Business Specialist Review

My role title is a Business Specialist in the HSBC bank branch in Manchester. I see to business customers who have an annual turnover less than £2million and who require my services for any business related needs, this being either opening up or switching a business bank account, tend to any business banking services required or provide any needed lending.

I have learnt a massive amount of new skills as I had no previous knowledge of banking and finance. I have learnt so many new terms and vocabulary as well as largely broadened my general knowledge. I have learnt how to deal with customers and their enquiries as well as how to manage my time and prioritise my work. This I'm still learning how to perfect!

I am thoroughly enjoying my programme. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to have a full time job in the bank without having to have gone to university, to earn a proper salary and to learn and gain a qualification at the same time. I love how I do exactly the same work as my other colleagues but just reserve 20% of my working hours for my apprenticeship study.

Although I have settled well into my job role, I feel the programme isn't very well organised as the apprenticeship wasn't even mentioned until about 3 months in to my employment. I didn't meet my apprenticeship Tutor until after the 4th month in, however when I did meet my tutor things were explained well and my questions were answered.

I receive a lot of support from my employer and my colleagues also. They ensure that I have the dedicated amount of time each week to work on my apprenticeship and complete assignments. They also remind me that they are always there in case I need to phone them for any support or if I'm stuck with anything.

My training provider offers a good amount of support as I know I can ring them or arrange a meeting whenever I need to. I have monthly meet ups (often as a small group) with my training provider (Talent Coach) so we can all discuss our progress and any updates or queries.

I have started studying for my upcoming LIBF exam which is very relevant to my job role as the information gained from studying for this will help me better understand my role in the bank, the financial/banking sector as a whole and the processes and procedures that go on in the background.

At my work there are a wide range extra-curricular activities arranged, both professional and social. With the branch staff, monthly fun activities such as karaoke and going for meals out are organised. With my team, professional networking events are held that I can attend and I am also encouraged to arrange one of my own networking events every month.

Yes

Ever since I joined the HSBC team, I have felt so welcome and a part of the company. The culture among the HSBC team is fantastic and I really admire the dedication, positivity and equality within HSBC as well as the fact that they really do live up to their values. I really love working for this company and I love and appreciate how much they care about their employees as well as their customers.

I would say that you need to brace yourself for a massive learning curve and ensure that you are very self motivated and willing to learn and go the extra mile. I would highly recommend having some fundamental knowledge of banking, finance and business in order to have a head start and avoid being overwhelmed when joining the bank.