Compliance and Operational Risk Officer Review

I work in the operational risk team aligned to UBS Asset Management. Operational risk is the risk of loss through failed internal processes, systems, technology or external events. My day to day role involves assisting my team in internal capital adequacy assessments for al UBS AM UK entities, producing operational risk reports that are presented at UK Boards and support in the challenge and review of business deliverables.

I have developed many skills since the start of my programme. One of the main skills that I have developed is my IT skills, especially Microsoft Excel. This is as a lot of my work is Excel based and I have been on an advanced excel training course. I have also developed many other skills including communication, skills on systems and collaboration

I enjoy my programme a lot, this is as I enjoy the team that I work in and there has been a lot of opportunities to have fun and socialize. I also enjoy the work that I do and learning more about the industry and UBS. I also enjoy the exam that I am studying for.

My programme is well structured. This is as I have regular catch ups with my skills coach and a review with her every 3 months. I also have a plan for exams that I have to complete, once I finished my first exam I was able to start the next.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. They have set up several training sessions for me to attend to improve my skills, e.g. advanced excel training, presenting, effective communication and many others. I also have weekly one to ones with my line manager where I can get support.

I receive adequate support from my training provider. This is as I have had introduction sessions to exams, 2 day revision courses before exams take place, receive daily 'email a days' (questions) from them and I find the online portal extremely helpful. This is as they provide several mock exams and end of chapter questions.

The qualification risk in financial services helps me a lot to perform better in my role. This is as there is a whole chapter on operational risk which defines many key processes and jargon, also it has provided a lot of background knowledge on several tasks that I have performed e.g. ICAAP. The introduction to securities and investments also provide me with good knowledge on the financial industry.

There are extra curricular acitvites to get involved in, for example some of my colleauges have played 5 - aside football matches against other banks, I have also been able to take part in treasure hunts across London, quizzes and many different drinks or socials after work. There is also a lot of opportunities to volunteer.

Yes

I would recommend UBS to a friend as there is a great culture at UBS where you feel involved an enjoy work. I have also been able to gain a vast amount of knowledge at UBS from several different talks and opportunities. Also, you will be directly involved in work that your team does and will be able to get hands on and get first hand experience.

When applying to UBS I would suggest doing a great amount of research about the business before your interview and find out more about your job role. This is so you can speak about it in your interview and show a real passions and knowledge. If you are able to get the job I would suggest practicing or developing your excel skills before you join, especially if you are like me and never really used excel in school.