Relationship Support Officer Review

I directly support a Relationship Support Manager and a Relationship Director for whom I complete tasks such as completing annual renewals of facilities clients have with us, responding to customer queries, and helping in the processing of new lending along with various other day-to-day tasks reliant on my role and position in my team.

I have furthered my logistical and analytic skills throughout my time on the scheme and this has improved my confidence in the work environment. Along with this I have been able to exercise my linguistic skills through interactions with colleagues and clients and also in forming formal legal documents to send out to customers.

The programme itself has seemed rather difficult to coordinate as there have been changes to the platform on which we are gradually progressing as we use it which can cause a lot of confusion. I enjoy my role very much and the opportunity I have had to get involved in the bank, however the programme itself has seemed a little unorganised.

As aforementioned, the programme has been poorly organised however the structure of it seems to be with strong intention. Our monthly modules and tasks range from being very relevant to seeming totally unnecessary, and it can often give the impression that it isn't progressing towards anything. The relevant content, however, can prove to be very interesting.

My line manager likes to be very involved in my progress and to try and offer help and guidance where he can which I find very encouraging. Due to the workload in my role, it can be difficult to assign time to solely focus on the furthering of my study which is my only criticism, but otherwise the bank is extremely supportive and I feel that I have many avenues to aid me should I need them.

My 'Talent Coach' representative from Knowledgepool has been very supportive and very helpful; I always feel that I can go to him with issues or questions, though often these are to do with the functionality of the learning platform. My only criticism is the platform being underprepared by the provider however this is not the fault of my coach.

The lack of absolute relevance to my role of course is a flaw, however as a blanket qualification covering many roles and areas perfection cannot be expected. I feel that it doesn't provide to my role specifically, although I appreciate the significance of what the course is teaching me in terms of the general banking culture and corporation.

Through work I have attended quite a few social events - such as local drinks - which help to improve both our inter- and intra-team relationships as the bank tends to be very segregated by departments. Otherwise, I have been to various networking events organised at work or held in our head office which furthers my reach bank-wide. There are also opportunities to get involved in volunteering which I am looking forward to helping orchestrate in future.

Yes

The culture in the bank is fantastic, and in incredible starting place for a career due to the flexible working hours, proactivity in aiding the workforce as much as they are able, and the opportunities on offer should you wish to go for them. There is so much on offer for employees at HSBC, particularly in commercial centres and HO.

Your fellow colleagues are more often than not extremely welcoming and always prepared to help, do not feel that you need to have had prior financial/banking experience, or even any general work experience as this is in no way a necessity. Also if you have ambitions, keep your eye out for opportunity and strive for it whatever chance you get, even if just for the experience.