Finance Apprentice Review

I am training as an Assistant Accountant and I am currently part of the GALM FX team. One of my daily tasks is to check the daily profit and loss figures and see what positions and trades drive these figures. After I have checked the numbers, I send it to the trading desk for review. Additionally, I have been allocated my own project which involves me using different systems and communicating with different people around the bank in various countries.

I feel that as a result of my apprenticeship, my ability to communicate with others has improved as well as being able to further develop my IT skills. Microsoft Excel in particular.

I am enjoying my finance programme at UBS to a greater extent. One of the main reasons I feel this way is due to the team that I have been placed in. They made the integration process very easy and made adjusting to the new working environment a smooth transaction.

I do feel valued by UBS as the tasks that I have been given are important and not just designed to give me something to do.

The programme from a UBS standpoint is quite well oragnised. With this being the first year that UBS has ran a finance apprenticeship programme, there are small issues to be ironed out but overall, there is a clear breakdown of what UBS would like its apprentices to do and achieve. The induction that was provided when we joined outlines the UBS mindset very well so we what we should be aiming for to be a valued team member. We were provided with buddies on our floor as a point of contact if we wish to talk about anything which has been beneficial as they can share their experiences with us.

In terms of the study element, our training provider (Kaplan), have been quite good. We could reach out to tutors if with any questions that we may have and the online resources has helped me a great deal in learning the content. In terms of the apprenticeship aspect and general development, I feel that Kaplan can do more. There can be more guidance by our talent coach with what they expect from us.

My employer has been very good with the support that they give me. For example, in the build up to an exam, my team have allowed me the time to revise so that I can have every opportunity to do well in my exams. Additionally, the UBS provide us with a study day every month which can be used to study our courses. This is great idea as I can use the time to only focus on my studies to ensure I feel comfortable with what I am learning.

My salary meets my costs quite comfortably. The ability to apply for a season ticket loan and be able to pay it back over a period of several spreads out the cost of travel making it easier to afford.

There are plenty of opportunities outside work to get involved in. In finance, there is an event every quarter to take part which gives great networking opportunity to meet others within the same department and are enjoyable as well. We have 2 days allocated to use to volunteer. For example, we often get asked to work with the pupils of the Bridge Academy. Additionally, there are clubs which you can join such as basketball and badminton which gives you the chance to meet new people.

Yes

One of the reasons I would recommend UBS is because of the culture of the company. The people I have met so far have been very friendly and offer their time to help you out whether it be with exams or any other questions that you may have about UBS.

I believe that having some work experience in the area you want to go into would be beneficial. This is to give you an idea of what to expect if you join. With the interview process it is important to research UBS so that you have some background knowledge about the company.