At the annual Julius Baer apprentice camp, which brings together all the bank’s current apprentices, there’s one tradition that’s guaranteed to either ignite laughter or spark nerves: karaoke night. Fiona, just a few days into her apprenticeship at the time, remembers the nervous thrill of watching many of her fellow apprentices take to the stage. “I was lucky,” she laughs. “I didn’t have to sing.”
Roberto, however, wasn’t so fortunate. “I honestly don’t even remember what I sang,” he jokes. “I must’ve erased it from my memory.” Nevertheless, that shared experience, along with bridge-building tasks, team exercises, and evening chats, created something that would shape both Fiona and Roberto’s journeys at Julius Baer: a sense of camaraderie that made the leap from school to the workplace feel manageable and energising.
Apprenticeship programme puts Julius Baer’s values into action
In Switzerland, apprenticeships are an important pillar of the education system and have been the starting point for many successful careers – from Swiss Federal Councillors to business leaders of internationally renowned companies, including our CEO Stefan Bollinger. Every year, the Bank offers 15 young talents the opportunity to embark on an apprenticeship in either a commercial or IT track.
For Fiona and Roberto, the decision to join Julius Baer was shaped by more than its reputation as a leading wealth manager with international presence. What stood out most was the emphasis on learning and growth within a respectful environment. “I quickly realised that development is really at the forefront here,” Fiona recalls. “Apprentices are treated with trust, and that makes a big difference. You feel like you belong – and that you’re being prepared for something meaningful.”
Roberto was also drawn to the bank’s values. “The mentality and the values represented by Julius Baer reflected my own perspective. Julius Baer is big enough to be influential, yet small enough to focus on the individual. That balance comes through strongly in the design of the apprenticeship programme.”
Julius Baer’s culture of ownership, accountability and mutual respect is a key part of what makes it unique – a place where apprentices are truly empowered and can make an impact.
First bite at banking provides taste of what’s to come
Both apprentices first experienced Julius Baer during a Taster Afternoon, which provided a brief but impactful introduction to life at the bank. “During the Taster Afternoon, I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable,” says Fiona, who started last year. “The apprentices got along so well. It showed me there’s strong communication and connection between them.”
Roberto’s experience of the Taster Afternoon was virtual due to COVID, but equally motivating. “Even through a screen, the passion and professionalism were obvious. I immediately realised this was a place committed to offering excellent training. I remember leaving that first virtual event and excitedly telling my mum, ‘This is the place I want to go.’”
From day one, the apprenticeship offers a blend of technical training and team-building experiences. “One of the highlights for me was the apprentice camp in Graubünden,” says Fiona. “It really helped build strong friendships. I think that’s why we apprentices feel so connected and can support each other.” Roberto agrees: “That first camp was key. It breaks down any inhibitions or barriers between participants straight away and makes collaboration feel natural from the start.”
Mastering the balancing act from office desk to classroom
Balancing work, school, and personal life has been no small feat, with both Fiona and Roberto pursuing the demanding Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (Berufsmaturität: BMS) education track, which combines vocational training with an academic curriculum. “We juggle between work, vocational school, and intercompany courses,” explains Roberto. “Finding your own work-life balance can be a challenge. Adapting daily is key, but it’s also great because you can figure out what works for you. There is no textbook formula for that. As young people, we’re lucky to discover our balance between work and free time and put it into practice." Fiona agrees: “I have high expectations for myself, and managing the workload from both school and job isn’t always easy. But it’s taught me the importance of patience and persistence.”
Part of what helps them meet these challenges is Julius Baer’s approach of looking ‘beyond the now’, by fostering a culture of continuous learning and personal development. In practice, this means that at Julius Baer, apprentices aren’t just left to figure it out on their own. They’re backed by a robust support network. “We each have a coach who’s always available to help – mine even with topics like French grammar,” says Fiona. What truly sets the Julius Baer apprenticeship apart, according to Fiona, is the combination of professional rigour and a strong sense of community. “My colleagues are always willing to answer my questions,” she says. “People take the time to help me grow, and I always feel like I’m part of something.”
For Roberto, it’s the purpose: “Julius Baer takes a broad view of wealth management. It’s about creating value beyond wealth for our clients – and also for us as apprentices. For example, the bank provides preparatory weeks before exams, with teachers who come to us. That commitment to learning makes it a great place to grow.”
Hobbies, hopes, and future horizons
The activities Fiona and Roberto are passionate about outside of banking also help to shape their personal growth. “I’m really into sports,” Fiona says. “I used to play volleyball and football on teams. It helps me stay grounded and gives me energy for everything else.”
While Fiona finds balance through movement, Roberto finds it in melody. “I’ve been playing the piano for almost ten years. Performing in front of others taught me not to give up when things get tough – and that a bit of nervousness can actually help you do your best. It’s a lesson that carries into my work.”
Roberto, who is finishing this summer, has already paved the way for what comes next – using the apprenticeship as a stepping stone to a career in banking. After spending the last months supporting the Front, Roberto got offered a permanent role in the team. “I’ll be staying at Julius Baer as an Assistant Relationship Manager and in parallel studying for a bachelor’s degree in business administration this September,” says Roberto. “Eventually, I’d like to take on an advisory role, specialising in something where I can support others with expert knowledge. That’s what drives me.”
Fiona, still early in her apprenticeship, is open to what the future holds for her but optimistic. “I haven’t seen all the departments yet, but I already feel that this path is right for me. I want to explore the front and middle office roles before deciding, but I’d like to stay within the bank.”
Words of wisdom: reflections from the apprenticeship journey so far
Looking back, what advice would Fiona and Roberto share with younger students who’re just beginning to consider their options? “Dream big, be brave, and never lose hope,” Roberto advises. “Mistakes are part of the journey – they shape who you become. The most important thing is to get back up and keep going.” Fiona agrees: “Without failing, you can’t really progress. Every failure is an opportunity to learn something new. That’s the best advice I’ve received, and it has really stuck with me.”
Perhaps that’s the perfect way to sum up the Julius Baer apprenticeship experience: stepping up with confidence, even if your name gets called for karaoke. Because whether it’s singing in front of your peers or supporting clients, it’s all part of learning, growing, and finding your voice.