Investment Operations Specialist Review

I work in the Global Markets conduct Risk and control self assessment team. We analyse risks and their associated control coverage. This involves interaction with Business and Risk/Compliance stakeholders on a daily basis, as well as working with large amounts of data to assess inherent risk and control ratings.

Having started directly after sixth-form, in which I hadn't covered business nor economics, it gave me my first insights into the financial sector with the role itself allowing me to develop a high level understanding of the bank's broad business activities ,as well as an in-depth understanding of relevant financial products.

Across the board, I am very much enjoying my program. BNP Paribas itself is a nice place to work, with extensive benefits and an amicable corporate culture. My team has been welcoming, having been helpful in explaining relevant details of the business to me in a clear and concise manor, when my lack of experience would have otherwise proven a limitation. My course provider, which is BPP, has provided a wide array of tools to use as part of my course, thereby allowing me to find a learning style that works for me as an induvial. The qualification itself is issued by CISI which covers widely applicable and useful foundational knowledge for a career within the financial sector.

The interview and induction process is well run with no sticking points and a generally smooth process. The individual training I received as part of my specific job role was comprehensive and provided a good foundation. A point of improvement could come as a this pathway to permanent positions/ more advanced apprenticeships within the bank following the end of the apprentice. However, it appears that a majority of apprentices who are reaching the end of their contract have been able to secure a position/ extension through discussions with their line manager or applications through the internal job opportunity portal.

The are multiple clear methods of support through HR, with directs point of contacts made clear and continued active involvement by the early carers team, in the form of individual check ups and roundtables as well as informational meeting when the need arises. Elements of upper management have also take an active interest in engaging with the apprentices, providing further useful points of contact.

The training provider, BPP, provides many tools including; the course text book, pre-recorded lectures, slides, quizzes of varying granularity, and lecture with the opportunities for Q&A. We also have regular catch up calls and have multiple points of contact we can email within the organisation if we have any questions.

The qualification provides a knowledge base about the financial sector generally, core economic principles and various financial products. This serves extensively in my day to day role.

BNP Paribas provides opportunities for social activities, especially within Global Markets. The team I am part of regularly have outings, normally to a pub. Apprentices also have access to investment 20/20 events, which consist of networking and education opportunities with its 60 member institutions.

Yes

A nice working environment, support from members across the bank as well as being a great learning and career starting opportunities.

Leverage the large amount of information which is available online to learn about the bank and its activities.