Apprentice Relationship Manager Review

My role as an Apprentice Relationship Manager is assisting the Relationship Director in the day-to-day management of their portfolio, this includes financial covenant monitoring, analysing annual accounts and helping to write credit papers. It is a client facing role so I have been lucky to have regular contact with the clients. I also contribute to a lot of business development project work and believe this really gives me an opportunity to make a difference in the processes used in the bank.

Having come directly from sixth form it meant that I had no experience in this sector at all, so particularly within the first month it was a very steep learning curve to become accustomed to all of the bank's regulations and processes. I am also working towards my Associated Chartered Banker so have been learning in depth detail the history of banking and why all of these regulations are in place.

I can honestly say I love my programme. I have been so fortunate to be placed in such an amazing team who are so welcoming towards me. Furthermore, I have been giving so many opportunities that I had never would have expected, such as travelling around the UK to work with different individuals and to learn from them.

The structure of our 3-year programme is that we have four rotations: two of those being 12-months in length and being customer-facing roles, and the other two being 6-months in length with one in risk and the other operations. This then means that we get a well rounded experience and allows us to make an informed decision about possible divisions we would like to go into.

My employer is really supportive of our work and members of my team are always more than willing to help with any evidence tasks I have or to proof read any of my essay assignments. Furthermore, wider colleagues not from my immediate team are also always offering to help if I need any assistance.

My employer is really supportive of our work and members of my team are always more than willing to help with any evidence tasks I have or to proof read any of my essay assignments. Furthermore, wider colleagues not from my immediate team are also always offering to help if I need any assistance.

I have only completed the first module of my qualification so far, the Professional Ethics and Regulation module, this then has gave me the fundamental background I need to complete my day-to-day role to a high level. It has also gave me the background of knowledge so that I am able to make informed and conscientious decisions.

I often attend professional networking events hosted by relevant companies and attend trade shows which are related to the sector I work in. These events have not only helped me to network with individuals who I would otherwise not meet, but it has also aided me to grow in confidence in meeting new people and speaking in public.

Yes

Without a doubt I would recommend Santander to a friend, it has given me so many opportunities that I didn't think would ever happen and has already within my short time here given me the foundations that I know I will carry throughout my professional career in the banking sector.

Just be yourself, you don't need to be the loudest voice in the room or the most out-spoken person in order to work for Santander, they are looking for potential as an apprentice and to embody the Santander ways. Show passion, be enthusiastic but also show how you are a team player.