Private Banking Executive Review

I work as a private banking executive within Barclays Wealth. I work with a team of my fellow PBEs to support Private Bankers in managing their client portfolios. The role is extremely varied and includes communicating directly with clients and external organisations as well as working with other teams across our business to support requests such as lending or account opening.

Since starting I have attained my Professional Banker Certificate - the first of three professional qualifications I will attain through my apprenticeship. I have also been trained in a wide variety of systems as is required to perform my role including account management, reporting and payments. My training is supported by regular meetings with my manager and training events face to face with my fellow apprentices.

The role has been very challenging to learn, but this is exactly what I was looking for when I joined the programme. I come from a retail banking background within Barclays and so was already used to our culture within the bank. My team are very supportive in up-skilling me especially considering I have relocated to take on my role.

I have regular meetings with my line manager in which we will speak at depth around my progress in work and study, as well as any other areas of concern. Where I have been able to support my staff they are quick to share positive or constructive feedback which allows me to develop.

I was an internal candidate and was taken aback by the level of support I had both in applying and relocating once successful. Everyone is very keen to help which is a positive thing about Barclays culture. I have a meeting with my manager at least once a month and contact with my tutor at least once a month, though I know I am welcome to speak more often if I wish. I have 10 study days per year which I can take to help manage the challenge of working full time and studying. My line manager holds bi-weekly team meetings and I speak regularly to both the bankers and PBEs with whom I share the office.

I have a conversation with my tutor about my process each month and we set goals for me to have achieved by the next. She travels to my location once every three months and we will have an extended meeting, also involving my line manager and mentor. My tutor is keen for me to achieve and will push me to achieve my potential. I have been made aware of who I can seek support from if ever I find myself struggling.

As an internal joiner there was some issue switching me from retail to Wealth computer systems when I joined. This took some time to resolve but ever since I have had a positive experience. I have a bi-weekly meeting with my team and a formal meeting with my line manager every month. When the area manager for my role visits we will also speak. As I have mentioned all members of my team are highly supportive.

For myself moving to a new city has resulted in large expenses (kitchen equipment etc.), I am approximately 6 months into my apprenticeship and my expenses have settled into a manageable pattern, however it has impacted on my personal savings. I feel that someone who had not committed to saving, as I had, or who could not rely on family for initial financial support would have struggled. That said I am now comfortable with my finances month to month. I have a carefully planned budget to ensure I meet expenses such as rent petrol and food, as well as paying into my savings and having funds spare for leisure and social pursuits e.g drinks, hobbies, meals out. I live close to the city centre of Glasgow and am within walking distance of work/shops etc. I have a car with me which I use to travel, shop and pick up visitors from the airport. Naturally I would like to earn more but I understand that my employer is also funding my qualification/giving me an opportunity and so I accept that my plan for career development/salary growth will need to stretch beyond the bounds of my apprenticeship. I understood this coming into the programme.

Since joining I have spoken at careers events and have been invited to speak to clients from the corporate bank at a future event. Being an apprentice gets you access to many interesting people, including the area directors who are keen to develop talent and from whom we can learn. Barclays also runs many other initiatives such as Digital Eagles in which we can be involved and is highly supportive of charity work by employees.

Yes

Barclays has an extremely positive culture and is keen to help it's staff grow and achieve all they wish to. Since joining I have been helping to mentor one of my ex-colleagues from the branch in completing and submitting her application - I do this because I believe my programme is a good one, and will bring opportunity and success to those willing to commit to it.

The application progress can seem daunting, it is long but is broken into sections which are easily managed. Spend some time thinking about what it is you would like to achieve, for our clients and for yourself by applying and try to ask questions/share specific examples of your experiences when going through an interview. Ultimately there is no such thing as a perfect candidate - banking is about helping other people achieve their life aims. We have a privileged position supporting them at incredibly important moments and building a relationship with them. It is not all about numbers so do not let that though hold you back!