Risk Analyst Review

As an apprentice Risk Analyst, I have an implicit responsibility to help out on any IT problems my colleagues encounter, and I lead any projects that are centered around improving the efficiency of our software and IT processes. It is also my responsibility to create information packs and present reviews of our portfolios for senior colleagues on demand. Lastly, as an apprentice, I am always open to looking at case studies with senior colleagues to enhance my development and learning experience.

My apprenticeship has enabled me to pass the Risk Knowledge Passport, an internal qualification designed to teach you the basics of all areas of risk. I have also begun revision for my apprenticeship's qualification; the International Certificate in Financial Services Risk Management. This has helped to expand on the knowledge I gained from the Risk Knowledge Passport, and it has helped me to balance my work life and my study life. I have also picked up more generic skills, such as navigating Excel Macro's and composing appropriate emails.

I enjoy my programme because risk is an application of Mathematics that isn't taught in Schools. I enjoy analysis of patterns and numbers, and the scale involved at Barclays is very interesting. In terms of my team and colleagues, my expectations of the support available were surpassed. This is mainly because a lot of my peers can relate to my career path; going straight to work after leaving school or sixth form, and they want to help me develop and make this a valuable experience for me.

At Barclays, I feel privileged that senior colleagues trust me to work independently on important projects, and they look to get me involved in work when possible. In terms of recognition, there is an internal process, where a previous task I completed has been acknowledged, and this is very rewarding. I also have constant feedback available to me from my colleagues and this makes me feel like a valued member of the team.

As I am part of the first cohort for my programme, there are some areas in which the structure of the course could be improved, but for the most part it is very well organised. The induction was very well planned and was a great event for all who attended. The apprenticeship team are very helpful in recommending training and they provide us with a lot of support should we need it. They have provided everyone with a 'buddy' who acts as someone to talk to should you have any problems, and there is a monthly cohort call to make sure there is constant communication between the apprentices and the programme managers. The only structural issue we have faced was the timing around the completion of the internal qualification, as we are the first apprentices to complete it, but this has been rectified.

My training provider offers 4 workshops over the length of the course. These are very convenient as they are held in our office by risk experts. In between workshops, we have an external website that provides us with the contact details of risk experts, and a forum to discuss any problems we encounter. The professional body provide us with the revision resources we will need and it is all paid for by Barclays.

There is a lot of support on offer at Barclays. As an apprentice, I have constant interaction with my line manager and the colleagues on my team. I also have monthly contact with my Talent Coach, who oversees the progress and well-being of all apprentices. As I mentioned previously, we also have monthly cohort calls with a programme manager to answer and questions and address any problems we may have as apprentices.

The salary package on offer meets all of my spending needs during a working day. A territorial allowance is provided based on the location of my workplace, which covers any above-average pricing in my travel costs and daily costs such as lunch. My place of work is very easy to get to from where I live, but I believe that there are potential reimbursements available and flexible hours on offer if travel to work is difficult for some employees.

Away from the office, Barclays offer lots of opportunities. For example, they have partnerships with the premier league, meaning there are lots of contests to win the chance to decide and present the Player and Manager of the Month awards, as well as win tickets to many football matches. They also have a whole web page dedicated to all of the clubs available to join as a Barclays employee, covering nearly every hobby.

Yes

I would recommend Barclays to a friend because they offer a very supportive environment for both working and learning. All colleagues are very encouraging and they want you to succeed. They are very understanding of your position and they will be flexible in balancing your work commitments and your study commitments.

My advice to those applying to Barclays is to be confident. Barclays are more focused in how you come across as oppose to how intelligent you are, and this is what I would like to have been told when I was applying. Also, do your research. Learn about Barclays, how they operate and try to relate your experiences to what they stand for.