Senior research assistant Review

Each day is varied but mainly focussed around helping other complete policy papers , making a presenting presentations to other economists. There can be a fair few mundane, regular tasks to do such as data table and charts but over time they can be handed over to more junior members of staff.

The economics degree can put the daily tasks which we do into context of wider economic issues which are not necessarily related to my day job. In general, you get a lot of exposure to excel and the wider microsoft programs as well as more specific softwares related to the job, for example, Bloomberg terminals.

The program has been good in its delivery. The format of the learning material changes from each semester which can be frustrating when you get used to a certain format and/or way of it being presented. Also, deadlines can be changed which can be hard when juggling a job. The content itself is very interesting.

At times, it can be dysfunctional with some course information be passed through by word of mouth from others on the course rather than from the provider. I'm not aware there is a mentoring scheme at my work or from the course provider. Deadlines for pieces of work are pretty well communicated.

There is great support from immediate line management and the team is supportive of letting me have a day off to study undisturbed. There is not a mentoring scheme i am aware of at work or provided by the employer. Academic support is pretty good and they have an email inbox which is regularly monitored.

The format of the training content does change from each semester which can be hard to keep-up or get used to a certain way of studying then it changes. It also varies greatly the length of the seminars and how detailed the material provided is. Guidance when having issues is good, but can vary from tutor to tutor.

The qualification is very general and so the vast majority of the topics dont have a direct link to my role, however, it does give a context to the wider moves and makes me think where i might want to move within the organisation and what areas of economics interests me.

In light of lockdown, all social aspects of work have gone. The employer is also selling its sports club. There are a few virtual networking meetings but they usually have technology issues and are awkward compared to networking face to face. The outside of the office, when we are allowed in, is nice but less so the interior.

No

The Bank suites a certain type of person who likes bureaucracy, poor technology and below industry standard pay but does offer training opportunities and there is a flexible leave scheme. The culture can be unique in being encourage to be visionary within a strict hierarchy of processes and management buy in.

Learning a coding language is always a plus. The employer at lower pay levels is more interested in actually work experience of a part time job which a candidate has had for years as opposed to having a short work experience placement at a high profile firm. Application process is long so allow extra time and not to be disappointed if it takes many months.