Global Transaction Banking/Client Products Analyst Review

My day to day role mainly consists of supporting members of my immediate team, doing tasks on my own, attending meetings and studying for my qualification. Solo work is often monitoring a specific mailbox, analysis, data collection, admin. However, the complexity of work I undertake on my own is increasing as I gain more experience.

I've learnt many new skills. Prior to this, I had never had a professional office job. I've had to learn almost all aspects of the job from scratch. While past experience in other roles has been helpful i.e. working in a team I have learned a lot in the 6 months I've been in the role.

In terms of the role itself, it's definitely new and exciting. I'm only 6 months in so far and the area of the business I was placed is very complex so there is a lot to learn. In terms of the teaching/learning, I enjoy this to a reasonable extent. I was not a big fan of further education, hence leaving uni to take up this role. The teaching sessions can be a bit dry but I think given the subject matter this is somewhat to be expected. I cannot fault the support on the teaching side though, they are always happy to answer questions and offer support.

The program is fairly well structured. There is good training and support and I always have some time to study. Support from my team has been good and I know they are keen to get me involved in larger projects. In the very early stages I did feel a little bit useless as I didn't know anything but this comes with time and there's no expectation for you to know anything at all, just to have the right attitude and willingness to learn

I receive a lot of support from my manager as we speak most days and work on the same things. Other members of the wider team are also more than happy to help with specific issues and allow me to join meetings with them to learn about the work they do specifically. The apprenticeship team at Lloyds specifically are great and have always made me feel welcome. I've only had one interaction with HR regarding my NI number and that was sorted very quickly so no complaints there. The apprenticeship provider as I have said before are also extremely supportive

We receive an abundance of support. We have a dedicated talent coach who we speak to every few weeks and checks how things are going/what support we may need. The lecturers are also extremely supportive and are always willing to answer questions and go over things again which is very helpful considering the complexity of the subject matter.

I think it gives me a better understanding of the banking system at large. The work so far hasn't really touched on my business area specifically but I feel like I know where I fit in in banking sector generally. I think it's good to have an understanding of banking and finance as a whole if you are going to be working in it, just as context and to improve your understanding of what other areas of the bank that you may interreact with do

I think there used to be quite a lot. Given the current climate though there are none. This is the one thing I feel I've missed out on so far. I have only been in to the office 3 times in 6 months so it feels like I am missing opportunities to meet people. There are quite a lot of online conferences but these are nothing compared to going in and meeting people at events.

Yes

It's a good place to work. The benefits are great, the pay is great, the opportunities for progression are great. Lloyds like to promote internally and value experience and attitude over qualifications and grades. The fact this role is a permanent contract is what really makes it. I will be guaranteed a job upon completion of my apprenticeship.

Be yourself. I can't stress this enough. It's not a super formal place to work so when speaking to your interviewer etc. just be genuine. Don't be afraid to say no, don't worry if you slip up and forget something. Be personable and have a good honest chat. I cannot stress this enough, be yourself! There is nothing wrong with being prepared but don't just rote learn answers and parrot them back. This is absolutely not what they're looking for in a candidate.