Test Analyst Review

I work as a Test Analyst within PBB Mortgages Technology where on a daily basis I partake within test preparation and test execution in order to improve our mortgage applications and systems. I work within the SIT team where we have daily calls to discuss and progress and problems faced during our jobs. I am currently working on Release 9B which is the introduction of Autovaluations.

During my time at RBS so far, I have developed my communication skills and boosted my confidence when interacting with old and new people. I have boosted my knowledge on technology and software development by work and interacting with software and applications by testing and analysing the response in order for it to pass. I have also developed my skills within software testing as an analyst by being able to perform test preparation and execution.

I enjoy the apprenticeship programme in RBS highly. It is good waking up in the morning and going into work knowing there is work to do and to work effectively so RBS can become number 1 for customer trust, service and advocacy. The programme entails you going to courses wit external training provider QA where there is interesting course you can take. You also are required to completed internal modules to achieve level 6&8 which are interesting also.

I feel very valued at RBS. With being an apprentice and learning on the job, there is always someone on hand if I ever need help with a bit of work that I am stuck on. I always get recognition from my manager or colleagues when I do jobs effectively and efficiently which in turn makes my confidence even stronger and encourages to perform further within my role. I am always encouraged to speak and input my detail in daily calls with my team that makes me feel included although I am the least experienced.

The programme is very well organised. When I started, there was a 3 day induction that helped broaden knowledge of RBS as whole and our ways of working. There is always training available whether organised through QA, internally or online learning. If you need time to study or complete modules, managers always provide you with time to be able do this. As for providing work, I have a dedicated senior tester who ensures I have plenty to do on a daily basis.

I have a mentor from QA who I meet with on a monthly to discuss and sign on off any internal modules I have completed since we met last. He is always accessible to ask for support either by email or phone if I ever need any guidance to problems I come up against. He will take me step by step through the problem so I full understand what the outcome is expecting of me. There has never been a time where he has showed a negative attitude to help me develop.

I receive plenty of support from my employer also. My manager is always there for me and we have monthly 1 to 1's to talk about my progress and if there is any issues he can help with. There is plenty of information and data supplied by RBS to help with employees progression through their career within in RBS. I also get help from my team if I ever face a problem and they never show any signs of poor attitude with the guidance they provide for me.

The salary package from RBS is very good compared to other people I know who are also on the similar apprenticeship schemes but for other companies. It has allowed to buy a new car, save money monthly, pay off bills and have a good social life and still allowing me to have money left over at the end of each month. The RBSelect through your pay packet also provides plenty of benefits for future savings and other handy benefits.

There is the conference centre at Gogarburn that holds lots of events for people to attend which can range from Technology Road shows to Security Road shows. There are plenty voluntary options and you get 24 hours voluntary leave so that equates to 3 days paid voluntary leave to help the community. They also sponsor the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to which RBS employees get a discount or free entry through a competition which I attended in 2016. There is a gym at Gogarburn which RBS employees get a discount for and use this on a daily basis during my lunch hour.

Yes

RBS is a great place to start your career if want to enter the financial or technology side of industry. I feel starting your career early instead of going to college or university gives you an advantage and real introduction to life and working life ahead of others who have chosen that career path. It allows you to learn, earn and work on the job so it still takes education into account to progress your career path.

When applying, when doing your online application be as truthful as possible. During the interviews ensure you have prepared well and think of all the questions they may ask and ensure you have a good knowledge of RBS and include them in your answers. Speak your answers to parents to allows them to provide guidance on improvements on the way you are portraying yourself. Put yourself out there as it shows you are keen and determined to work for a massive organisation like RBS.