Client Account Manager Review

Within my role I manage client accounts and client requests. This involves opening and closing accounts, investing funds, updating personal information and making payments for clients. Within the role, I work on multiple systems and engage with clients via email, over the phone and in person during meetings. I work under a client advisor who provides advice to clients on suitable investments.

Part of the apprenticeship involves work based learning whereby we learn skills and techniques to help us in the workplace. This included understanding communication styles, ways to create a personal brand and effective networking techniques. On the job, I have developed my time management skills and enhanced my organisation, having to juggle university work and my day job at the same time.

My experience on the programme has been mixed. I really enjoy the work side of the apprenticeship and have gained many invaluable experiences. I love networking and building relationships with the clients wherever I can. On the other hand, the study with the university has been poor. The lectures are not helpful and I find lecturers cannot teach content appropriately. This let's down the overall experience.

The programme is structure well from the UBS side. There is good support provided by mentors and line managers and you are introduced to new work at a good pace. However, once again the University let's the programme down. The programme of study is constantly being changed and there are very often mistakes in materials provided for lectures.

Ubs provides great support for apprentices. Since joining I was set up with a mentor and have had bi-weekly one on one calls with my line manager for any queries. We also have a quarterly call with the apprentice cohort manager for any issues with the programme or degree so they can feed this back.

The university provides lectures and materials for the exams which in theory should be useful but they aren't always. I find that some of the quality of teaching is poor and we are provided with very few practice questions for exams when compared with other industry providers. That said, the support pastorally is good and I have a University mentor who aids with this side of things.

The qualifications gained will help greatly. To achieve my next role I need to be of a certain standard to meet regulations and these exams will help me to reach that. The degree will also help to increase my employability going forward and give me a broader understanding of financial markets as a whole.

UBS has multiple employee networks which we can join. This includes Family Matters, Young Person's Network, Mosaic and Veterans Network to name a few. Anyone can join any network and they offer great opportunities to meet like minded people, network across the bank and attend social events. Depending on your department, sports teams are also available in football, running and netball.

Yes

I would recommend UBS as I feel it is an employer that cares about its employees, especially in fostering youth talent. The additional educational opportunities available to me on and off the apprenticeship are great and there are opportunities to continually develop throughout my career. Additionally, the culture at the bank is one of collaboration with employees willing to help each other and give time to those who need a hand.

When applying I would recommend being yourself. As culture at the bank is a huge thing, trying to show what empowers you and why you think UBS is a good fit for your values will help. I would also recommend googling some UBS specific philanthropy, product offerings and business sectors to show you have done your research!