Developer Review

I work as a System Developer in the Technology Department at the Bank. The daily tasks vary quite a bit day to day due to the role of the team within the Bank. We not only work on building solutions to fulfil business project specifications but we also support all financial systems in case of problems. We interact with most technology teams and only a few business teams. We don't interact with anyone externally ourselves but we do get communications from other banks through another team. We are responsible for the middleware systems that manage payment services in the country. Projects range from upgrades, to new solutions, to creating integration with other systems. Everyday I answer queries from people to either fix system problems, or produce solutions or create accounts for commercial banks to be able to transfer data. I love how varied it is and I'm learning a lot.

I am currently doing a Data Analytics Level 4 qualification outside of the Bank which isn't connected to my day job but it is a necessary skill in the Bank so they are training new ones in it. In addition to this, I have internal training in good business practise and I'm given many opportunities to develop existing skills that are necessary for the business world. The most valuable skills I've learnt are what my manager and my team have taught me; not only the technical skills needed for my day job but also skills like communication and organisation which are needed in any working environment. I now consider myself much more informed on the discipline required to hold a full time job in such a pressured environment, something most of my peers at university don't have.

I enjoy it very much, I couldn't imagine getting my first job anywhere else. Yes, the work is hard, very hard. We have a big job to do here but it is a great feeling to know that the work I struggle to do is benefitting the citizens of the UK in some way. My team are absolutely lovely. I am a young girl in a team full of older men (40+), something I was told would happen in school but I didn't believe it till I saw it. Yet they make me feel so welcome and support me in everything. The company as a whole is great because they encourage everyone to have a good work/life balance which I am so grateful so I can still look after my aging mother without being penalised at work. It is nothing like I expected but I am happy it is the way it is. I enjoy it a lot, but it's still hard but worthwhile.

Personally, I don't always feel valued because I feel like a burden because it takes a lot of time to teach me the skills necessary to do my job, yet my team never make me feel this way. They are always happy to help me and support me. In my meetings with my manager I am always surprised when he says everyone is happy with my work and to work with me so they try to involve me in as much as I am capable to complete. They really try to make me feel part of the team.

This is touch and go with the programme. You have to be able to adapt and be determined to sacrifice what you want in some areas. The induction was good and very informative, although it can never fully prepare you for the real job. The training we receive from the actual programme isn't really helpful, just filling us with loads of information and no practical assistance or interaction. The QA apprenticeship course that we were put on wasn't up for discussion which was quite annoying because a lot of us ended up doing something we would never have chosen. But the quality of teaching on the QA course is excellent nonetheless. They do allow a day off a week to study which is very useful, often though you need to spend a bit more time. There are a few support meetings but we spend most of the time complaining about miscommunication. With regard to task delegation and team hierarchy, in my team, it's very clear and concisely organised, no problems there. The major problems are with the Future Capabilities Team at the Bank. The programme structure could be better in my opinion.

The training provider is QA and they are great. The tutors know their stuff and are always available to help out whenever we need. Although it is a serious qualification, we have some flexibility with regards to deadlines as long as we're honest and still work hard nonetheless, because they obviously understand that we work full time and do not always have the time to do the work. I really enjoy it, although I wouldn't have chosen the course itself, they make it interesting and take time to help each and every student with their individual problems.

My manager is great, super supportive, giving me time off whenever I need. The HR team don't really do much to support me personally but I guess they are there if I have any queries. I don't have a mentor but that's something that is available. My manager and team are always happy to help me, even when they are having a bad or busy day, which is really great.

The salary is spot on for me really. People could always WANT more money but what they give is enough for you to move into a small place (house share) and cover travel costs and daily life costs. Obviously we are unqualified so we shouldn't expect to get so much. Depending on social and international travelling habits, the income can comfortably cover this too.

The company has quite a few events because there are loads of different societies and they are all about employee welfare. They have Christmas and Summer events. As well as conferences and seminars with guest speakers. Also, different departments have their own social events often at the pub. You can also volunteer to be a bank ambassador in the local community, going to schools or different charities. You can also sign up for classes either at university or colleges. There is also a gym in site and sports club nearby. When I'm not working, I am often volunteering as a bank ambassador at schools all over the UK, or attending lectures with guest speakers.

Yes

I think the work/life balance here is great. People say you could always earn more money in the private sector, but working in the public sector is more rewarding in other ways; and you still get good money. The people are great and the benefits of public service are great, including health centre and gym onsite, and bank allowance to spend of these things.

The application process is long but just stick through it. The interviews are very personal rather than technical. They want to gather what your like as a person and employee no matter what grades or qualifications you have down on paper. The assessment days are rigorous but you'll learn at least one thing from the feedback that will help you grow as a person. Try and get as much experience as you can in what you'd like to apply for, this will help you convey how passionate you are about the subject. Just be a nice person. They look more for someone who is determined to work hard and learn, as well as help others. Any other qualifications are just a bonus. I would have like to been told: do your research about what the bank does.