Frequently asked questions

We only accept applications during our recruitment campaign (September to November). Please note this is the only way to apply and we are not able to hold speculative CVs, therefore all applications must be submitted through the formal application process. Please visit the Early Careers website to make an application.

We welcome applicants with degrees in any subject for our programmes. We look for you to be on track for a 2:1 undergraduate degree as a minimum, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

There's no time limit on how long ago you graduated and we also welcome applications from those with postgraduate qualifications and work experience.

Yes, we're open to candidates reapplying if they were previously unsuccessful but please note we will only accept one application during each recruitment campaign (i.e. one application during each September to November window).

We encourage you to think carefully about which opportunity is right for you and to apply to one programme. Find out as much information as possible by attending some of the events listed on our website to hear from the programme leaders and current trainees.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If candidates do not currently have the right to work, we will support an application for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa. We can sponsor candidates on a visa for the majority of roles, however, where a candidate does require sponsorship, they will need to meet the minimum requirements set by the UK Visas and Immigration department.

To apply for our internship opportunities, you must be in your penultimate year of study in a technology-related subject. This can be on an undergraduate or postgraduate course.

• Go to our website and click apply on the programme of your choice.
• You will be redirected to our applicant tracking system, Workday, where you will be asked to create an account and provide some personal details.
• On Workday, upload your CV and answer a couple of application questions.
• Your application is then screened and, if successful, you will receive a call to invite you to an interview.
• If you have not been successful in securing an interview, we will update you by email.
• All first-round interviews take place on Zoom and last around one hour.
• If we would like to invite you to attend a second stage interview, one of our team will be in touch to arrange a date for you to attend an in person interview at our Edinburgh office. If you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, we will be in touch via email and we encourage all candidates to reach out to us for feedback.
• The second-round assessment day will be a combination of interviews, individual exercises, informal meetings with current trainees and a group exercise for our technology programme.

• After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgement email.
• We aim to review your application within six weeks (Please note: timescales may vary dependent on application volumes).
• If successful, first round interviews start in October and are offered on an ongoing basis.
• If you progress to the second round, assessment days will start in November.
• Offers are made on an ongoing basis. At your assessment day, we'll let you know when you're likely to hear back from us.

Learn more about the application process

If you attend an interview at Baillie Gifford, you can request feedback following this, regardless of the outcome. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide feedback if you do not make it past the application stage, due to the large volume of candidates.

We are here to support you during every step of the process. You will be asked at each stage if there is anything we can do to make you feel at ease and perform at your best. The support will be different for everyone. Examples include managing nerves, providing additional time to prepare or providing a deeper understanding of the interview process. We would encourage you to speak with us and we will do our best to support you.

All first-round interviews will take place on Zoom.

Second-round interviews take place in our Edinburgh office. We feel it's important for you to see the office and the city where you could end up living and working. To support you, we reimburse interview-related expenses which include travel, accommodation (up to two nights) and food expenses. Please ensure you retain all receipts.

We also recognise that some candidates may have to miss a shift at work to attend a second stage interview with us. If this is the case, we will reimburse lost income while attending one of our assessment days. Further guidance is provided to all candidates who are invited to second stage.

All our programmes are based in our head office in Edinburgh. If you accept a place, you'll need either to relocate to Edinburgh or be able to commute to this office.

Currently, the vast majority of our graduate programmes are only located in our head office in Edinburgh. However, depending on your training programme, you may get the opportunity to travel or to apply for a secondment to one of the other offices.

Our internships are based in Edinburgh. To get the most from the learning experience, we encourage regular attendance at the office during your time with us. We understand moving to a new city can be daunting and expensive, so we'll provide accommodation in Edinburgh for the duration of your internship for candidates outside of a reasonable commuting distance. More details will be provided to candidates during the final assessment stage.

There could be opportunities for you to be offered a place in the following year’s graduate programme. This will be discussed during your internship.

All our programmes offer permanent opportunities. Therefore, if you accept a role at Baillie Gifford, we will be committed to your long-term career development throughout the programme and beyond.

Our programmes will open in February 2024.

The programme will close end March 2024.

Programmes typcially start in August. This year, additional programmes will start around November 2023.

All apprenticeship programmes are based in Edinburgh, our head office. If you accept a place, you’ll need to be able to commute to Edinburgh.

We will reimburse expenses related to the recruitment process. First-stage interviews will be conducted remotely, and second-stage interviews will be held in person at our Edinburgh office. We will reimburse expenses, including travel and reasonable food expenses. Please retain any receipts. Guidance will be provided for candidates invited to the second stage.

Please see individual job adverts for requirements by clicking apply now.

We understand that it is important for you to find the right apprenticeship programme and would encourage you to research all our available opportunities. To ensure you make the best decision, we recommend attending one of the events listed on our website, where you can hear from the programme leaders and current apprentices. However, if we believe there may be a more suitable role for you, we may consider you for a different apprenticeship programme and would let you know if this is the case. 

Just get in touch. We’ll do everything we can to make our application and recruitment process accessible for you. So, if you do need our support, please contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

You’ll receive an automated response when you submit your application to confirm that we’ve received it. First-stage interviews will be held from the end of September onwards and the final stage of the process will be held during October.

If you attend an interview at Baillie Gifford, you can request feedback following this, regardless of the outcome. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide feedback if you do not make it past the application stage, due to the large volume of candidates.

If you have any technical issues with our website when submitting your application or registering for one of our events, please email [email protected] for assistance.

All of our apprenticeship programmes are permanent opportunities. Therefore, if you accept a role at Baillie Gifford, we will be committed to your long-term career development throughout the programme and beyond.

Yes, we accept applications from candidates who have applied previously.

All apprentices join as a cohort and are provided with a structured training programme, on-the-job training, a buddy and a dedicated learning consultant to support you through your apprenticeship modules. In addition, there are numerous opportunities to learn a variety of professional skills.