Client Coverage Apprentice Review

On a day-to-day basis I write credit papers for our corporate clients to see whether we can give them the correct products, whilst undertaking various other projects. I have to interact with senior bankers, including client managers, credit officers and relationship managers. I am also studying for a professional exam (IOC)

I have learnt about the different aspects of financial accounts, such as P&L Statement, cash flow statement and balance sheet. I have also learnt about how to use Excel more efficiently, as it is a very important application in CC. Lastly, my communication skills have improved as I can now express my ideas more clearly to various different internal and external stakeholders.

I enjoy my programme to a large extent. It is very interesting to see how all of our clients operate and how global events around the world. Another factor which is also great is the opportunities to meet senior bankers. I have had the opportunity of meeting managing directors, global and regional heads, which I didn't expect to happen at the beginning of the program. Work-life balance is also very good considering I have an 1hr 30 min commute there and back every day.

My program is well structured. I have 3 rotations, all within Client Coverage. My first is as a Credit Analyst and then I move into client management (third is still being decided due to restructuring). I have a buddy who can help with me with any general queries, a mentor who can help me with career advice and my people leader, who I catch up with weekly and is always there to help me out

I receive lots of support from my employer. As I have mentioned, I have three levels of support (buddy, people leader and mentor), who are always supportive. Also my team are very helpful and have taught me lots since joining as I didn't know a lot a about banking. All members of staff are very accessible

I have received a good amount of support from my training provider. They sent me a physical and online version of text books. There is also many revision videos and resources on training providers website. Additionally, the training provider is running a two day revision course before our exam, which will be very insightful.

My qualification will help me better understand my role as I can understand banking and the financial services industry better. The qualification also helps me better understand products such as bonds, FX, derivatives and investment trusts. Overall, I feel the mix of this qualification and on-the-job training will better help me perform in my role

We have had the opportunity to go to a few networking events which has been good as I have been able to meet more people around the bank. To my knowledge, there are multiple social activity clubs such as music, football, running and golf. Lots of teams tend to go out for a drink after work on a Thursday.

Yes

Standard Chartered are a very supportive organisation. I have had support from my colleagues, buddy, mentor and the apprenticeship team. I have definitely developed as a person, as my social skills have improved and so has my technical skills. The work I get is interesting and challenging and I feel I positively contribute. I am also given enough time to study and rest, so work life balance is great.

Really understand the banks values and vision for the future. These two factors are key to how we operate as a business. Be confident and positive because shows you are genuinely interested in making a difference. You don't need a lot of technical knowledge on banking but reading up on current geopolitical and economic issues in the news will definitely help you get through interviews.