Assistant Relationship Manager Review

I am an Assistant Relationship Manager Apprentice, so on a daily basis I speak to customers via email and telephone and answer queries, I also assist the Relationship Managers, planning and arranging reviews and meetings, and completing admin tasks.

I have learnt a lot about Commercial Banking, how customers use the service and the things they need, as well as all the risk and other considerations that have to be taken into account when lending, or deciding not to lend. I have developed my skills of working independently, as a lot of the role is planning your own activities, rather than being told what to do.

It took me a little while to settle into the programme, as there was so much to learn, and as the team is only very small, it took a while for everyone to adjust to having an extra person. I am enjoying the independent nature of the work, and being trusted to manage my own time. I am also enjoying working towards my Professional Banker Certificate.

My DCBs have been very welcoming and have trusted me to complete tasks to improve my confidence and increase my profile within the team. My line manager is very approachable and helps me with anything I need. I feel like a valuable and useful member of my team.

Training initially was quite haphazard. There was no formal induction to the office, and I felt it was left to my colleagues to find things for me to do, which made me feel a bit of a burden to begin with, as I didn't know how to do anything. My buddy was also on holiday in my first week which didn't help. Now I am completing the PBC, this is very well structured and planned out, and I know what is expected of me and when.

BPP organise a monthly catch up call, and I can contact them via email or phone whenever I need to. The tutor for the PBC exam is very good and answers any questions in the fortnightly webinars.

My managers and colleagues are all very supportive, the other ARMs will always answer my questions about day-to-day things, and support me if I'm not sure about how to do something. The managers check in with me regularly to see if I need anything, and make sure I'm okay.

My salary is adequate for my living costs as I currently live with my parents, however I could not afford to rent by myself, and even if I shared, it would be more of a struggle. However I know that for an apprentice wage it is very generous, and I am very grateful for that, as it allows me to save money for the future.

I work in a small office in Lancaster, which is a long way from any of the big regional centres, so in this respect, my opportunities are much more limited. However I am getting involved in as many things as possible remotely, such as the Marketing Council newsletter.

Yes

The salary and benefits package is very good, and I am able to complete a qualification whilst also learning a role, and I find my day to day work interesting. There are also lots of opportunities around the world for my future career, and I am developing valuable skills.

In interviews, make sure you always have an example to demonstrate a skill- for example don't just say you are good at working within a team, give an example of a time you have worked successfully within a team, and what you achieved.