Operations Control Manager Review

My role is operations control management, I don’t have a BAU day where I complete set tasks my work is based around projects. Since joining JP Morgan I have been working on a project with the objective of reducing the number of clashing system access in my organisation which will in turn reduce the amount of time managers spend on recertifying system access. I also have a number of side projects that are ongoing.

Since joining JP Morgan I have developed my professional communication skills when speaking to colleagues via email and in person. I have also spent time with my manager working on presentation skills – part of my apprenticeship coursework has been beneficial in developing this skill as we are asked to present our coursework to managers. I have had a number of supports in my skill development including my manager, colleagues and mentors.

I was initially only in a team with my manager and I where he spent a lot of time out of the office which was hard at first. However, we now have a graduate that has joined our team and I am feeling very comfortable in my job role. The early careers team and my manager were very supportive in helping me adjust to my role.

I feel like a valued member of my team and of the bank at JP Morgan. All employees treat me as an equal regardless of their seniority. My manager and I have regular 1-2-1 meetings where we discuss my progress and how I can push myself further in my work to achieve my apprenticeship standards.

The programme is well structured for new starters like myself, however we are a company that focuses on innovation so there is always room for improvement. As you go through the apprenticeship there are experiences that you pick up which could be improved for the next cohort of apprentices. The team are very good by providing ‘boot camp’ two weeks before going into the office to run through the standards of what is expected of an apprentice and how the apprenticeship is structured throughout the 18 months.

Our training provider (BPP) are very hard to work with, I believe there is room for improvement within their organisation of lectures and communication with apprentices and the early careers team. Through developing a more stable structure whilst learning/teaching it will create a more enthusiastic and driven environment. Some lecturers of BPP have been very supportive during and outside of lecture hours, others have not been as beneficial to our learning. Unfortunately, we have had to cram a number of lectures into one session which has been hard for apprentices to take on.

My manager, my colleagues and the early careers team are all very supportive in my development both inside my role and as an individual in the bank. I have been very fortunate to have met some influential individuals that I can now call my mentors through my network that motivate me to go above and beyond to achieve my full potential.

The salary is great for an apprenticeship wage - it suits well with the cost of living and travel in Bournemouth.

There are a number of activities that all JP Morgan employees can participate in during work hours and after work hours, these also have external social events linked to them. There are a variety of sports clubs and JP Morgan encourage you to start your own club if you feel that it will benefit employees. There are also work groups such as volunteering groups that you can get involved it on campus which strive to support the local community.

Yes

JP Morgan is a great employer, and on the Bournemouth campus alone there is a variety of areas of the bank to explore and discover your strengths and weaknesses at work. There is the possibility to travel and move around all within the same company which I think is incredible. JP Morgan also offers a flexible work arrangement which shows the company’s support for planning in later life.

When applying for any apprenticeship make sure you act confident and show yourself to be an asset to the company. You have the ability to grow and develop in JP Morgan or in any company so allow yourself to take on the knowledge of individuals that are more senior and accomplish great things. Make sure you are aware of the training provider and the exams you will be taking and ensure that you work hard for them.