Senior Customer Advisor Review

I will numerous cases which pose a risk against the Threshold Conditions and it is my job to work with the firm to get that risk mitigated. If the risk cannot be mitigated I will have to refer it to the appropriate department. I have to regularly call firms, email firms as well as arrange meetings in order to get these risks mitigated.

I have learnt a number of new skills and developed skills during my apprenticeship, once skill that has been developed is my stakeholder management skill, I am consistently speaking with stakeholders throughout the day therefore I have developed my skill in that area. A new skill that I have developed within the apprenticeship is my regulation knowledge, I have learnt a huge amount which helps me do my day to day role and pass this knowledge onto others.

The programme is great, I thoroughly enjoy it having the opportunity to complete a role at the Financial Conduct Authority 4 days a week, given the responsibility of a full time associate. The apprenticeship course is good however it feels they sometimes forget about the responsibilities you have in your role and ask for a lot to be complete in a short space of time.

The organisation of the programme is great, the FCA will make sure they accomodate any training before you start studying to ensure that you feel comfortable within your role at work, the apprenticeship will then start by being asked to complete an exam for the first three months then the missions will start to which you get seven which are organised very week being given six weeks for each one.

The Financial Conduct Authority will always offer support whenever needed, team leaders make sure they give you regular meetings to check how you are getting on with your week as well as the apprenticeship course. There are numerous support systems in place which you can access 24/7 and will ensure that they have this in mind before starting on any piece of work.

BPP will offer a good amount of support arranging a meeting with your training coach and team leader every 5 weeks, in these meetings they will make you aware of their support options as well as talk through and give you great guidance on how to complete the missions. BPP are always there on the phone and email throughout the week if you need further support.

The qualification has definitely helped me within my role especially when it comes to stakeholder management and engagement, the qualification also gives you a real insight into regulation as well as the financial services giving you a good understanding of what the firms we regulate do, so when speaking with firms you have a good understanding of what they are talking about.

There are numerous extra-curricular activities to get involved at the Financial Conduct Authority, there is a great gym in the office to start so you can meet a lot of new colleagues there. There are lots of networking events at the FCA to get involved with, it really is endless opportunities to connect with others.

Yes

I would most definitely recommend the FCA to a friend, I have always had positive experiences since I started and met some great people along the way. Having the opportunity for this to be my first job within the financial services is great, it gives you a great insight and great career opportunities. The office is great as well.

Make sure you look on the FCA website, it gives you a great insight to our core values and our objectives. Make sure to be yourself and think of ways how you have helped customers in the past. When on the assessment centre or any interview make sure to remember what the FCA is here for and why you would want to work here.