Investment Operations Analyst Review

I am responsible for pre-trade activities such as liaising with our counterparties and confirming trades, as well as post-trade execution lifecycle events such as settlement, reconciliation and corporate actions. I also assist with many back office functions including client and regulatory reporting, cash management and system architecture.

-Service Delivery -Communication -Teamwork -Collaborative Problem Solving -Initiative

I thoroughly enjoyed the program. I had a great line manager and colleagues who supported me throughout my learning. As I progressed through the apprenticeship I was given further responsibilities and less than a month after finishing the apprenticeship I was promoted to a full time role with responsibility of training new colleagues. My fitch tutor was brilliant, super informative and always on hand when I had any questions. I found the daily log requirement of 400 hours very tedious as I had to discuss what I learned on each log when the majority of my days consisted of the same tasks.

I started at Irwin Mitchell in October 2021 but they had not secured a provider at that time, it wasn't until April 2022 that I started my studies. This was disappointing as it meant I only had 18 months to study for a 24 month program. The rest of my experience was great, fitch were a great help and very organised in terms of timeline.

My employer gave me 1 day off work to study every week. My line manager was very supportive and wanted to be involved with fitch. I also had further support in collating evidence for my portfolio from other Heads of departments within my firm that they didn't necessarily need to help me with. The apprenticeship manager at IM also helped by checking in every so often to see how I was coping and if there was any further support he could provide.

I was given a tutor who was on hand whenever I emailed with a query. We had monthly meetings where we reviewed my progress. During these meetings the tutor went through my daily log, a timeline that she had created showing when each exam should be completed by and at what point my portfolio would be completed.

It gave me a solid foundation of knowledge which supports me in my decision making within the role. My study of CASS for module three has also made me more risk conscious so I have helped create or develop controls to reduce risk events.

Yes we have a social team which I joined during the apprenticeship, this team plans all of our events for quarterly meeting venues, Christmas parties etc. We also participate in five a side tournaments against other law/financial firms.

Yes

Irwin Mitchell provided support throughout my apprenticeship in a number of ways. I was given one day of study a week. I was given a "wellbeing day" that I could book off whenever I wanted to if I needed a break. They have a new career framework which shows different career pathways and a payment band for each role - this means development is much more attainable.

Be confident in your interview, show how you can add value to the business within your role. Set out what you would aim to achieve within the role and demonstrate how you will go above and beyond.