Case Studies

What’s Your Story?

I graduated in 2001 and was always been very keen to get into a respected, well-paid job with good prospects. ‘Business’ was the natural focus, with the prime jobs being in Banking. After I returned from the obligatory backpacking trip after University, I applied for a number of graduate training schemes in Business, Banking and Finance and was lucky enough to be offered the job with A&L.

My current role is a Product Manager in Marketing. The role is very varied, with no two days being the same. As part of the role, we look at rates, pricing, procedures, policy and initiatives (both old and new). Sometimes this can come about from regulation, reflecting changes in the market, or just a good idea - the sources seem endless. In the role there is a lot of relationship management – both internal and external. There is also some degree of data processing and manipulation. Report writing and presentation skills are also very important. Basically, its project managing everything from conception of an idea to delivering it to the customer and managing it once it’s out there.

My degree is surprisingly relevant to Banking. They are both numerical and analytical. They involve the understanding of complex systems, refining ideas and solving problems. There are a number of colleagues who also have Physics degree – including the Chief Executive! The job requirements stated ‘any degree discipline’, however most interviewers will ask about the link between your degree and the job applied for, so you will need to have learnt some relevant ‘transferable skills’. Also, never underestimate the more ‘sociable’ skills learnt from those nights spent in the Student Union!

The graduate training scheme places you in a number of different departments and locations over the 2 year period. The first placement is set by the scheme, but you are given the opportunity to suggest where you might like to work for further placements. This can be a little daunting as there a so many departments to choose from! I spoke to a number of other people on the scheme, spotted opportunities within the business (following a restructure), worked in areas to assist with rounding my experience (e.g. Sales) and tried to end the scheme in an area that I wanted to stay in at the end (Marketing).

What do I enjoy about my job? - Everything – the people, the fast pace and actually being able to effect and drive the business. As you move up the ladder, the day-to-day admin seems to decrease and the more thrilling “making things happen” part increases. As with all project management jobs there are hectic days and quiet days (while you wait for people to get back to you normally). I don’t like the quiet days, so I try to fill them as much I can with further research or personal development (such as online training).