Transaction Processing Specialist Review

I work in Derivative Operations, specifically in a cross-asset drafting team. I specialise in writing trade confirmations for interest rate derivatives. The products I draft are primarily swaps, including cross currency swaps and NDFs. I use templates and liaise with legal, Middle Office, Client Service and sales teams across the globe to draft documents and get them out to the client

I have developed many soft skills, including leadership, communication, initiative and confidence. More knowledge-specific skills I have acquired relate to how specific products work e.g. futures and options, bonds etc, and how these can be used to invest

My colleagues are a pleasure to work with and I get along with my line manager. It's a hard-working culture, and it's nice to be surrounded by people who are subject matter experts. Lots of company benefits and opportunities for mobility/career progression. Exceeded my expectations - I was given more responsibility than I had initially thought I'd be given

I feel valued - reflected in end of year reviews, positive feedback and Rewards & Recognition Awards. Difficult to maintain a constant work ethic sometimes - would be good to have more frequent 121s.

Room for improvement, but considering it is still fairly new, it's good. More training needed, job-specific in particular. My role is very technical, and I could've used more support. This is also down to my team (not so much the programme). Good that we had a study day per week - very thankful for that. Maybe more contact needed with the apprentice managers throughout the programme. Organisation needs to be improved. BPP need to fully explain what is expected of us. I only knew how to structure my coursework 5 months before the end of the apprenticeship. Not enough time. Also get rid of step tests - waste of time for those who study in their own time. No incentive here. Overall though, it's been a positive experience.

Very unorganised at first, but when we were assigned a tutor/representative [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], he was supportive and essentially helped us over the finishing line.

This is good. I've had a mentor, I have frequent chats with my supervisor and get along with my line manager. Support is there if you seek it out.

My apprentice wage should've been greater - I was doing the same role as that of an analyst. This wage wouldn't have been sufficient had I not been living with my parents. My salary now is very good.

Yes and yes. Lots of volunteering opportunities, sporting events (cycling), can get involved in apprentice events e.g. assessment centres, close to BH Live gym (v.convenient after work). This is were JPMorgan and the programme shine.

Yes

Hard-working culture, industry leading, very good experience, plenty of opportunities to develop skills and for mobility. I have been given the opportunity to relocate to Buenos Aires after just 2 years of working here. Perfect stepping stone and start to a prosperous career.

Know what you want. If you don't have a destination, you will never get there. Know your path and stick to it. Probably the best advise I've been given. This attitude will shine through in interviews. Be yourself on assessment days, if it's for you, you will get it (if it's not for you, you won't - and that's for the best). Work hard because it pays off. But most importantly build your network, because other people need to know you are working hard. There is no meritocracy in this sense. Do extra and you will get noticed. And enjoy the experience :)