Testimonials
I joined Barclays Wealth via the Embark programme three years ago. Before that, I had spent most of my career in the accountancy profession and investment banking.
I was interested in the Embark programme because Barclays Wealth wanted to attract mid-career professionals and valued the skills that I had.
I joined the Embark programme and haven't looked back since! The 6 week training programme was a superb introduction to the world of wealth management. I was pleased to find that, when I finally joined the desk, so many of the skills that I had gained in my previous careers - be it business development, client management or technical analysis - were directly relevant to my new career.
The Embark programme itself assumed no prior knowledge of the world of finance. It's very much intended to cater for people from a wide range of different backgrounds and experience. It gives them the fundamental theoretical training required to become private bankers - a great starting point for a new career, no matter what your background or previous experience.
The job itself is down to what you make of it. Much of my time is spent with clients, often meeting them in their homes. The rest of my time is spent working with the team back in the office. Barclays Wealth provides you with a massive support infrastructure, including hundreds of professionals in our investment & product office.
The job itself is a very satisfying mix of technical skills (understanding the markets and the investment products), provision of advice (servicing the clients) and sales (attracting and retaining the clients). But above all, at its core, it's about whether you're pitching to them for their business or advising them on matters that mean a lot to them.
Embark Graduate 2008
"Having 15 years of successful business experience dealing with clients and building up a business, a friend mentioned to me that private banking may be something I should consider given my established business and inter personal skills. The ability to manage your own portfolio of clients and provide value to them was very appealing. I researched and applied for Embark. I undertook a set of in depth interviews for the Embark programme, which provides intense training to those who already have business experience and was delighted to be accepted. 'Embarkees' as we were called, also had to complete the IMC external examination.The exams and the Embark course demanded significant commitment, however the investment was worthwhile as I left the programme feeling comfortable in how the business works, who key personnel within the company were and what I needed to do to successfully build up a strong client base.
Transition to the team was smooth; I had a good working relationship with my manager who recognised my level of existing business experience and that I was self motivated and able to deliver. He provided the right level of support if I needed to ask questions or discuss certain topics. The team leader was also super and the team very welcoming. I rolled up my sleeves and set to work on a business plan! Within a month I had set up a number of meetings with potential clients where I felt I wanted to develop a working relationship and where Barclays Wealth could add value. I was overjoyed when within two months I had sign on my first client to Barclays Wealth!
I currently have a small portfolio of client relationships which I am continuing to build. I am proud I brought them all to the bank, and truly believe we provide significant value far above competitors. Every day is different - it could start with a breakfast networking session, market / investment update sessions, travel to a client / new potential client meeting or a pitch presentation. The days are very busy but varied and very rewarding! I look forward to continuing to build my client base and develop a long term working relationships with them."
