Rating

8.7/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • Under the guidance of my mentor, who was a guest service executive, I gradually Watched, and to a certain extent, learnt to: * provided a warm, courteous and prompt welcome on arrival for all visitors for client meetings, seminars, training courses and other events. Also, ensure that all visitors and colleagues are dealt with efficiently so that an exceptional high standard of service is provided at all times. I also managed to learn how to Liaise with meeting hosts regarding their clients and meeting requirements on the day and following specific instructions for individual bookings and visitors. I also Ensured that all guest service areas are appropriately resourced in line with service standards and rotas, raising any staffing issues or challenges to the Guest Services Team Leader. Monitor all Front of House areas e.g. meeting rooms, reception areas etc. And finally, To ensure that they are always tidy and presentable and take corrective action.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • Interpersonal skills is a definite. You come across so many personalities and you really get to adjust to each and every individual. It’s really a pleasant place. I developed one skill in particular, and that is to remain composed... it was a breath of fresh air for me, sometimes not knowing what you need to do or how to address a situation can be exceptionally stressful... thankfully, having someone alongside me, made me calm. Eventually, I was let go to do things myself, and it really wasn’t so bad.

    8/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • It was fantastic. The atmosphere and everything that goes with the daily routine, which fitted in for about 2 weeks’, was just something I won’t ever experience again. Some people don’t enjoy doing the same thing over and over again, but it can be really pleasing because of the feeling of mastering something that will help you flourish in the future. Also, Barclays is big... just getting that feeling of knowing who you are working for, makes you feel so proud. If someone ever considered this, I would definitely recommend — big Time!

    9/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by Barclays?
  • I wouldn’t say I was pretty valued, for an opportunity like this to come knocking at my door, one in which I tried so hard to get to, doesn’t come around very often, and I was given a role in which I was almost the face of it all, I was that person who people, along with my colleague, would see first thing as they entered. It’s a big commitment, and they with them having to trust me, that definetly shows value. I also felt valued because they accepted me and were so, so nice to me. Kindness definitely goes a long way.

    9/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • I would say very, very structured. I had so much support from the beginning and right till the very end. It was like I was going through training — and it was essentially that. My colleague, who was practically my mentor, he was awfully nice... and he guided me throughout my stay. And even when I was on my own, I still knew I could count on him when things, if they ever did, go wrong. Most of the time I spent at Barclays was through greeting, being young helped in that department.

    10/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • As stated in the previous question, help was throughout. When you go through an experience like this, you definitely need all the help you can get. He was courteous, supportive, and An elegant and excellent individual. It wasn’t just a professional friendship, this man, who is only a few years older than me, was like a brother to me throughout the 2 weeks’ I spent there. I don’t think I could have asked for anymore help. We were such a team. Barclays did outstanding here.

    10/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I mean, again, this just goes back to my mentor. I didn’t encounter too many visits to or from senior members working at my branch. I think it was because of their entire responsibilities. And all those responsibilities on me were handled by my mentor. Who, again, I have to mention, was absolutely fantastic. If there is one reason why Barclays is a place to help you gain any skills whatsoever, it’s becaue of the support I recieved. I have encountered support from all aspects of employment and life, but never has something come close to Barclays Bank.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • No salary here. Just absolute pure experience. However, it is going to cost getting there, depending on where you come from, of course. Having said that, anything you spent getting there or what you purchase for lunch hour, it will all come back to you — you are reimbursed. It’s great, sure. I don’t know many who do do this kind of thing. Your salary is basically working for Barclays, and being so young, you don’t need to expect any more — just imagine what it will look like on your CV.

    9/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • Not really in this department, but it is something I I did not pay too much attention to. So, yeah, it’s definitely something I can’t give a straight answer to. But being such a huge company, with it also colluding with the biggest football in the league, I have no doubts that it’s very highly possible, along with the fact that it has so many branches, too. And let’s not forget, there are so many companies that offer something on the outside.

    5/10

  • 9. Would you recommend Barclays to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • Because it is an opportunity that will open many avenues. I know it is the banking sector, but let us not forget that this is a huge company, and having something like this on your CV will make your stand out. But it is not just opportunity, it is a place where you will actually gain skills for yourself, and become a person who is more confident and tactically astute. Take it, seize it.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Barclays?
  • Just be you. I know you hear this sort of stuff all the time, but it’s really true. And don’t forget to ask for help if you are never, ever sure. Always smile, even if you don’t feel like it. It has the power to make someone feel better.


Details

Work Experience

Hospitality Management

Central London & City

September 2018


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