Degree Programme Student Review

During the degree programme I worked in the branch network completing various roles over the 2 years, starting as a cashier and finishing as an assistant manager. At all stages I was interacting with customers and different parts of the business on a daily basis, which is a fantastic way to learn about how the business operates.

I developed existing skills such as customer service, listening, verbal communication, written communication and developed new ones such as leadership, email communication and influencing. Working in such a fast pace environment means you develop skills without even realising and this makes you more of a rounded colleague at the end of the programme.

The programme was tough at times as having to balance completing a degree whilst working full time was hard. I also had to move away to a new city where I was 6 hours away from my family friends which put more pressure on me to do well as I didn't want to feel that Id moved away for nothing. I have no regrets about the programme as it's put me in an amazing position applying for grad schemes as I have real work experience under my belt.

I felt valued and respected by my colleagues in the branch network.

The structure could have been better to ensure everyone had fair opportunities as your development largely depended on your manager/branch and your determination to move forward. The programme manager could have been much closer to the course but chose to stay distant from individual cases which was not a supportive approach.

N/A

I did received support from my branch colleagues but not my programme leader.

I was able to live in rented accommodation and save a small amount each month. When the company is paying for your degree you can't expect a high salary! As I moved away to work, I ensured I was in walking distance from my branch so I didn't have any travel to work costs which worked really well for me.

Opportunities outside the branch network are less than in head office roles which is simply down to the operating rhythm of the branch network and always having to be available for customers who walk through the doors. The organisation is getting much better at offering outside of work opportunities now the roles in the branches are changing but we still have work to do.

Yes

Barclays has a fantastic culture and is very much ahead of its competitors in relation to how it treats its colleagues with topics such as dynamic working. There is great recognition schemes within Barclays and benefits for colleagues which are superior to what I have heard of within other companies.

Be yourself and think about the direction the bank is heading when answering your questions. Barclay doesn't have a 'perfect candidate' as it's a diverse organisation which requires various types of personalities and skills. Once you join Barclays, you realise the scale of the opportunities here and how there is so much more to the organisation that being a bank manager.