Students and Recent Graduates

At BMO Financial Group^®, we know that as a student or recent graduate you have a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for summer work to support your education or that first job to launch your career, you’re ready to put your education to work with hands-on experience in a company that recognizes your potential and values your contribution. But with so many options open to you, it can be hard to know where to start or how to find your “fit”.

• What makes BMO a great place for students and recent graduates?
• What is BMO looking for when hiring students and recent graduates?
• What kinds of opportunities are open to me based on my degree/education?
• What scholarships, internships and intake programs does BMO offer?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You can also check out other sections of our Careers site to learn about our Business Groups, whether BMO is right for you, what BMO is doing in the community, our commitment to learning, awards and recognition we’ve received, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

What makes BMO a great place for students and recent graduates?

There are a number of reasons why working with BMO may just be the next – or the first – great step in your career. Do you…

• Want to experience challenging and interesting work from the perspective of an industry leader?
• Want tolearn and develop in a company that provides its employees with access to a variety of growth opportunities?
• Want to network with a diverse group of employees and customers in an open and supportive workplace?
• Want to make a meaningful contribution as part of a company with a long history of supporting the communities in which we live and work?
• Want to be rewarded with competitive compensation and benefits that match your lifestyle?

As a student or recent graduate, you’ll find this and more at BMO. You’ll also find managers and coworkers who are committed to coaching, guidance and collaboration, to help you learn the ropes and turn your potential into performance. For students and recent grads, BMO offers an environment where you can thrive.

What is BMO looking for when hiring students and recent graduates?

Just like you have attributes you’re looking for when considering an employer, we have attributes we’re looking for when we hire new employees. You can learn more about these attributes, including Our Values, on our Is BMO Right for You? page.

As a student or new grad in the early stages of your career, here are some additional things that we think really set apart a high performer:

• Always willing to learn new things not just about your role, but also about the organization and the industry
• Always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond what is required
• A strong communicator (both written and oral)
• A demonstrated passion for learning and excitement about your career
• Confidence to be yourself and bring forward your unique personality and ideas
• A team player with strong leadership skills
• A customer/client focus, with a commitment to excellent service

Remember, both your extracurricular experiences and your work experiences can be good ways to demonstrate that you fit this profile.

What kinds of opportunities are open to me based on my degree/education?

This is not an exhaustive list, but it will give you an idea of what kinds of educational backgrounds are common in the various parts of our company.

What scholarships, internships and intake programs does BMO offer?

BMO/Harris Student Internship Program

• This program was established in 2005 and was awarded the Recruiting & Staffing Best in Class award for the Most Innovative Recruiting and Staffing Program/Initiative. The BMO/Harris Student Internship Program is a formal summer program designed for postsecondary students who are interested in a career in Financial Services. This program is designed to provide students with a dynamic working environment as well as networking and career growth opportunities. To be eligible you must be returning to school in September.
• Click here to see the 2010 application instructions.

BMO National Scholarship Program

• In 1996, BMO Financial Group partnered with the Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto to offer a scholarship program open to all high school students across Canada, through their school’s guidance department. The result of this initiative was the BMO National Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto, awarding an average of 8 prestigious scholarships every year.

The BMO Financial Group/ Lime Scholarship and Internship Program for Students with Disabilities

• BMO Financial Group has partnered with New York-based Lime Connect Inc., a not-for-profit organization, to launch the BMO Financial Group/Lime Scholarship and Internship Program. The program is aimed to attract students with disabilities who are enrolled in full-time studies at a postsecondary institution in Canada and have career ambitions in the financial service industry.
• This program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to receive a scholarship in the amount of $2,500, compete for an internship in the role of a Financial Services Manager, and upon successful completion, be offered a full-time position at BMO Financial Group upon graduation.
• To learn more about this exciting opportunity and to download the application, please visit the Lime website at www.limeconnect.com.

The Ron Jamieson Aboriginal Scholarship and Internship Program

• BMO Financial Group is pleased to offer the Ron Jamieson Aboriginal Scholarship and Internship Program in honour of Ron Jamieson, a Mohawk from Six Nations and former Senior Vice-President Aboriginal Banking at BMO.
• Aboriginal students who are enrolled in full-time studies at a post-secondary institution in Canada are eligible for a scholarship and the opportunity to compete for a paid summer internship. Successful interns will be offered a permanent role as a Financial Services Manager at graduation.
• To apply, please visit the Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY) website at www.ccab.com/faay.

Want to know more? We have additional intake and training opportunities that are not specific to students and recent graduates. You can see examples of these programs by visiting our Business Group pages. You can also visit our job search page to search our database of current vacancies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are some typical new grad roles?
A: Customer Service Representative, Direct Banking Manager, Financial Analyst, Project Co-ordinator, Human Resources Co-ordinator

Q: How is the interview process structured?
A: Typically, the first round of interviews will be held over the phone. Your second interview would be a face-to-face interview.  We conduct behavioural based interviews and questions are encouraged. We are committed to providing accommodations for any special needs identified for the interview process.

Q: Where can I learn about BMO Bank of Montreal’s Student Banking services?
A: Click here to visit our Student Banking site.

Q: How do I apply for a job opportunity at BMO?
A: Visit our job search page. You can create a profile, or you can browse the current available roles by clicking “Visit as a guest.” You can then search for roles by clicking on “show all jobs,” “keyword search” or “detailed search.” The search function will also allow you to specify location(s) you are interested in.

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®† Registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence.