Equity Sales-Trader Review
at UBS
Degree Apprenticeship
Finance
London, UK
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
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:
5/5
I joined UBS in 2019 on the equity sales-trading desk in the investment bank. My role involved data analytics for the head of sales-trading around strategy for providing liquidity sources to clients, while making sure we maintain a good risk management on facilitating risk trades for clients. From the beginning I was entrusted with lots of responsibility and got involved with lots of projects and which allowed me to learn constantly
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
from the apprenticeship I enjoyed the ability to learn practical work related skills while combining that with the textbook academic work of doing my 2 apprenticeships and CFA. Through the combination it allowed me to develop all rounded skills for the workplace - which is a great foundation for having successful career progression
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes I have learned so many new skills since starting my apprentiship this includes more advanced excel spreadsheet skills, presenting & how to make a engaging powepoint (regularly having to present to people more senior), coding & data analytics, time management. All of these have helped me develop and grow in my career
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I joined in 2019 as one of the first front office role apprentices - at this time the program was not as structured and therefore lacked guidance - I then completed the level 6 route as it allowed me to have more flexibility to finish sooner and become regulated sales-trader. However, the new apprentices coming do a much more structured route
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I felt that UBS were very helpful in any queries or problems that we had - trying to address them as soon as possible and help find a workable solution. The support meant that i felt i had a team around me to rely on when i needed support and guidance
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Fitch learning was the training provider we worked wqith for the level 3 & 6 scheme and i can say that they definitely provided good support and guidance when needed. I especially found the cfa material they provide excellent and top of the range which made completing the cfa a lot easier
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I feel that the level 6 professional qualification made me attempt skills outside of my comfort zone - this is even more relevant when considering the CFA Level 1 that we undertook - it covered a wide range of financial service products in reasonable detail which allowed me to have a holistic picture on how all works in tandem
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
Yes at UBS there a lot of different communities and social activities which is a great opportunity to network - help with career progression and find like minded people. A really good example of this is the young professional network which provides opportunities to learn and develop while networking. Also I regularly play football with a few different areas across the bank
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend UBS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
UBS is a fantastic place to work - with lots of amazing values and qualities that help young professionals thrive. Everyone is very caring and always takes time to help and explain things which helps you expand and grow especially as you are starting out. There is a great social culture and plenty of people to network with
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to UBS?
Advice i would give to people applying, would be to understand the values, culture and business areas of UBS - how they interlink to help each other function and perform better. Another interesting thing to consider is what stands us out from our competitors and focus on that and linking it back to why you want to work here
