Why domain knowledge is sought for technical roles?

[mobi]

Recently I saw loads of roles (database/development etc.) for investment banking and I didn't get a chance as I don't have investment banking experience.

Now why do they need domain knowledge for technical roles? If someone is supposed to administer database or do some development work, usually a spec will be provided by business analysts.

So, where does domain knowledge come in to play in these roles?

Is it just because in this market they are getting so many candidates that they use it just as filtering tool?

[lje]

Now why do they need domain knowledge for technical roles? If someone is supposed to administer database or do some development work, usually a spec will be provided by business analysts.

So, where does domain knowledge come in to play in these roles?

There are a couple of things really. There is an arguement which says that the more familiar you are with the business area the more likely you are to add value through asking the right questions. Also, some people argue that when investment banks ask for domain knowledge it is more that they want to know that you understand their culture. Although I have to say that having worked with a lot of different investment banks they all seem to have a different culture to me.

In reality it may well just be a filtering mechanism to stop the agents getting quite so many responses.

[Hex]

If someone is supposed to administer database or do some development work, usually a spec will be provided by business analysts.

You are kidding aren't you? You expect a spec? You can't have worked in banking.

[moorfield]

You are kidding aren't you? You expect a spec? You can't have worked in banking.

Today's requirement was scribbled for me on the back of a printout, signed off by a guy eating his subway with the words "Yeah, do it like that, it looks ballpark to me".

[original PM]

we have a about 4 or 5 different domains in here - trying to get it down to 1 - supposedly it is a nightmare

probably why people are asking for it.

[Bunk]

I thought it was so that they got people who could handle working with twats.

[northernladuk]

It is also because many of these domains have working cultures and requirements that can make a large difference as how how you fit in and working styles. An extreme example is a job in INvestment Banking and a job in the Public sector.

Both could need a certain skill set but the cultures are so different it is not true, in IB it's bang bang bang, time is money and in the public sector one its slow, laid back, cover your ass, don't p*ss anyone off.

If you go in for either interview with the attitude of the other sector you will fail horribly.

[singhr]

It is also because many of these domains have working cultures and requirements that can make a large difference as how how you fit in and working styles. An extreme example is a job in INvestment Banking and a job in the Public sector.

Both could need a certain skill set but the cultures are so different it is not true, in IB it's bang bang bang, time is money and in the public sector one its slow, laid back, cover your ass, don't p*ss anyone off.

If you go in for either interview with the attitude of the other sector you will fail horribly.

very true in my sector

[nomadd]

You are kidding aren't you? You expect a spec? You can't have worked in banking.

How true.

I'm back in IB after a few years away from it. I made the mistake on day one of asking to look at the Design Documents for the system and any UML diagrams they had created. My how we all laughed...

Nomadd

[mobi]

Hmm, now I understand why IB people are cursed for shutting down the economy.