Branch Manager Review

The degree programme enables you to move through various different roles on a fast track basis which covers - Essential banker (cashier front line branch, personal banking, operational banking and management) you also have the opportunity to get involved with other projects with other areas of the business. You get the opportunity to understand the business from the front line and then go on to be able to lead the people within these roles In management positions

The skills in which I developed on were my communication and organisation skills. I have been able to develop these in such a way that was challenging and involved a risk. I have learnt a wide variety of new skills one of these being how to manage people to develop themselves and how to create great working relationships in order to motivate people. Along side this I have applied all of my learnings in the work place to university assignments.

I thoroughly enjoyed this programme for various different reasons. Every day is different and working with a variety of different people who have various roles within the workplace such as front line staff and leaders higher up in the hierarchy. Barclays gave me the flexibility and support to be able to complete my degree along side work which was applicable and relevant to the work that I was doing at the time. I met people on the same journey as me which helped as it was also challenging at times. This course fully met my expectations and am still very grateful for the opportunity I got to complete this.

Yes I did feel valued by Barclays. They supported me throughout the programme by both the course leaders, university lecturers and leaders in the work place. Some leaders were less supportive in circumstances whereby they did not understand the course I was completing due to their unfamiliarity with it however any issues were quickly ironed out. Despite my young age to be a leader I felt like I was respected, supported and valued throughout the programme and have continued to do so on completion of the course. Being involved with making decisions and how I have been supported has ensured my loyalty to the company.

The initial training was motivating and informative. This was completed a few months before we started and I got to meet everyone else who was starting the programme at the same time. I attended several training courses when I started which helped me in my role and had a university mentor throughout the years which enabled me to get help at any time. The majority of my line managers understood the structure and content of the course and helped me become organised when balancing work in the branch and university work.

the training from the provider was limited however on reflection I would consider this to be all that was necessary. Training from university leaders was in week blocks and then you were assigned a mentor who you could contact whenever you felt you needed any help. Overall from the programme leaders there was intermittent support however this is something I felt could have been improved overall as the people who ran and organised the course (early careers team) never trained you personally or checked in on how you were doing

Overall support from the employer was excellent. There were the odd problems with the agenda and purpose of the programme and the agenda of the branch manager in terms of days off to do university work and being short staffed However these were always ironed out quite quickly. I received support along every step of the way from in branch line managers and colleagues. Support from higher leadership helped support me with a vision of what my next steps were and constructive criticism helped me develop as a leader effectively in applying what I had learnt at university. Leaders were supportive in allowing time for me to complete research within the branch with colleagues and customers

Overall I believe the salary was very favourable. All major expenses were covered for training events and Barclays were always able to accommodate working in a branch close to your home or supported your decision to relocate if by choice or necessity. You also received the weighting allowance if you lived in London. Every year you also received an colleague reward payment based upon your work and university performance that year. Barclays I felt are very accommodating in terms of understand the length and cost of travel to a work place so overall I feel as though my work life balance was taken into account in this regard.

Barclays is passionate about community events and fundraising. I was involved in many of these during my time on the degree programme. As part of the university group I also attended many social events as well as company team building days organised by the early careers team. I have been invited to many events through Barclays such as Majors dinners, MP meetings and charity fundraising days.

Yes

Barclays is a company that puts the interests and wellbeing of its colleagues and customers at the heart of its every doing. I have been supported through my time here at Barclays and they have been able to support my development to achieve the career that is right for me. My work life balance is always considered in every decision and I feel as though I am supported at all times by everyone that I work with. There is a positive working environment and overall I have met and worked with amazing people some of whom I will be friends with for life.

Be prepared to be challenged and stretched and never give up. Don't be afraid to bring yourself and your personality to work as everyone Is accepted. Show your confidence in interviews and be honest with yourself and others if things are sometimes getting to much. At the end of it all you will have no regrets and something to be amazingly proud of.