Japanese Equities Trainee

Job title: Graduate Trainee Department:  JapaneseEquities Start date: 2027, depending on candidate’s graduation date

Location: Tokyo, Japan 

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.

Who we’re looking for: 

We are looking for proactive and adaptable individuals who display robust numerical and analytical skills and a strong work ethic. You should be interested in financial markets, comfortable working with data and digital tools, and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment. Clear communication, a collaborative spirit, and a logical approach to solving problems are essential. If you are driven to grow and ready to contribute to dynamic investment teams, we encourage you to apply.

Knowledge, experience and qualifications we’re looking for:

• You should be due to graduate in 2027, or have recently graduated, and be on track to achieve, or have already achieved, an honours degree (or equivalent). A qualification linked to business, economics, maths or computer science is helpful, but we’re open-minded about degree discipline. 

• Proficiency in digital skills, including Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and AI tools/coding, with the ability to apply technology to solve problems, streamline processes and improve outcomes.

• Native-level Japanese and fluent English communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to collaborate effectively with both Japanese and global stakeholders, internally and externally.

Preferred skills and capabilities:

• A basic understanding of macroeconomic trends and investment concepts relevant to asset management.

• A clear interest in financial markets and investing. 

• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to work with large or complex numerical datasets.  Excellent attention to detail. 

• Strong critical thinking and creative thinking skills.

• A growth mindset: a hunger to seek and receive feedback and to continuously challenge yourself to grow.

• The ability to distil data, research and differing viewpoints into clear insights and present them confidently to a range of audiences.

• Ability to understand and adapt communications for different audiences and stakeholder groups.

• The ability to approach business and investment challenges with logical thinking, using structured reasoning.

• Proficiency in coding languages is a potential advantage.

• Schroders Public Markets manages assets across Equities, Multi-Asset, Solutions, Fixed Income and Quantitative strategies, helping clients around the world achieve their investment objectives.

• Our two-year graduate programme offers the opportunity to build strong foundations for a successful career in asset management. Our goal is to develop the next generation of investors at Schroders. Following an initial training period, you will join the Japanese Equities team based in Tokyo, Japan. 

• Your first year will focus on developing the core skills of an investment analyst. This work may include macroeconomic and market research, industry and company analysis, building company models, and constructing investment theses. A dedicated mentor, typically a senior analyst or fund manager, will support your training and development throughout the programme. Working in a collaborative and intellectually curious environment, you will develop your technical and professional skills while building your investment experience. From an early stage, you will contribute to investment analysis and decision-making, taking on meaningful responsibility and seeing the impact of your work on investment outcomes.

• During your second year, you will further develop your investment skills and experience and there will be significant interaction opportunities with other investment teams at Schroders bringing broader perspectives. This exposure will help you refine your investment process, broaden your understanding of markets and investment approaches, and build relationships across the wider investment platform.

• As part of your development, you will be expected to work towards the CFA qualification. We are committed to helping you develop your investment skills through a combination of formal training, mentorship and practical experience.

• Graduates at Schroders are full-time employees from day one. This is not a fixed-term programme, but the start of a long-term career within our investment business. By combining an early placement within an investment team with potential exposure across other investment desks, the programme is designed to accelerate your development as an investor. 

Public Markets Graduate Programme:

Benefits of joining us:

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

• Professional qualifications: 

  • Work towards a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)qualification during the programme

• Comprehensive training: 

  • Access immersive training sessions covering industry knowledge, technical skills, and essential soft skills to help you adapt, thrive, and make an impact from day one

• Senior networking opportunities: 

  • Connect with senior leaders, allowing you to build your network within the industry

• Buddy system: 

  • Be paired with a dedicated buddy to support your transition into both the programme and the wider business

• Wellbeing support: 

  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24-hour confidential counselling and resources on a range of topics, including mental health

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

Recruitment process:

1. Online application form

2. Stage 1 Cognitive Online Assessment

3. Stage 2 Behavioural and Motivational Assessment 

4. Stage 3 Work Simulation and Video Interview 

5. Assessment centre 

Candidates should be available to start the official graduate programme on Thursday 16^th September 2027, with the possibility of commencing employment earlier depending on the individual’s graduation date.

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.

Advertised Salary: Competitive