Research Assistant Review

I am a research assistant which involves collecting data and inputting it into various spreadsheets. My interactions are mainly team based as we all wotk with this data. Some projects I have been apart of have involved me improving processes through automation, by using code.

I have developed my communication, analytical, accuracy and organisation skills as I have to work with a lot of data which requires a high level of accuracy. I have been on a few excel courses which have helped me to further develop these skills and have taught me a lot of key features of excel. I have also learnt various skills to do with coding in R which has helped with the projects I have been involved in.

It allows me to take ownership of my work as I am responsible for one of the datasets we have, which is enjoyable as I feel empowered because of this.

I feel very valued as an apprentice in the bank as I am given responsibilities and freedom with my work at times, which shows that I am trusted to do well. As well as this, I have been able to be involved with a few projects which I believe shows that the bank values my skills and potential.

The programme could do with some work as the internal qualification I am doing is not what I expected and is not well structured.

I receive a fair amount of support, but this is really only when you ask them, there aren't too many support sessions.

My manager and colleagues support me well in the bank when needed, as they have had previous experience which is valuable to ask about.

My salary is something I am pleased with as this is the type of salary that I thought I would be getting when I applied for apprenticeships. Although I have to spend a large amount on a train ticket, it isn't too much of my salary. There are also extra benefits which I was unaware of when I applied.

I don't feel like there are too many opportunities outside of work, as there aren't that many socials and the sports team don't seem to be very active compared to a school team or local club.

Yes

It is an enjoyable place to work as the people here are a pleasure to work with. The opportunity for different careers here is endless as there are so many areas of the bank.

Be concise with your answers, to ensure that you are being fully understood. Research what a central bank does and have knowledge on the financial sector, this can come from Economics, Business, reading online, politics, as all of these things built my knowledge before I applied. I would have liked to have been told more in depth about the qualification I am doing to fully understand and prepare before I joined. As well as this, a more in depth view of the day to day work I would be doing would have been useful.