Want to jump-start your career in finance

Onome Gbinije says that before she joined RBC, she was only interested in attending business school. But thanks to two RBC early talent programs that provide professional development opportunities and work experience, she discovered her passion for finance.

“I was born in Canada but raised in Nigeria where vast discrepancies in wealth made me want to understand the connections between the economy and financial markets,” Gbinije says.

“I thought I wanted to go into accounting because it offered a structured career path but RBC opened my eyes to a multitude of opportunities I never knew existed.”

Gbinije is now an analyst in equity finance trading with RBC Capital Markets in Toronto. It’s a full-time position where she’s part of the central funding group that helps clients with securities lending, borrowing and financing.

Her career aspirations started expanding in 2021 when she was studying commerce at the University of Toronto and was accepted into the RBC Capital Markets Women’s Advisory Program.

The program is open to outstanding female undergraduates in Canada, the UK and US who are interested in exploring careers in finance. Students receive an in-depth introduction to investment banking and global markets through a multi-month curriculum that includes practical workshops and mentorship.

Participants go on to interview for roles in RBC Capital Markets’ varied business lines, such as investment and corporate banking and global markets and research. Gbinije interned in corporate banking and then applied for a second program, the RBC Capital Markets Pathways Diversity Award Program.

The Pathways Diversity Award Program is open to full-time undergraduates who identify as Black and/or Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis), and are eager to pursue a career in capital markets.

While the programs differ in focus and format, there are key similarities. Both ensure interns interact with senior leaders and are matched with mentors whose candid insights and support can help sharpen skillsets, deepen industry understanding and expand networks.

Each year, RBC supports thousands of students from different educational backgrounds in exploring various career paths within the bank. Through summer jobs and co-op placements, as well as internships, they gain practical work experience and learn about RBC’s extensive career opportunities.

Lindsay Patrick, head, strategy, marketing and sustainability, says the two RBC Capital Markets internships are key elements of its goal to recruit, train and advance diverse talent.

“Building on RBC’s core values of diversity and inclusion ensures our team reflects the global clients we serve,” she says. “It also creates a vibrant and engaged culture where our employees feel welcome to contribute their unique perspectives.”

To that end, Patrick works with human resources colleagues to ensure employees have the guidance and training they need to succeed. Her role as leader, she adds, has changed over the years.

“Employees want to be coached and supported,” says Patrick, who likes to serve as a mentor.

She says it’s particularly satisfying when someone she mentored stops by to share news of their latest career success. “Many people think banking is a numbers business,” Patrick says, “but I think banking is a people business.”

“RBC empowers young professionals to discover numerous career options” Gbinije says. “Being given that sort of responsibility so early on really motivates you to keep learning and making progress in your career.”

This article was originally published in The Globe and Mail as part of RBC’s recognition as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.

A word from our lawyers

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subject matter discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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Onome Gbinije

Lindsay Patrick

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