Wealth Management Consultant Review
at St. James's Place
Degree Apprenticeship
Finance
Cirencester
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Provision of bespoke financial advice to complex and high net worth individuals in addition to presentation delivery to clients on topics such as; pensions, investments, tax planning and investment markets.
Typically i would spend my time travelling around the country assisting financial advisers in these complex areas and providing assistance to clients.
Typically i would spend my time travelling around the country assisting financial advisers in these complex areas and providing assistance to clients.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I do enjoy the programme but the online learning experience is tough. Three full days sat in front of a computer screen is hard going, especially when you have a full time job to do as well.
I have some frustration around the unintended bias towards the NHS and local council scenarios.
I have some frustration around the unintended bias towards the NHS and local council scenarios.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have started to reflect more on both myself personally and my experiences. This was not something i ever took the time to do before. The use of a reflective journal is something that I now see as a fundamental part of my day.
In addition i have also explored areas of management such as operations that i have never been exposed to.
In addition i have also explored areas of management such as operations that i have never been exposed to.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Given the backdrop of last year, the programme is very well structured. The move away from Adobe Connect to Microsoft Teams meant a much more enjoyable experience, and a definite positive move.
The availability of the schedules for the next academic year would be useful to allow for planning but i understand that this can be difficult.
The availability of the schedules for the next academic year would be useful to allow for planning but i understand that this can be difficult.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer allows me to manage my own diary to accommodate where i can. All teaching days are blocked out as a minimum, with additional time allocated as and when possible.
I have a regular 1-1 with my mentor to catch up on progress and explore any opportunities that may be available to support
I have a regular 1-1 with my mentor to catch up on progress and explore any opportunities that may be available to support
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The support of teaching and support staff is available but i struggle sometimes as their expertise does not seem to relate to the wealth management profession. This can be an issue as it is a highly regulated environment and a small working knowledge is required in order to have a meaningful conversation.
The exec coach has been great in this area
The exec coach has been great in this area
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification has taught me to approach and consider things in a different way. It has enhanced my confidence to challenge situations and apply knowledge where appropriate.
I have already gained a promotion on the back of a change in how i handle situations which is a great bonus to the course
I have already gained a promotion on the back of a change in how i handle situations which is a great bonus to the course
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are additional activities but these have been somewhat different than they would usually be this year and last. Most things are now virtual and if you spend all your time on virtual meetings, the last thing you want to do is attend more of them!
Professional networking and volunteering is actively encouraged
Professional networking and volunteering is actively encouraged
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend St. James's Place to a friend?
Yes
Why?
A very professional and supportive place to work. The people are its greatest asset and they genuinely care about each other and their clients.
Anyone who is wanting to progress their career is provided with the training and support necessary and the way that they give back to their communities is outstanding.
Anyone who is wanting to progress their career is provided with the training and support necessary and the way that they give back to their communities is outstanding.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to St. James's Place?
The interview and assessment process can be quite in depth, but dont be put off. The reason they go through this is that it is vital that they get the right people into the business.
The opportunities that exist are huge and i have never met anyone here who says anything different.
The opportunities that exist are huge and i have never met anyone here who says anything different.
