Universal Banker Review

I am a Universal Banker in a branch. I help answer queries for customers and take appointments for account servicing and applications. I'm responsible for opening the branch, following safety procedures and helping our customers. My most common appointments are digital, high value electronic transfers and account openings/applications.

I have developed my customer service skills, especially how to ask the right question and spot visual cues from my customers. I continuously develop maths and english skills from working in the branch as my role requires me to calculate figures for customers and complete written tasks on the systems. I've also learned safety procedures.

The programme is the best part of my Degree Apprenticeship as I love learning about different topics within the financial industry. I am able to learn the basics in lectures and also have other resources available for me to learn more in my own time. Each topic I've completed so far has been really interesting to me.

My training provider is extremely organised and structured. I know what to expect as all lectures and workshops are already scheduled for the remainder of my programme. I find the team to be really responsive to any emails I send and there are minimal errors with workshop invites etc. s

My employer is very supportive, especially my line manager. I'm currently suffering with anxiety and stress and have been really impressed with the support I have received. My manager gives me time to work on my apprenticeship and joins meetings with my Talent Coach. I am comfortable going to my manager when I need support.

I have received extensive support in workshops and have been given the opportunity to reach out for further guidance to help with my assignments. The training provider also have a library team who help with things like finding resources, referencing, writing techniques. I'm really happy with the level of support from LIBF.

The qualification gives me much more knowledge about the banking sector that helps aid my conversations in branch. I find I can have much more detailed conversations with customers about wider issues within the financial industry, not just the products and services we offer as a bank. It also makes me more confident when having discussions.

We recently had a community event where the local police constabulary came into branch to run a fraud session with our customers. We also have volunteering opportunities to run financial education sessions and go into schools to run education sessions with young children and teenagers. There are lots of activities we can get involved in.

Yes

We have many staff benefits, strong brand values and a positive work ethic as a business. I particularly feel grateful for the opportunity to work towards a Degree Apprenticeship through HSBC alongside working as it's a great opportunity that will really add value to my career. This is just one of the many opportunities available to employees.

It is important to be personable and honest in your interview so that your true personality comes across. Make sure you have strong examples of when you've done something really well in the past; such as working in a team or thinking outside of the box. Take a pause before answering any questions and try answer in the STAR format.