Credit Risk Analyst Review

I really enjoyed my time as an IP at LBG, the agile approach to working is something I really took on board and I hope that I will return as a graduate is enjoyed it that much.

Being in a location where there are few IP's / Graduates and in a team with the same title as other analysts, I felt part of the team straight away and not 'just an IP'. I took on important tasks throughout the year having lots of trust placed in me.

My manager was excellent throughout, regular catch ups meant I was always comfortable with where I stood. There is an expectation to manage your own learning, which I enjoyed.

Towards the start I found that I didn't have enough to do, but having taken this opportunity to take in as much information about the team and the Risk function of the bank as possible, I found I could cope with more tasks that were sent my way as the year went on. Towards the end I had a great balance.

A lot of responsibility was placed on me as an IP at LBG, with the tasks I was given I was working closely with colleagues across divisions and with senior analysts in the team. I had opportunities to present to a wider range of stakeholders after proving myself throughout the year.

I believe plenty of soft skills have improved throughout the year through being in a pressurised work environment, and that it will serve me well going into my final year. I also picked up coding skills and got to a point that I didn't think I would get to over the year.

The office was a bit quiet, however I was in one of the smaller offices offered to IP's. I liked this quiet setting as I could get work done, living close to home is what I wanted this year which was the main thing.

Getting set up onto the systems when starting took a little bit of time, and as it's not mandatory for a handover period I was unfortunate in that I didn't have the previous IP I was taking over to sit with me for a couple of weeks to bed me in. Impressing on the IP scheme can land you a graduate role, which is great, however it wasn't very well communicated throughout the year in terms of timelines or how your performance will impact the graduate scheme application. I understand this year was a year where the scheme came under change, so I expect this to improve in future.

I had coding training weekly in aid of supporting a basic coding qualification, and my line manager invested time into reviewing my development plan to support my personal growth. To improve, maybe some sort of qualification for all IP's to achieve in the year could be implemented.

I will be returning to LBG almost definitely, I really enjoyed my placement year with them and there commitment to Helping Britain Prosper is something I appreciate personally.

I got on with the other placement students and my colleagues, however as I was in a quiet office there wasn't many times we'd go out for drinks etc.

I lived at home in Wolverhampton and managed to save up a fair amount over the year to aid my final year of studies.

Wolverhampton nightlife has died since they changed Yates' into Slug and Lettuce. But me and my friends make the most of it.

There were lots of opportunities for additional activities inside and outside of work, however it always helps living close to the area.