FX, Rates and Credit Apprentice 2018 Review

To assist the rates sales desk in ensuring that their trades go through smoothly. Trades getting stuck could be due to a multitude of factors, from a human error of misbooking to a technical bug in the systems. I am able to make non-economic amendments to help the trade flow through and also speak to the clients post-trade to ensure details are correct and to iron out any discrepancies.

My communication skills have gotten slightly better as well as my confidence, both inside and outside of work. I am learning to be more organised and understand how to prioritise tasks better. I have developed my Microsoft Excel skills and now feel more confident using it in my day to day work.

I enjoy the varying tasks I get day to day and being able to do actual tasks that help the team. I also enjoy learning about investment banking as whole, learning about the products and the economic environment as a whole and how it affects what we do. I also enjoy the problem solving skills that comes with the job when it comes to when trades don't flow through smoothly.

Decently well but considering the fact that I am unable to do the majority of amendments due to not being regulated is very frustrating. It gravely limits the work I am able to do and how much I can help out my team. It was more difficult to understand what was going on around me without a proper introduction. Some times my line manager will be extremely tied up but he will try his best to help when he can.

My line manager and entire desk are always supportive and willing to help. I always get the time I need to study although during busy days it does get difficult but I can usually just push it to a different day in the week without any problems. My colleagues always try to make time for me.

Very good support as we have regular meetings both with my line manager as well as my skills coach to assess my progress, set new targets and address any problems. One star taken off because I believe that I would benefit from regular tuition, say once a month instead of once per unit.

It helps me understand the industry and what the people on my desk do, the more I am able to understand the basics the better I am able to perform and help my team. There were very useful workshops on Microsoft Excel as well as an upcoming workshop on working under pressure which I think may be very useful.

There are a few events in the pipeline organised by the previous juniors and grads which let us mix with the juniors from our client companies. There are a lot of volunteering opportunities and within my desk there are usually competitions in swimming, cycling and other activities. The whole floor also participated in a health week in the beginning of January to kick start a healthy lifestyle.

Yes

It's a great way to get your foot in the door and start a career without the baggage of student loans. You'll learn on the job and get a lot of practical skills and experiences you'll be able to take with you in the future. You'll be able to mingle with a whole bunch of different people you've never met before and benefit from their experience and wisdom.

Have a good attitude and always be willing to learn and help out. There will be hard days and easy days but every day will be a learning day. There's a lot to learn and you have to be willing to put in the work, especially when it comes to exams! You also have to be on top of your studying and be able to balance work and studying.