The numbers taken on aren’t exactly huge, but an increasing number of investment banks are rolling out graduate training schemes in the Middle East. So, how do you go about securing a position on one?

We’ve compiled some tips from graduate recruiters here, but Mergers & Inquisitions has featured an interesting interview with someone who went through the process themselves.

Securing a senior position in the Middle Eastern financial sector can often be more about hob-nobbing with the right people than hard skills, and the same can be said for graduate recruitment.

“One difference between Europe and the US is that when companies come to campus here, no one takes resumes or does interviews – they just come for informational and networking purposes. Then they tell you to apply online, go through numerical tests, assessment centers, and so on,” says the anonymous interviewee.

And, he says, this is the same when handling the workload: “When it comes to actual deals, though, we often manage the relationship and then the industry team from London handles the more technical details – especially on larger deals.”

The M&I article is rather long, so for your convenience, here are some of the more salient points:

· A Middle East connection or heritage helps.

· Don’t limit networking to events – contact alumni and use social media to get in touch with key people.

· Much like some continental Europe banks, you may be required to commit to a six-month internship, rather than simply working through the summer.

· You’ll be working in a small team.

· Don’t expect an easy ride – the hours are long in the Middle East too.

· Salaries are the same as London and you’ll get a $30k housing allowance.

· Internal transfers may be the way to go – if you’re already in banking, some firms will allow a one-year rotation.