Private Banking Executive Review

Currently I am an analyst working in Wealth and Investment Management within the Birmingham team. My day to day role is to be a relationship manager and make sure that our clients are receiving the best service possible. Some of the services that we provide are cash payments, account opening and closures, investments into different products and services and account management. We speak with clients on a daily basis in order to receive instructions and also to make sure that we keep the relationship healthy between client, banker and PBE. Our responsibilities are to uphold a high level of services and also maintaining the Barclays Values which are respect, integrity, service, excellence and stewardship.

During my time here I have learnt and developed many skills but the main ones include my relationship building and time management. Being on the phone a lot and having to communicate with other employees, you learn to create relationships in a very short amount of time which is important if you work in a front office role. Not only that but due to having lots of calls come in as well as having set work to do you learn to manage your time and prioritise the work you have. Before hand I never developed the skill but now I have developed a multitude of ways in which I manage my time better. These are only a handful of skills I have been able to develop.

The programme is very enjoyable as it brings you in touch with a variety of different people from different backgrounds. It has allowed me to be part of something I would never have been involved in otherwise. The only thing I would say that could be improved is the aspect of allowing the candidates to meet up more often for work or exams, there are many others who I do not see often that would be nice to be able to sit together more often and discuss the work and exams that have been going on.

Through many of my team I constantly feel valued and feel as if I am an important member of the team. I get asked questions and people come to me for help which makes me feel as if I am contributing and have made an impression that I know what I am talking about regarding certain situation. Not only that but with constant support and a push from my manager I feel as if I can achieve a lot and go further up the chain.

At first the programme was not structured the best and there was a lot of information that was missing or could have been amended. As our cohort was the first in Relationship management and the first to be put into the head offices it was understandable that it did not go perfectly as this was a first for a lot of people. As time has gone on the structure is constantly improving and things have become a lot clearer for both first starters and also team managers who are having new apprentices.

At first the support we received was minimal as the first few months was getting to grips with the job and understanding the roles that we would be in. As the months went on we were having more and more contact with one of our trainers but soon was given another trainer who started to be more involved with us. We would receive more and more contact with them which has now become a monthly thing and a quarterly face to face visit which adds value which is worth while

We receive a lot of support from our managers who have been key in a lot of development and a lot of skills building. The constantly push for you to go outside of your comfort zone and do things you wouldn't normally do in order to better yourself. We are pushed to go out and find a mentor who has been in the business and has held a higher position as they can give you advice from the work side as well as a managerial side which has helped a lot. Other teams do not get involved as such as there is no need to but they are always there if need be such as the HR team if there are any issues of the early careers team who are in charge of the apprenticeships.

When I first got the role I was asked to move to Bristol from London and was given no help financially or given any contacts to help with the move. I was given a month to get down to Bristol, find a place and move in. This was on top of being on holiday for two weeks. I had no help financially but luckily as I had savings I was able to do so. For living the amount we are paid is good as I am able to afford a nice flat and still have more than enough. If we are travelling for business purposes then we are able to claim back what we spend and have money for food and additional travel which covers you for more than you would need. I am only giving the experience a low score due to the initial move and limited help financially.

There are many networking events possible with Barclays including many social events, charity events and project work. So far I have been involved in all three types and have been able to meet many different people. I have been part of social events meeting other young professionals in different areas of finance and law. I have also been involved in charity events travelling to different places and meeting people from big firms who are involved with the same charity and lastly i have been involved in Project work to get involved in a project with other young professionals in the city to put towards any cause we felt that was important. All of this was achievable through the links that i have made at Barclays and would not have been able to meet the people that I have met so far.

Yes

I have already recommended to a lot of my friends who do not want to go to uni to apply for this apprenticeship as it is not just an apprenticeship but an opportunity. It is a way into a well respected business and into a position you would not be able to get into coming straight out of school. It is a way to make your mark straight away and be part of something you would never normally be a part of. It allows you to work and get a degree at the same time without the debt meaning you come out with the same as someone in uni but have an extra three years worth of full time experience. It combines the best of uni and work.

The best tips would be to make sure this is what you want to do, if this is what you want to do it comes across during the interviews and it is something an employer will look at. Research is also key, make sure you understand the role and understand the industry, you do not need to know everything in depth but knowing a little bit about Barclays and the services that they offer is important to show you have initiative. Lastly I would say is be confident and enjoy it, not matter whether you get it or not it is a learning curve and a great way to meet new people. If you get it then you need to make sure you keep working and developing. If you do not get it then you will receive feedback as to why you did not make it, do not be put off from applying again but next time work on the feedback and come back stronger. The most important thing you can do in work is to take feedback positively and make sure you work on it, this will stand you in good stand with managers and other employees.