Baillie Gifford is inviting applications for its 2027 Investment Research Graduate Programme in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The permanent opportunity offers an annual salary of £58,000, structured professional development and funding for key investment qualifications, including the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and CFA Level 1.
The programme starts in September 2027 and runs across five years, with rotations through different investment teams followed by a longer placement. Applications close on 3 November 2026.
Background & Job Description
Baillie Gifford is an investment management firm that researches companies, industries and wider economic and social changes to identify businesses with long-term growth potential. Its Investment Research programme introduces participants to this work through practical research, analysis and collaboration with investment teams.
The programme is open to applicants from a broad range of academic backgrounds. Baillie Gifford values curiosity, independent thinking and the ability to connect ideas across different subjects. Applicants do not need to have studied finance, and the firm also welcomes people with relevant work experience or those considering a career change.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Baillie Gifford |
| Programme | Investment Research Graduate Programme 2027 |
| Opportunity type | Permanent graduate programme |
| Location | Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
| Salary | £58,000 per year |
| Start date | September 2027 |
| Programme structure | Five years |
| Professional qualifications | IMC and CFA |
| Application deadline | 3 November 2026 |
| Official application | Apply through Baillie Gifford |
Tasks
Participants will develop their investment research skills by examining businesses, industries and long-term market opportunities. The work involves combining qualitative and quantitative information to form independent views about companies and their future prospects.
Typical learning and work activities include:
- Researching businesses, sectors and changes in the wider economy and society.
- Analysing financial statements and company performance.
- Writing research reports and presenting well-supported investment opinions.
- Learning from experienced investors and senior colleagues.
- Participating in case studies, discussions and investment-focused learning sessions.
- Developing an understanding of how different investment teams assess companies.
- Building communication, analytical and decision-making skills.
- Taking part in training, conferences and industry events.
The programme includes three one-year rotations across different investment teams, followed by a two-year placement in another team. This structure is intended to provide broad exposure to investment approaches and support long-term career development.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Baillie Gifford welcomes applicants with a degree in any subject or significant relevant work experience. Recent graduation is not a requirement.
The organisation looks for people who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, an interest in researching companies, independent thinking and a willingness to learn. Applicants should be comfortable exploring unfamiliar topics, evaluating evidence and developing their own conclusions.
The programme also provides support towards professional qualifications:
- Investment Management Certificate (IMC): Compulsory during the first year.
- CFA Level 1: Compulsory during the second year.
- CFA Levels 2 and 3: Optional, with flexible timing as described in the programme timeline.
Baillie Gifford provides training, qualification fees and study leave for the IMC and CFA Level 1. Applicants should consult the official programme information for the complete qualification arrangements.
Experience and Personal Attributes
Applicants should have a genuine interest in understanding companies and identifying long-term investment opportunities. Previous specialist investment knowledge is not presented as a universal entry requirement, but candidates should understand the organisation’s approach and be prepared to explain why the programme suits their interests and experience.
Important qualities include:
- Curiosity about businesses, industries and the world.
- Independent thought and a willingness to challenge assumptions.
- Strong research and analytical interests.
- The ability to consider different perspectives and connect ideas.
- Resilience when outcomes are uncertain or conclusions prove incorrect.
- A willingness to learn from feedback and develop over time.
The programme may appeal to graduates from disciplines such as mathematics, politics, philosophy, science, history, engineering and other fields, as well as candidates with relevant professional experience.
Additional Information
Salary and Professional Development
The advertised salary is £58,000 per year. The role is permanent, and Baillie Gifford describes its graduate programmes as opportunities for long-term career development rather than temporary graduate placements.
Participants receive guidance from a manager during each rotation and a mentor throughout the programme. Development includes formal learning, on-demand modules, feedback on research, regular conversations with colleagues and access to experienced investors.
The programme also offers opportunities to explore future career paths, potentially including fund management or work in the Clients Department.
Programme Timeline
Year 1: Induction, investment team work, report writing, financial statement analysis training and the compulsory IMC qualification.
Year 2: A further annual placement and the compulsory CFA Level 1 qualification.
Year 3: A third annual placement, with optional CFA Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications available at flexible times, alongside further practical development.
Years 4 and 5: A two-year placement in another investment team, with opportunities for a secondment in the Clients Department and greater exposure to other areas of the business.
Research work, self-directed learning, case studies and sessions with senior investors continue throughout the five-year programme.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through Baillie Gifford’s official recruitment website.
The published application process includes:
- Online application: Complete a short application form, answer one application question and attach your CV.
- Video interview: Candidates who pass the initial stage are invited to a one-way video interview with two questions.
- First interview: Selected applicants meet an investment manager and a member of the People Team.
- Assessment centre: Final-stage candidates take part in a further interview and assessment sessions with other applicants and members of the investment teams.
Baillie Gifford encourages applicants to make their applications authentic and reflect their own experiences, motivations and way of thinking. Candidates should read about the firm’s investment approach before applying and prepare to explain their genuine interest in the programme.
Application deadline: 3 November 2026.
APPLY NOW – Baillie Gifford Investment Research Graduate Programme 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Baillie Gifford Investment Research Graduate Programme 2027?
It is a permanent investment research programme based in Edinburgh, combining practical work across investment teams with structured training and professional development.
2. What is the salary?
The advertised annual salary is £58,000.
3. When does the programme start?
The programme is scheduled to start in September 2027.
4. When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 3 November 2026.
5. Do applicants need a finance degree?
No. Baillie Gifford welcomes applicants with degrees in any subject or significant relevant work experience.
6. Must applicants be recent graduates?
No. The official programme information states that applicants do not need to have graduated recently.
7. Which professional qualifications are funded?
The programme provides training, fees and study leave for the IMC and CFA Level 1. The IMC is compulsory in Year 1, and CFA Level 1 is compulsory in Year 2. CFA Levels 2 and 3 are optional.
8. How long does the programme last?
The programme follows a five-year structure, including three one-year rotations and a two-year placement in another team.
9. Where is the programme based?
The programme is based at Baillie Gifford’s Edinburgh office in the United Kingdom. Candidates accepting a position must be able to commute or relocate as necessary.
10. How can candidates apply?
Candidates should review the official Investment Research programme page and follow its application instructions.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This opportunity stands out for its £58,000 annual salary, permanent employment status and structured development in investment research. Its acceptance of applicants from a wide range of academic disciplines may make it relevant to candidates whose strengths lie in research, independent thinking and understanding complex subjects rather than a conventional finance background.
However, applicants should be comfortable with detailed company research, financial information and uncertainty. The role is based in Edinburgh, so candidates outside the area should consider the practical implications of relocating or commuting.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares publicly advertised opportunities for informational purposes and is not affiliated with Baillie Gifford. We do not recruit candidates or process applications. Applicants should confirm the latest requirements and application instructions directly with the organisation.
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