Case Study: Modernizing Early Career Hiring to Achieve an 80% Graduate-to-FTE Conversion

THE CHALLENGE

The client’s early career recruiting efforts were rooted in traditional campus partnerships and legacy outreach methods. While the bank had strong brand awareness at established universities, it struggled to:

• Reach students from underrepresented and non-traditional backgrounds

• Drive authentic engagement with Gen Z talent

• Convert graduate talent into full-time hires efficiently

As early career hiring became a strategic priority, the bank needed a modernized, scalable approach that strengthened diversity, expanded reach, and improved conversion rates.

THE SOLUTION

LevelUP embedded an Early Careers Talent Advisor with the bank to co-design and deliver a refreshed early talent strategy. Key elements included:

• New academic partnerships: Engaged grammar schools and institutions serving diverse socioeconomic and geographic student populations.

• Diverse talent initiatives: Partnered with groups like Future CodeHers to amplify representation of women in tech and finance roles.

• Local ecosystem engagement: Built ties with career centers and faculty to deepen long-term talent pathways.

• Expanded digital outreach: Moved beyond nearby schools to LinkedIn and broader social channels to widen audience reach.

• Targeted social media content: Deployed Gen Z-centric messaging, like “Day in the Life” posts, to boost awareness and relevance.

  This approach combined strategic outreach with compelling storytelling and channel diversity to meet candidates where they are — and where they’re most active.

PROGRAM IMPACT

Vocational Trainees
Entry-level, skills-based roles saw an 86% increase in applications since adopting new outreach methods.

Internships
Interns became a strong feeder pool for graduates, with 95% converted to graduates in 2025.

Graduate Roles
The most recent graduate posting on LinkedIn generated 3,000+ applications, reflecting significant broadening of the applicant base.