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Tell us about yourself?
I am a BA History graduate from the University of Southampton currently working at NatWest in the Premier Banking & Wealth Management division.
Tell us about your role?
Essentially my role is a Relationship Management role where I handle a large portfolio base of the bank's affluent clients and manage the relationship they have with the bank. I am targeted based on my referrals to my wealth manager for investments in NatWest funds. Furthermore, from an everyday banking perspective, I deal with customer queries and support Premier customers with their everyday banking needs. This role provides me with a fantastic platform for the role of becoming a Wealth Manager assuming I pass the correct certifications. Above all, it has skilled me with knowledge of banking products as well as a vast knowledge of the financial sector.
How did you land your role?
After graduating with a Humanities degree I was always under the assumption that most roles in Banking were predominately maths-based - oh how I was wrong! Coming out of University I started off in Recruitment and Sales where I developed my ability to sell, manage clients relationships and build long-lasting relationships over the phone or face to face. When I interviewed for the role whilst lacking first-hand financial service experience I really emphasised my client management ability and ability to build rapport. The experienced I gained really helped sell myself to the interviewer as products can always be learnt.
What do you enjoy about your role?
Working day to day with clients and speaking to them over zoom or meeting them. I enjoy uncovering needs and ensuring we can support clients to reach their financial aspirations whether it’s investments, savings or paying off their mortgage.
What do you enjoy the least in your role?
Dealing often with a large portfolio means you are constantly dealing with various everyday queries, sometimes longer than others. This can often be time consuming given the fact you have your own targets to hit but is part and parcel of the job.
What is the typical progression path in your field?
Becoming a Wealth Manager where you are giving investment advice to clients.
Advice for anyone trying to get into Wealth Management?
If you enjoy working with people and managing relationships as well as looking into banking I would suggest building a clear level of experience and skillset to show you can manage clients, deal with objections and build rapport with people.
Coming straight out of University and not knowing what you want to do can be hard. Try to think about what you enjoy and start off in a company where you can really build that skill. The industry of banking is vast and what you may think you want to go into at 18 might not be the same at 24. Give yourself time, focus on getting some actual corporate experience on your CV and go from there.
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