Anyone stepping into Vontobel’s headquarters in Zurich will sense it immediately: more than numbers matter here. A warm "Grüezi" in the hallway, wide glass facades overlooking Lake Zurich, and a green sofa in the meeting room that once belonged to the bank’s namesake Dr. Hans Vontobel. These details speak to a company that operates globally but is firmly rooted in a culture of trust and familiarity. “We are a house of values,” says Michel Zahno. “We don’t just invest in skills. We invest in people.”
Values Meet Recruiting – and Higher Education
Vontobel is a global investment firm with about 2,300 employees and a clear stance. As a company that is 51% family-owned, it emphasizes not just performance, but also responsibility and long-term thinking. This philosophy also shapes the way Vontobel hires. “Our core values aren’t just posters on the wall,” Zahno emphasizes. “We want people who live these values from day one.”
Recruiting is closely aligned with business units. The four-person recruiting team knows each department well, actively supports the selection process, and acts as a strategic sparring partner to hiring managers. This values-driven approach also informs their university strategy. While the company maintains strong academic partnerships, it remains selective.
“We’re not chasing rankings or ‘target universities.’ We focus on personality, competencies, and alignment with our values.”
Vontobel welcomes applications from all academic backgrounds – whether business, science, or the humanities. One area of focus is students with IT or tech skills. “That group often isn’t familiar with Vontobel. So, we invest a lot in visibility and dialogue.”
For Zahno, employer branding at universities is a long-term investment. “Maybe it’s not the right time today. But in five years, it might be.”
A Structured Internship Program with Real Impact
A key pillar of Vontobel’s early career strategy is its structured internship program, offered each year across a range of departments: from Asset Management and Technology & Services to Legal & Compliance. Alongside the traditional summer intake, there’s also an early-career format to help students transition before graduation. “We want to give young people the opportunity to try things out, see what it means to actually work at Vontobel and we want to identify great talent early.”
The demand is high: the last round drew over 2,000 applications for just ten positions – in under two weeks. What makes this program unique is how internal teams apply to host an intern. Team leads must propose a meaningful project and designate a dedicated mentor. “That’s how we ensure the internship has substance and isn’t just support work,” Zahno explains.
The Role of Theses in Hiring Decisions
At Vontobel, theses are not seen as formalities but as opportunities. While there’s no standardized process for supervising academic work, many projects arise organically. “Often it starts with someone seeing a great topic and a student showing real interest. Then something meaningful can emerge.” One example from Transaction Banking: a student worked on a live project, wrote a thesis on it, and was hired afterward.
So how relevant is a thesis in recruitment? “It’s not just about the final paper. You see how a person thinks, how resilient they are, how they communicate. That tells us more than a CV ever could.” Especially for entry-level candidates, a strong thesis can be decisive:
“We look at the topic chosen, the questions asked, and how the student structured their argument. That gives insight into professional potential.”
Still, Zahno emphasizes the importance of preparation: “We receive over 100 applications per job. The details make the difference.” His advice to students: submit thoughtful, tailored materials and adopt the company’s perspective early on.
Three Tips for Students
Michel Zahno sums up his advice in three points:
- Choose a thesis topic that combines academic depth with real-world relevance and that you truly care about.
- Engage with practitioners early and build your network (also for the future).
- Remember: your thesis is more than a final assignment. It shows how you solve problems, structure your thinking, and grow through challenges.
“A thesis isn’t just a checkbox. It can be your springboard into a career or the beginning of something with real impact.”