CSS Risk and Controls Review

I work as a clerical associate within JP Morgan Chase GTI (Global technology infrastructure). I work in the CSS Risk and Controls teams along with 5 other team members based around the world (England, USA and India). My daily tasks include making and updating regular team trackers in order to track progress on things like: CSA's, audit substantiation, action plans, business continuity plans etc. I interact with my team and manager on a daily basis through a half-hour team call scheduled. Along with those regular interactions, I also interact with many other colleagues from other teams when, for example, I need evidence required form them for an audit

I've developed A LOT of new skills with my short stint (so far) here at JP Morgan. Just some of the skills I have developed and learned include: Cyber security protection, code developing and writing (Java and object orientated), carrying out technical internal and external audits and CSA's, MS Excel macros and code, MS Access database construction, communication skills e.g. chairing meetings and delegating, management and time managing skills, prioritising etc. etc.

I enjoy it immensely. As far as my job role is concerned, it is very appropriate for me as it is a very technical role and plays to my school strengths of computer science and mathematics. You get to know (and love) your team almost instantly after joining it and it makes your job so much more enjoyable to have a constant interaction with people who do the same work as you and they basically transition into your friends. Aside from that, your fellow cohort apprentices become another family which you can constantly meet up and have fun with, not just outside of work, but during work as well.

I feel extremely valued by JP Morgan. As mentioned before, some of this valuation comes with hoe well and equally everyone treats you, including interactions with ED's and MD's. My manager is brilliant as well as he constantly appreciates any task I do and successfully (or sometimes unsuccessfully) carry out. He also makes me feel valued with the type of tasks he gives me responsibility for.

I feel the whole program is very well and adequately structured. It started off with a 2 week boot-camp where we were placed at the top floor of AFC Bournemouth and had many introductory lectures and talks to ease us in (which is immensely better than just being thrown into your very technical job). After those had concluded and we started work with JP Morgan, the first week was mainly online training and learning to help me get more compliant within my job role. There were training modules for basically everything which I needed to carry out my role well and be informed in every aspect, which was brilliant.

The support from the training provider throughout the apprenticeship was brilliant. The lectures were always delivered in a very clear and concise/ detailed manner and the lecturer would always make sure to answer any and all questions asked during them. Aside from that, they were very open to have a chat to them outside of lecture hours and/ or e-mail them about any questions. I did this many times and got very quick and detailed responses which helped a lot. The general attitude towards teaching was outstanding and it shifted on to us as students and made it more fun and easier for us to learn.

As mentioned before, the level of support I got at JPMC was to a very high standard. Be it my line manager or my team members, everyone was extremely accessible and easy to talk to. My manager resolved many queries I had at the start of my job (and throughout) very efficiently and with a nice attitude. Similarly, during my apprenticeship, I was involved in changing houses where the HR team came into play and were a massive help regarding my work reference and personal details to my property agents.

My salary package meets all my living costs perfectly. As an apprentice, I am on one of the lower salary packages, however it still manages to meet all my necessary costs (and then some) very nicely. I live in a one bedroom apartment which was newly built and near Castlepoint, therefore rent isn't cheap. Along with bills and food costs, I still manage to have a good few £ left over for luxury purposes. I'm lucky enough o say that I have never been financially inept of in difficulty at any point of my apprenticeship. Along with the standard salary, we have also received a bonus in 1 or 2 monthly salaries, which was a very good surprise as a couple £100 goes a long way for us. I was lucky enough to get an apartment near to JPMC therefore travelling costs aren't a worry for me, however even if I were to get a bus or something like that, I could easily afford it. Well done JPMC.

One of, if not the best thing about working at JP Morgan is the outside of work opportunities you get. There's something for absolutely everyone to get involved in. If we talk about company events, there are huge ones such as the Isle of White boat race. This is a 3 day even in July which next to everyone takes part in. You have to rent out a hotel with your mates in Isle of White and then participate in a "round the island" boat race or a cycle race. It's brilliant fun and a great thing to get involved in as a whole company. There are also internal events such as Tech Hub and Campus-wide town halls + Techfest. Many charity events run regularly too which you can easily get involved in. Aside form these, there are clubs for most sports you can think of. The first thing I did was sign up for the cricket and tennis clubs here. For cricket, they take it very seriously (as they do for all other clubs) and have indoor net sessions every week twice, and then matches against local team every week in the summer - it's great. For tennis, the sessions run every lunch time either every day or every other day.

Yes

JP Morgan is a fantastic organization (biggest investment bank in the world) and a brilliant environment to work in. It will make you feel valued and part of a huge company. The support you will get in your job and throughout your education is second to none and I can't imagine a better place to start off your career at. There is SO much to learn and the possibilities here are literally endless. There are so many things you can get involved with and so many opportunities you are exposed to (both in and out of work). The salary package at such a prestigious bank is obviously handsome and you will never see yourself struggling, despite only entering at a clerical associate level (if you do the same apprenticeship). The weight that experience at such a firm carries on your CV is staggering and it's a brilliant firm to be part of.

I'll try to break this one down in each stage of the application process from what I can remember at the top of my head. Make sure to come across as very interested in JP Morgan and interested in what you want to do. Make sure to get your voice heard at every stage of the interview/ group task.