Assistant Relationship Manager Review

My role is within the commercial banking relationship management team- where I am an apprentice 'Assistant Relationship Manager'. Day-to-day work is highly varied and largely influenced by customers and their queries. Activities can range from checking customers account information to attending meetings alongside the RM's.

Since starting my apprenticeship I have been constantly developing and learning new skills. Although at first the number of new systems which you have to learn to navigate around seems daunting, you find yourself picking it all up really quickly. My communication skills have also developed significantly due to the importance of colleague and client interaction within my role- whether over the phone, face-to-face and via emails.

I am really enjoying the programme and being part of the commercial banking team. My team are always keen to get me involved in internal meetings and within the first three days of starting I had already attended a customer meeting alongside one of the RM’s. The variety in the role definitely adds to the enjoyment.

RBS and the commercial team have always made me feel valued. Whenever I am set a task my colleagues will fully explain why I am doing it, meaning I know there’s a purpose to what I’m doing. My colleagues have welcomed me into the team and are always happy to help me.

The programme seems to be highly structured by both RBS and the learning provider BPP. BPP sent each of us an individual learning plan a few weeks before our studying began which means we can track where we are in the scheme. It also makes us aware of when we have to attend webinars and also assessment deadlines.

I have been really impressed with the support we have received from BPP. As well as our learning plan we also have scheduled monthly reviews with our assessor, during which we discuss how I'm getting on and if I require any extra support or have any questions. Whenever I have emailed with queries they are quick to respond and always happy to help.

The team which I work with are a great support and are always happy to answer any questions which I may have. My colleagues take time to explain any tasks which I may be having difficulty completing. Me and my manager have regular one-to-one meetings where we discuss what I am doing, how much support I am receiving and checking that I am coping with the workload.

I am very happy with my salary and find that it allows me to easily meet my monthly costs. The salary is very impressive compared to those being offered by other apprenticeship schemes.

As well as learning how to navigate around the internal systems and studying towards a professional finance exam, I have been able to improve my networking skills by attending external events. These events have been with young professionals in the local area, allowing me to form relationships which will be useful for my future career development.

Yes

I am finding the apprenticeship highly enjoyable and most importantly rewarding. Everyday I leave with a sense of achievement knowing that I’ve learnt something and that my work is being valued. I also know that I am developing skills which will be invaluable for my future career progression.

Although the application process can sometimes seem quite long just focus on each step as it comes up. I was quite nervous about the telephone interview, however if you take time to research RBS and their values you will be fine. I also found that throughout the process everyone was really supportive, particularly during the face-to-face interview.