Keen to obtain work experience in the financial services or banking sector

I am keen to obtain work experience in the financial services or banking sector (Preferably Funds) but as I have no experience.

Like most graduates I just have few years working in Dunnes etc as my college didn't do work experience as part of course.

Every job I have seen advertised requires a few years experience and no where seems to be taking on entry level staff at all (in any sector).

Is there anything I can do or does anyone out there know of anywhere I can obtain work experience even on a voluntary/non paying basis?

Any help very much appreciated.

Its not really the time to be looking for something in financial services. Most banks and financial companies are not employing anybody at the moment. Have a look at the various banks graduate programmes although they won't be starting for a few months. You can also send in your cv without applying for a specific role. Most companies will have general entry level positions that they need filling so no harm getting your cv on file.

Thanks Sunny, well did that with every Bank with Irish operations but heard back their on job freezes at mo apart from senior/experienced roles. Also the Bank of Ireland gradaute Programme on freeze until 2010 and heard AIB not sure if there goin ahead with theirs either..just always wanted job in Finance industry and now finally finished my education after 5 years in September..just really bad timing might just update computer skills and look for office role until economy picks up next year or year after hopefully

Well as far as I know BOSI are still recruiting for 09... but AFAIK closing date is today (22nd Dec.) Other option would be to go for accountancy - whilst 09 intake will be far below 08, there are still a few (I hope!!) going to be taken on in mid to smaller firms (Big 4 deadline has elapsed)

I believe the likes of An Post, Kerry Group, Glanbia, Bord na Mona, Quinn Group etc. all take on graduates in their finance departments. This also would probably lead to an accountancy qualification - but in some cases more general finance jobs may exist.

I'm in a similar position as you Peter - i'm graduating in May with an Acc. & Fin degree and it is nasty out there. Personally I didnt want Big 4/Dublin - so at the moment i'm taking an almighty gamble and hoping that at least one of my contacts in two/three mid-tier firms come through in Jan/Feb to reassure me!!!

Well have interview with BOSI in Jan so hopefully that goes well, my degree is just in business studies/management so prob no point go for finance department in company as id be up against other applicants like you CGorman with pure Finance/Accounting Degrees ..have Degree in Business Studies and Masters in HRM having finished the Sept just gone but decided follow heart now and go Finance route so Doing few Professional Finance courses..just tryin to pick up work experience in anything at mo tho if im honest

just hope things pick up anyway hope ur gamble works out CGorman...by way things look unless economy picks up the Graduate programmes starting next Sept goin to be very hard come by...An Post I think only advertising for Marketing positions, BOI and AIB cancelled etc