Credit Risk Analyst Review

I very much enjoyed my placement at LBG. The placement has allowed me to work as a part of the Credit Oversight team, as part of Credit risk in the bank. The placement itself has been very imformative, and has encouraged me to apply for the graduate scheme when I finish university next year.

As a bank that prides itself on its high rating as a great place to work in comparison to its peers, I have felt that I have been really appreciated not just in my team, but in risk as a whole. Whenever I have needed any help with specific work tasks, everybody that I have asked has been more than happy to assist. I have made some great connections throughout the year, and I hope that I am accepted onto the graduate scheme this year.

Throughout my year at the bank, I have had two direct line managers. Both managers have been brilliant, especially at the beginning of my placement, in teaching and training me. In addition, I felt that in my weekly one to ones with my line manager really helped my development and progression this year.

A lot of the BAU work that I undertake is very much set in terms of which part of the month things are done. This means that there are times at the beginning of the month where not just me, but the whole team is very busy. On the contrary, towards the month end, this is where we tend to be less busy.

Right from the off, I felt that there was a lot of responsibility and trust in me and the work that I produced. This allowed me to quickly pick up how specific processes are carried out, and meant that I picked up the necessary skills to perform these tasks very quickly. Once I was upto speed, I found that I could then take on more and more tasks throughout the year too, which always looks good!

As a Geography and Economics student at Loughborough University, I found that the technical skills that I have learnt at LBG wouldn't completely assist me in my studies next year. However, I believe this is due to the nature of my course. On the other hand, I do believe that going forward post university, the skills that I have developed will 100% help me in any financial based roles in the future.

I found that the atmosphere in the office was always very friendly and calm. Everyone seems to get along with eachother, and are very helpful if anyone has any questions. I feel like this reflects the Lloyds Bank way of work - one which is very encouraging of a flexible and relaxed way to work. There are plenty of laughs to be had, but we all know that work comes first!

On the whole, I felt that the Industrial Placement Scheme at Lloyds Bank has been good. However, I did feel that prior to starting the placement, there was very little contact, which (as a new starter) wasn't the most encouraging of introductions. The placement as a whole though has been fine, and I established contacts in the necessary departments should I need to know about pay/holidays etc very easily.

Lloyds have definitely invested a lot of time, resources and money into the industrial placement students. When I first began my placement, each placement student has to undertake a certain amount of hours worth of training. I felt like this really helped me get to grips with how the bank worked.

As a financial establishment, I feel that Lloyds' values and morals are very much aligned with my own. On this basis, as well as the great times I have had at the bank, I feel that a job at the firm in future is very appealing to me. This is why I have applied for the graduate scheme.

As a placement student based in the City of London, I a feel that I have been very lucky when it comes to other placement students being around in the office. This has allowed for a great social side of work, with regular sporting activities and opportunities to go out too - which is always a bonus!

As I live and work in London, it may not come as a surprise that the cost of living is probably the most expensive in the country. This has been one of the most difficult aspects about the job. Because as soon as I am paid, usually almost half of my wage is already gone on rent! However, saying this, this doesn't mean that you cant go out and have fun!

The nightlife in London is second to none. As someone who enjoys to go out on a night, I have had the opportunity to go out and explore different areas of London, whether it be near work, or Brixton, Shoreditch or even Chelsea, you are never short of anywhere to go!

I feel that there are some opportunities to get involved in activities, but not as many as I expected there to be. I found that if I wanted to go and get involved, a lot of the effort would come from my behalf, and not necessarily the teams. However, that doesn't mean that what activities I have been involved in weren't a good laugh!