Relationship Support Manager Review

I currently work as a relationship support manager, this invovles dealing with companies that have an annual turnover between £6.5m and £100m. On a day to day basis I act as the relationship point for over 45 companies, meaning I structure loans and other debt, work with product partners to try and support these companies. I then have to deal with any internal admin tasks where things have been missed and their is a potential error in the system. I act as a project manager for various teams accross Barclays as I have to work alongside many of the teams within Barclays to ensure the clients and companies needs are met. I have to complete full reviews of there account half yearly to ensure we are supporting the client and adding as much value as possible.

Definitley the programme has helped me develop multiple skills including presentation skills - helped me attain my role in Corporate. I have also developed other skills such as leadership, project management, working with teams. These development of skills amongst other skills I have learnt have helped shaped the way I am today and helped me gain the promotion

I have really enjoyed the programme, as mentioned above it has helped shape who I am today compared to when i first started. It has developed my skills and allowed me to network with people within Barclays that i wouldn't of had the chance to had I not been on the Degree Apprenticeship. The breaks away are great as it splits up the work and with team work it allows you to work much more closely and more effective.

Very well organised, the breaks away help and provide a good insight into the learning and development needed. The only thing I would say could improve with the structure is on the last days of the study blocks, allow everyone to leave earlier, due to the location used for the hotel it is quite far away for most people, at the end of the study blocks people are likely drained and are just wanting to get home, so a 8 hour day of studying followed by a 5 hour drive back (for me) isn't ideal. Also sometimes the study blocks are awkward in that they would be a wednesday and thursday or Tuesday and Wednesday, going back to my point just before saying that after an 8 hour day of studying followed by a 5 hour drive drains you, then you have to be in work the next day.

Originally whilst I was in branch I received little to no support, it was only after the first few months that I was able to start getting support from my employer including study days. I then moved into Corporate where I set out straight away in my interview that I was currently completing the degree and would need half a day a week away from the desk to complete my Uni work. Since joining Corporate I have received great support from the team I work with and wider teams.

I think the study blocks are well put together however they can be too slide heavy, when sitting there for 8 hours staring at slides and the lecturer simply saying what is on the slides it can seem pretty pointless. However not all of the study blocks were like that. I feel I could've received more support from the outset really as it is only in level 6 that we have had a different Tutor and that is when they explained something around what they had said to their students to do for prep to an assignment, I did actually say to her that the information she just gave to me would've been useful at the start of the degree and not just her students recieiving the info.

I feel like it has helped me massively, from the role I was in when I first started the course compared to the role I am in now it has helped immensely. Again this is due to being able to network with various people accross barclays as well as developing my skills and learning new ones.

All the time, the majority of sports teams are London based so I can't attend these however there are occasionally sporting events near me which I attend. The majority of events are for networking and business competitions such ad Red Rose Awards etc. We also arrange social activities that include other teams in the area.

Yes

It really depends where you work within Barclays, I wouldn't recommend working in the retail sector of Barclays due to the situation that all retailors are in however I would recommend Barclays Corporate and Investment Bank as they allow you to see and learn so much more whilst networking with large companies and high net worth individuals.

I started Barclays by simply walking in to a branch on my college lunch break and asking if I would be able to complete some work experience over the christmas holidays. I knew they would be short of staff and that they wouldn't turn down free work. I then kept in close contact with the branch manager ensuring he knew I was interested. From that I was offered a 3 month temprorary contract, I risked leaving college after a year and having to start again if the job didn't turn permanent. After 3 months it did turn permanent and I worked there continued to keep my head down and work hard. My advice would be to take the risk, ensure your cv is up to date and contact Barclays and ask if you can complete some work experience as this shows you're willing and have drive. Then keep an eye out for any opportunities that come up and take them.