Risk Apprenticeship Review

My role is within stress testing for the investment bank and focuses on data management by running a website called Astro. Astro is a IB tool used to aggregate data from different contributors which we then analyze and present. The majority of the day to day work is ensuring the program runs smoothly.

I had very little IT skills specifically excel when joining, however this role has allowed me to learn new skills and develop an understanding of Pivot tables and formulas such as Vlookups etc. I have also developed basic soft skills like time management and general people skills and communication skills.

I have enjoyed my program a lot so far as it has given more lots of opportunities to learn in a unique environment. The course is a great balance between practical learning and interacting with a team as well as self learning on study days. Both of these compliment each other.

Being the first year of Risk apprenticeship there have been issues particularly around timing of what to study each year. Because of this there have been long periods without content to study however when these have been rectified things have gone smoothly and the support has been there. Possibly a unique circumstance which I am sure Is rectified in the years coming.

We receive lots of support both from our assigned line manager who oversees both our development within studying and at work catching up weekly to assess achievements and learning points with possible future goals in mind. Barclays its self has been good by setting up fortnightly calls allowing us to express thoughts and concerns.

As a cohort we have an assigned training coach who oversees the studying aspect of the course. We have monthly calls as well as face to face meeting where personal development is discussed as well as concerns regarding the course, our roles and is always available via email to help.

The qualification I have been is the Institute of Risk Management qualification. This focuses on risk as a whole and the specifically in finance. It has helped me in my role as there were specific sections on Stress testing but also gave me a wider knowledge of risk in banking.

There are many clubs and sports teams that are available as well as monthly breakfast and meetings with heads of sectors and team managers around the business that allow for networking with a focus on specific topics such as leadership, technical skills etc . My team often organizes extra curricular activities.

Yes

I have recommended this course to friends as its a great course to introduce financial risk to those who haven't been involved in that field before. The course provides on the job experience as well as qualifications and learning about Risk in the wider financial field as well as improving soft skills like time management and team work.

My advice would be to absorb as much information from people with more experience than yourself. Be ready to adapt to change and put the extra effort in to be noticed. Start studying early and go through the content multiple times with a focus on exam technique to be able to get good grades.