At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the ETF Business Development team by handling client queries and creating marketing materials.
- Company: Join Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a global leader in financial services.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work in a collaborative environment, and enjoy career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in-office four days a week, fostering collaboration and personal connection.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in actively managed ETFs across Europe.
- Qualifications: Open to students graduating in 2025 or 2026 with a keen interest in financial markets.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses. We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.
Job Description
Please note that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Due to anticipated interest, the role may close earlier than the stated deadline. We recommend submitting your application promptly. The advertised closing date is 26 June 2026.
About the Team
The Active ETF Business Development team focuses on expanding the firm’s actively managed ETF offering across Europe by driving awareness, adoption, and client engagement. They act as a bridge between investment, product, sales, and trading teams to ensure ETFs are well-positioned, clearly communicated, and aligned with investor needs. Ultimately, the team’s goal is to grow assets under management by combining market insights, client relationships, and effective product strategy.
About the Role
In this role, you will support the team’s day-to-day efforts by handling client queries, creating marketing and product materials, and helping coordinate ETF trading and operational processes. You will analyse market trends, competitor activity, and sales performance to generate insights that inform business development and growth strategies. Over time, you will build technical knowledge and confidence to engage directly with clients, contributing to meetings, events, and relationship-building activities.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Responding to client queries relating to ETFs and investment strategies, ensuring information is accurate, clear, and delivered in a timely manner.
- Creating and updating content for our ETF range (both existing and new products), ensuring it is suitable for different audiences such as institutional, intermediary, and retail clients.
- Supporting ETF trading activity, helping coordinate between clients, sales teams, and internal trading specialists to ensure trades are executed smoothly.
- Monitoring market and industry trends, sharing insights with the team to support product development, marketing strategies, and client engagement.
- Building your knowledge and experience so you can gradually start to engage with clients directly, including attending events, meetings, and calls.
- Supporting business tracking and analysis, including reviewing sales activity, pipeline progress, competitor performance, and client investment trends to help drive growth of the ETF business.
Key Capabilities
To be successful in this role you will...
- Eligibility: Open to students graduating in 2025 or 2026 with limited professional experience (such as internships or work placements).
- Availability: Be available to start in August 2026 and commit fully to the programme.
- Knowledge: Have a strong interest in financial markets.
Desirable Capabilities
- Proven organization skills and ability to manage time effectively.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work and communicate collaboratively and constructively with others.
- Proactive and self-motivated, with a desire to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
In-Office Collaboration
We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full time
Worker Sub Type
Permanent
Job Family Group
Sales
Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance-based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.
We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.
Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.
Graduate ETF Business Development Associate employer: Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and collaboration within a dynamic work culture. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and a focus on client-centric solutions, employees benefit from diverse career opportunities and the chance to engage directly with clients in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant city, the firm fosters a balance between professional development and personal well-being, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Columbia Threadneedle Investments Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate ETF Business Development Associate
✨Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies
Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!
✨Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars
Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like Columbia Threadneedle Investments.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews
Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.
✨Apply Directly through Company Websites
Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to Columbia Threadneedle Investments's careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate ETF Business Development Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!
Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!
Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!
Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Columbia Threadneedle Investments
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.
