covered from Frankfurt (most US BBs do it like this).
I grew up in CH and left, but have worked in both CH, UK, US and other places
Thanks @Gumball3000", this is really helpful. I think I'd actually prefer a slightly quieter job in finance not in the epicentre! And from just spending time here mainly in holidays, I very much enjoy the lifestyle/ leisure (esp. in the mountains!) -- and for work, it seems there's much better W/L balance in general.
If I might also ask, are there any particular divisions in which German/ French language skills appear less needed (from your experience, and those who you know that only speak English)?
Thanks again
Bump, I’m still curious which particular divisions don’t require German/French. Any news on that?
Hey Gumball,
Thanks for your insight. I am considering moving to either Zurich or Geneva very soon to work for a PB. As a Londoner myself, what advice or suggestions can you offer for helping me adjust to working in Switzerland to help the transition please? Much appreciated as I don't know any locals personally!
Passport will be a big factor
All EEA passports can gain work permits for CH. Inclusive of LI, NO, and Iceland. I haven't seen any new requirements for UK citizens.
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