Risk Systems Analyst Review

In my role as Systems Analyst I help to maintain and improve our risk assessment system through providing assistance and training to the organization and identifying/rectifying any issues we come across to help improve the usability and integrity.

I have learnt a great deal about not only the role of risk and audit in a governance and oversight perspective but also how the organization functions day to day and how each business area contributes to the wider picture. Plus some skills in systems and data tools.

The program has been fantastic in giving real world, genuine experience but also balancing this out to show how you can develop and find a niche for yourself in the finance industry. The opportunity to get stuck in and bring some real benefit and input has been second to none.

The program itself has been very well organized. From the educational and rigorous application to the support and assistance whilst in role, I cannot fault a moment of it. I believe the experience has been unique in the sense it gives you a fresh and open opportunity to apply yourself.

From day one I have always felt the door was open for me to ask for help but I was left on my own in the sense I could reach out to anyone and find my own support. It is clear that I am valued by the company as a trainee.

The training in the way of the Level 6 Scottish qualification has been okay, the support has always been there I just find it to be distracting from getting truly involved in my own work but understand that it has value in its completion.

The qualification, in my experience, has not directly benefited my work as I feel i already had a good grasp before starting here. Some parts seem to be a hinderance and necessity rather than actually trying to teach you anything, spending 10 hours explaining why you did something for example, does not benefit me but the micro lessons on excel for example have been great.

There have been ample opportunities to network and mix with early careers and the wider team especially considering we are out the back of COVID. There havent been many sports or outing opportunities but i feel this is due to the aforementioned pandemic.

Yes

The traineeship is truly unique, the opportunity to come in, gain real experience and be valued as an employee who can give input and take on as much as you like is nothing to be scoffed at. For anyone wanting to get into finance but no experience or knowledge of the industry this traineeship and abrdn as a whole is the best place to start, I would caution that there doesnt seem to be sufficient support/compensation/competitive salary as a full time employee. It is also worth noting, the salary for the year is not sufficient to live in the city and I have found myself out of pocket most months.

Carefully consider your ability to live on the minimum wage (it is - but is also not - a living wage), also go in with an open mind about where you want to end up; I wanted investment roles but ended up in Systems but have never been happier. Be prepared to make an impact and take as much as you can, while also enjoying it.