Relationship Manager Review

I'm an intern placed in the working capital sales team within commercial banking - relationship management. Each week I gain an insight into different stages of developing a credible, trusted relationship wither either a new client or improving an existing client relationship. I specifically work with the invoice finance team, where I can see how we help businesses fund their debtors if the facility is suited for them and the due diligence involved in doing so.

I developed teamwork and presentation skills through a group project where we collaborated to present an innovative solution to hyper-personalise a customers experience with money. This allowed me to work as a team by using one anothers ideas and incorporating them all together, enhancing my listening skills. Further, I have improved my critical thinking skills from gathering relevant data from multiple resources and identifying potential risks and issues within the data, then devising solutions to mitigate them.

I wasn't given much responsibility as such, i.e. completing any tasks, performing any due diligence. But this internship was treated as more of a learning experience to develop skills to work in a professional, disciplined bank and gain transferrable skills. Further I was able to learn from those who are more experienced and gain an insight into different roles, as well as ask them any questions and use it as an opportunity to network around the bank.

All the teams I spent time with were very supportive and always keen to offer any help or guidance. Many took the time out to run through any difficulties I had or just to give general advice. I found this supportive culture was very common and a good system was put in place for interns, i.e. we each all had a graduate buddy to catch up with this week, as well as with our line manager.

There was a really good feeling of a supportive and positive culture around the work place, with everyone keen to help out and having the dedication to get the best outcomes for customers. The majority of employees were very approachable, even at the higher levels which felt like a very inclusive atmosphere and it really embraced the one bank thinking approach. I also found the culture very encouraging to try learn new things where possible.

I have very much enjoyed spending time with various teams across working capital sales, as I have gained different insights from each one. I have also had the ability to network and acquire new skills throughout in which exceeded my expectations. I could've enjoyed it further if I had some more client interactions, as I only had that on my last week, and some responsibility given to complete tasks and make a difference within the team.

Yes

It is best to go into the organisation very open minded as there will be so many roles you wouldn't have heard of, but actually suits your skill set and ambitions. I would definitely encourage asking lots of questions and speak with other members across different teams to broaden your knowledge and network. Further I would advise try getting involved with something new to challenge yourself as it will bring a fresh new perspective to the bank.