Business Specialist Review

As a 'Business Specialist' in Small Business Banking, I aid business customers with their fundamental banking needs, such as helping them open a business account, discussing and providing any needed lending facilities, helping customers adapt digitally and to get the most out of their banking, networking and assisting with any other general queries regarding their business banking (e.g Business Internet Banking/Telephone banking set up, adjusting mandate etc.)

I certainly have. This has been an incredible experience and learning curve for me, I have learnt so much in such a short space of time all about the world of Business Banking - dealing with customers, knowing the different lending facilities that exist and their uses, interacting with colleagues, writing emails, building communication and networking skills, time management and problem solving.

I have really enjoyed my programme; to be able to learn and get a qualification while in a full time job earning a salary has been tremendously fulfilling. Being able to learn hands on in the workplace was exactly what I was hoping to do after college, as I was eager to get stuck in and move forward in my career. I have gained valuable and specific knowledge about different businesses and banking, which has really opened my eyes and made me more aware of what goes into running a business and how having the right banking needs being met can have such a positive impact.

The programme I was on unfortunately wasn't that well structured or organised at the time, however I do believe this has been addressed after receiving feedback regarding this which is really positive. I personally found that the apprenticeship programme did feel rather separate to my job role and that there was limited communication on what was happening. However, I witnessed in the last few months of my programme that it was changing for the better and improving with new apprenticeship systems/portals being introduced and more efficient ways of recording progression and course work.

My employer was really supportive with me completing my apprenticeship programme. My Manager was very helpful when it came to me asking questions and needing any guidance, and they made sure I had the help and time I needed to be able to complete my programme well. Meet-ups were arranged (before Covid-19) for all the apprentices to discuss the programme and their role which built a great sense of collaboration and community.

The support I received from my training provider when working towards my qualification was really good. I attended monthly group training sessions to discuss the content needed to pass my qualification which was really helpful and it was also fun and interactive at the same time which really helped the learning process. This was with two other apprentices in my area on the same programme; this was a really nice factor as we were a small group, so the support was concentrated and we could discuss openly with one another about the study topics and anything in particular we wanted to focus on.

The qualification I have gained has definitely helped me perform better in my role as it has filled in many base knowledge gaps that I had on the world of finance, banking and business in general. The qualification has developed my confidence in my job role as I can have better and more advanced conversations with customers now that I have a better knowledge of the industry. I have put what I have learnt from the qualification into practice when using financial ratios learnt from studying for the qualification when assessing more complex lending requests and when reviewing accounts and statements. I also know that I have an advantage for when I want to apply for a different job role now that I have the qualification which is great.

There are some great extra-curricular activities to get involved in such as colleague meals out after work, volunteering days out and networking events. We have a Christmas do each year which is always really enjoyable and a great chance to socialise outside of work and get to know teammates better. We are encouraged to take care of our wellbeing both mentally and physically and have the opportunity to sign up for seminars/webinars and online fitness classes via a company portal, for example I have attended a stretching class and also a cookery class in the evening.

Yes

I would definitely recommend HSBC as I feel really cared for, supported and encouraged. The sense of community and collaboration in HSBC is incredible - despite it being a massive company, you get to know so many people and feel valued individually for the work that you do. You are encouraged to take care of your wellbeing and the support available to help with this is endless. You feel able to speak-up, move forward in your career, develop skills and you are greatly rewarded for doing well.

The advise I would give is to brace yourself for a big learning curve (if brand new to banking) and also be patient with yourself, it may feel slow moving forward and getting to grips with everything like the procedures, terminology, jargon etc but it certainly will come with time and experience, as the support and guidance is there when you need it.