Apprentice, Financial Services Professional (Chartered Financial Analyst) Review

My role currently includes performing data collation and analysis, querying and communicating with wider business colleagues and making the required data changes when required.

My communication skills, prioritising skills and ability to handle multiple pieces of work have improved. I have also further increased my experience using Excel and industry standard reporting tools/applications.

I enjoy the job side itself, the assignment course work is also manageable with a good structure to marking/feedback. The underlying study for an integrated exam as part of the apprenticeship however can be challenging.

I'm contractually allotted 20% of my weekly working schedule for apprenticeship study. A weekly exam study lesson takes up 10% of this 20%, leaving the remaining 10% for further exam study or assignment work. However, depending on your team/workload this may be flexible. Outside of work study required.

In my experience, I have nothing but positives to say in this area. My colleagues are always willing to help and support me in my growth and development. Both team and wider colleague meetings are held regularly to help you keep track of work stacks and priorities.

Apprenticeship coach meetings are allotted spaced apart over the year, but if you wanted to increase this it can easily be arranged. My exam coach holds additional study sessions alongside the weekly lesson if required and asked for. Homework is set and recordings of lessons are in the apprenticeship hub.

The qualification encourages you to expand your knowledge of the wider banking sector including the relevant laws, regulations and policies. It also helps build your writing capabilities and identify areas for development.

There are many online meetings, teach-ins and networking events hosted by NatWest Markets. Some social events however are more concentrated towards London, which is the main working hub for a large population of colleagues. They also offer volunteering days for charities, local communities etc.

Yes

I feel valued and rewarded by NatWest Markets. I feel there is a positive and strong working environment which encourages networking and development amongst colleagues.

Network and get involved in meetings from an early stage, even if you are just listening in. Knowledge is built through experience and putting yourself in positons to learn will help accelerate your development. Time management and prioritising work is important but this can be developed and improved through experience.