Wealth & Personal Banking Degree Apprentice. Current placement: Universal Banker

Describe your role and what it entails

Currently I work in a branch helping customers with their everyday banking needs. My role involves providing assistance to both business and retail customers in a face-to-face setting. Part of my role includes liaising with different teams across the bank to solve customer query’s. Some examples of tasks that I would carry out as a Universal Banker include making high value payments, dealing with fraud, opening current accounts & savings accounts, discussing lending facilities that we offer, helping customers in financial difficulty etc.    

What have been your highlights?

A major highlight for me has been the opportunity to meet and connect with such a wide range of individuals across the bank. Building relationships with my team during this placement has not only been enjoyable but also instrumental in developing skills I wasn’t aware I lacked. The relationship that I have with my colleagues is something I truly value.

What have been your challenges?

As much as the apprenticeship has been an incredibly positive experience, striking a balance between on-the-job learning and the formal education can require time and effort.

What have you learnt from your experience in the role?

I have gained such a diverse set of skills and knowledge. Going straight from sixth form into the corporate world, I have learnt how to carry myself professionally which also helped to improve my communication skills.

Something that surprised me was how relaxed the atmosphere was in HSBC. Contrary to my expectations of a more intense work environment, I found that people are remarkably down-to-earth and genuinely willing to help the people around them.

What advice would you give to a student following in your footsteps?

Try to be open to every opportunity. It is important to be open minded when you’re faced with any task/placement/event etc. because you might not realise that it’s actually something that you really enjoy and want to do more of in the future – often it’s the things that you least expect!