Corporate Actions Analyst Review

My current role is based on CIB Operations - Corporate actions. Some of my daily responsibilities include; Announcement capture of an event, client instructions, short fuse notifications, confirmation of elections on a variety of events, reconciliation of client holdings and the control of trades across all WHEM, APAC and EMEA markets. I interact with multiple internal teams across the bank. Examples of these include my London Middle Office team and the Announcement Capture UK team in Bournemouth. A project that I have developed during my time as an apprentice is called the '564 tool' which has helped improve efficient through saved processing time.

I have studied for the CISI Investment Operations Certificate which has helped me gain key knowledge surrounding the financial sector and various products which the bank offers. I have been involved in many internal courses to help expand my knowledge such as; privacy awareness training, anti-money laundering, conflicts of interest etc. I have expanded on my personal communication skills by being in contact with many different parties across the bank daily, giving presentations and talks etc.

My team were very welcoming when I first joined, they have been supportive of the apprenticeship and communicated well with the apprentice team. The company as a whole is a great place to work, the staff are friendly, the facilities are brilliant etc. It has exceeded my expectations, this is because I did not know how many opportunities were accessible in one place. I have enjoyed my apprenticeship at JP Morgan, it has been exciting, valuable and opened a door to my career.

I feel very valued. I have regular meetings and appraisals with my manager and team where we discuss how I can improve and progress, this shows me that they are interested and investing in me. I have received internal recognition awards and been involved in projects that I have delivered to the team etc.

The programme was organised reasonably well. We had to sit 3 exams whilst completing coursework. The training provider gave support via online platforms and learning materials. The schools team provided help and support when needed. I have had a mentor that provides me with a point of contact for any issues, concerns or advise I may need on the programme. I do however feel that the contents of the course could have been explained in more detail at the start of the programme. I found myself being left to guess what order certain tasks were supposed to be completed in and also the structure of the WBL (coursework) needed to be delivered and managed better by both the schools team and the training provider BPP.

The trainer provider did me support in the form of online revision sites, VLE, textbooks etc. Regular telephone reviews are setup to check progress and answer and concerns I may have. The training provider did however lack sincerity in attempting to assist the apprentices, aspects of the course were not explained in enough detail and appeared vague. Communication issues have been a problem with the training provider and this has sometimes hindered progress.

My manager has been very supportive with setting up one to ones, helping with apprenticeship work and being understanding when it came to other responsibilities that I needed time for. The HR team provide a lot of support with intranet services which is a point of contact for any issues or concerns. I have had a mentor that provides me with a point of contact for any issues, concerns or advise I may need on the programme.

The salary has been able to cover my living, travel, daily, social and location costs to a good and acceptable standard. I have not struggled once on this aspect of the scheme.

There are many company events that you can take part in. I ran a 1/2 marathon for Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust last year in which I represented the company. I have been involved in the JPMorgan Good Works programme where I helped rebuild a path for the disabled at Arne Nature Reserve.

Yes

The apprenticeship is a great way to start your career in the financial world. It offers valuable on the job experience whilst also being able to study towards an industry recognised qualification. It is a fantastic alternative to university and will help you get into the working world early. The social life with other apprentices is great and I have enjoyed the experience.

In the application process, show that you really want to work at JPMorgan and that an apprenticeship is what you are trying to be apart of. The guys here are looking for people with a natural drive and sense of energy regarding this scheme. Ask lots of questions and show that you are interested in what others at the firm are doing in their roles. Be professional, mature and communicate well.