Analyst Review

Working in the analytics department, my role varies a fair amount. Typically, in a 10 hour day I will spend roughly half of the time speaking with clients either over the phone or via message to discuss things they are looking to find, or studies to perform on the system, and assisting with this. Alongside this, I take on other responsibilities such as proactively introducing new products and functionality to clients, and carrying out training both externally, but also internally for new joiners.

I have developed my leadership skills while being here after being afforded opportunities to take charge of a team for certain tasks. In tandem with this, the greater exposure to public facing roles with clients has helped me to improve my general public speaking and self confidence. Alongside this, the technical nature of the job has helped me to develop problem solving skills further.

On the whole I would say the experience has been worthwhile and enjoyable. At times it can get a bit repetitive as a role, and given every other employee is a graduate in a relevant business / financial subject there can be times where some people of the same (or even lower) level / experience can act condescending, but as time has gone on the responsibilities given has led to a greater variety of tasks, with fantastic support from those in management roles.

On this point I would say Bloomberg has excelled as an employer, with line managers, senior managers and even heads of department taking a real interest in the apprenticeship programme and providing support and assistance where needed, while also being trusting enough to allow for independent work to be done. Responsibility has also been given on a merit based approach, with no discrimination based on age, and this has really led to a sense of being valued at the company and is commendable.

The program offered feels on the whole competent, and the actual job done at work is very well managed and run. However, the work carried out in the office has a fairly large disconnect to what is done through the training provider and so at times the disparity can make it hard when progressing with the qualification. However, this doesn't seem to be as a result of any issue from Bloomberg's side, but more from the training provider's miscommunication.

From our training provider, the quality of actual teaching is very good, and our main tutor is both very knowledgeable in his area, but also a great help in a personable approach and supports us well. However, as an organisation, the training provider can feel unorganised, and due to its diminishing funding can seem inadequate.

The support received from my employer is of the highest quality on a professional level, with excellent in work training being given, along with help where needed during work, while still providing enough room to operate. The personal support is generally good too, although early on it would help to receive more help dealing with stressful new situations.

My salary is certainly sufficient for meeting costs, although should one be living away from home it would perhaps become trickier. While not the end of the world, the only thing that could perhaps be improved is accounting for things like bonuses, as our employer does not pay these out (such as a Christmas bonus) as is done so with other employees which can lead to a feeling of being valued less, even if unintentional.

In terms of social activities, etc there is not a huge amount at the company as it is so large and people move so quickly between departments, it is hard to develop close working relationships.

Yes

It is a fantastic job provider and I cannot imagine many other institutions of this size to allow so much responsibility on someone so young and inexperienced. The pay is also fairly good, and if one has an ambition to work in the financial (or even technology) industry long term, it is an incredibly good first position to have on a CV.

Try as hard as you can to take initiative in handling new tasks where possible as while nothing is given on a plate, if you can impress then your age isn't taken into account and you can be in roles (including leadership) ahead of many people who are older and more experienced. However, be aware that a huge amount of work is required and the job is not to be taken lightly, and if you don't have an interest in finance and a competency in technology it may become either dull or very difficult.