Clerical Associate Review

I currently work in Technology within JPMorgan in the SWIFT Infrastructure group. My team is positioned in a particularly unique position. I work within the business development of SWIFT Infrastructure, meaning I overview and work with each of the product groups at a close level. I create business reports and projections for the product groups as well as working in the demand management side, dealing with requests for a SWIFT service known as FileAct. This involves me working with internal clients who then work with their external clients to process the requests. I work closely with other teams when onboarding clients, building my network.

Before starting at JPMorgan I wouldn't have initially decided to be in Technology. I started with very little knowledge of my job role or responsibilities and with the overwhelming support of my team, I have learnt unbelievable amounts about my team and SWIFT as a whole. Coming in as an apprentice has really helped me as my team were aware that I was straight from Sixth Form and encouraged me to ask any questions I had which means now I feel comfortable in my job role day-to-day and will continue learning new skills as I develop. The apprenticeship also requires me to take CISI exams, covering 'Introduction to securities and investments', 'Risk in Financial Services' and 'ITO'. These exams will not only provide me with the level 4 qualification but cover a range of topics that will help me in the workplace and when I progress in my career. JPMorgan also offers various training courses both internally and externally, to cover a range of skills from 'soft skills' like presenting, public speaking, confidence boosting to java and excel classes.

Before starting at JPMorgan I was very nervous, but I soon fitted in to my team, using my colleagues to gain further knowledge and socializing with them outside of work too. The apprenticeship itself provides a great starting point to meet new people and widen your network. The two-week introductory 'bootcamp' we had before actually starting JPMorgan was great, as it meant we could get to know people in the same situation as us before we started at the office. I thoroughly enjoy both my work and the apprenticeship, and I feel this has definitely been a far better option than University for me personally.

My team include me in their day to day tasks and have now given me ownership of our FileAct requests which has made me feel valued within the team as I am the key point of contact for these requests. I also feel valued outside of my team, working alongside a VP to produce the Bournemouth Technology Newsletter, which has gained me recognition from several other departments and helped to expand my network.

The schools team within JPMorgan are excellent in making sure the apprenticeship programme runs smoothly and effectively. The introduction bootcamp brought us in nicely to the day to day business of JPMorgan and the culture of the company. The structure of the exams and lectures is well supported by our training provider BPP and we are offered lots of support with this. Having the previous cohort to learn from and help us was a great advantage as I was able to ask them questions that I didn't want to ask my manager or team and ensured I settled in well. The managers work well with the schools team to ensure they are providing enough help alongside our day job to help us progress in our roles.

I have 5/6 lectures per exam which are then recorded and can be re-watched at convenience. I then have face-to-face revision sessions which work really well as you can bring any questions to the tutor and cover areas you are weaker on. The books provided cover the entire syllabus and the online portal provides us with further support and mock papers to practice the exams. We also have contact emails from the tutors to email them with any questions or problems we may have.

My manager and team are very encouraging and happy to help with any questions I have in order to progress my career and develop my confidence in my role.

I currently live at home so I'm lucky I don't have to pay for accommodation. I also live locally so the petrol cost is relatively low. I have little outgoing costs right now so the standard apprentice salary is adequate for my living costs.

Yes, as apprentices we are encouraged as much as any other employees, if not more, to get involved in extracurricular activities. There are many talks and events that I have attended and would rate very highly. The company events and clubs also provide a great way to get to know new people and find out about other peoples job roles.

Yes

The support from everyone, especially the schools team is very encouraging and an apprenticeship is a very good opportunity for young people to kick start their career. The atmosphere of the workplace is positive and friendly and encourages the young talent among it.

Keep an open mind with your job role and be willing to learn as much as you can before and after starting. With regards to the application process and interviews, be yourself, even if you're not a standard 'banker' they may see something in your personality they like and want to help start your career! There are so many opportunities at JPMorgan so get involved in as much as your job allows you without getting behind on work.