Team Leader Review

I manage a team of 20 individuals every day with our overall aim is to quality check the work done by other associates. On a daily basis I hold meetings with the team both collectively and on an individual basis I also hold various meetings with different areas to discuss quality and ways to improve. I run workshops for associates to improve their quality

I have learnt various new skills including emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence. I have also learnt how to write reports better in order to display the information in the best format. I have learnt time management in a project environment. I have also learnt various marketing functions and how to handle different HR scenarios.

I enjoy the programme as it gives me the opportunity to not only learn but also build networks with people from other areas of the bank. It is also good to learn away from the office which enables me to focus on my study without thinking of work. I also think there is a wide variety of studying options especially when it comes to completing some of the assignments and this gives the flexibility to learn but also make it enjoyable using things that you have an interest in.

I think the programme is very well structured where we meet up every few months for a study block. It is always well structured with advance notice given of what we will be studying and on which days and what we are expected to achieve from our assignments and in what time frame we are required to complete it by. If you ever cant make a particular study block every effort is always made to fit you onto a different cohort so that your learning is not impacted.

I have support from my employer so that I have to take half a day a week in order to further my reading and background knowledge on my course. I am also provided the support in order to attend the study blocks and have occasional catch ups with my line manager to discuss any additional requirements that I may have.

The support I have received from the training provider has been second to none. They are always available to help if any issues crop up and are struggling to meet deadlines. This has helped me know end during the course as i have had some personal issues to deal with but they are always flexible and able to support me with additional help or extending deadlines.

Since starting the programme I have now gained promotion into a new area and performing a new role as a project manager. Utilizing the skills i learnt this had made it a straight forward migration across to the new role. It has also given me the background to be able to develop these skills further and to perform my new role to a very high standard.

There are some activities that you can get involved in however in the last year due to Covid it has made it very hard to get involved with such activities. Prior to covid i took advantage of being able to help out in the community at local schools by conducting mock interviews and giving feedback. I have also had an active hand in work experience children who have expressed an interest in banking

Yes

On the whole it is a fantastic employer who once you have been successful in gaining a job you are able to create a career and develop through the ranks to get into the areas of the bank that interest you the most. I also like the way that Barclays is now taking active roles within the community and helping various different local projects and schools.

For the application process i would say read the role profile and highlight key areas that you can use to prepare your examples for your interview. Ensure that in an interview your examples focus on what you have done and explain fully the steps you have taken in each of your examples. Also prepare some questions that you would like to know more on the role. When getting ready for assessment days or tests ensure that you use any sample tests to practice. Also remember that with the tests you do not have to complete every question as it goes on the questions you get correct rather than how many you answer so you are better to answer fewer but get them correct than answer more and get less right. I would also utilise any experience or opportunities to get involved in any extra carricular activities as it gives you the opportunity to network and find out more information about other areas.