Barclays Bank US’ Post

"Excited to share that I've successfully completed the Barclays LifeSkills Programme! 🚀 It's been an incredible journey of personal and professional growth, filled with valuable insights and practical skills that I can't wait to apply. Huge thanks to Barclays for this opportunity and to everyone who supported me along the way. Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities! #BarclaysLifeSkills #CareerDevelopment #PersonalGrowth"

I have the privilege of being boxed out of the ring by one Naim Hassani every Tuesday and Thursday lunch time at our gym, FIGHTZONE LONDON, and whilst it might seem a little odd to be writing a piece about a superior pugilist (he's younger, quicker, generally nicer and more effective, whilst I am old, slightly podgy and struggle to react to his hooks), I think he's especially worth mentioning. Because after our session this morning, he let slip that, despite the odds, he will be starting in the Structured Credit Sales team at Goldman Sachs Global Markets Division. Why is this relevant? Well for starters I'm going to be heading to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses summer soiree this evening to listen to Charlotte Keenan, Jon Foster and Lydia Finnegan talk about the CSR programmes that the investment bank supports and I think that Naim Hassani's story deserves a special mention as it both humbled and inspired me and, I think, shows what true grit, determination and mettle can deliver for someone who believes in himself. And before you ask, yes, I got his permission to put out this puff piece about him. He told me about how he grew up in a council estate not far from where I live in Hackney, and that in school he failed to excel. Teachers similarly didn't see much spark and, according to him, told him what he can expect out of life and where he would be in life. That, indeed, appeared to be the message that most in his community received about their future and their potential, according to him. By his own admission, his GCSE's were underwhelming, but it put a fire in him and he set himself a personal goal of getting into the The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a career in investment banking to lift him and his family out of poverty. He worked hard, assiduously applied himself and drove himself to change the needle on his own academic potential with self study (and a bit of a gift for maths). From school drop out (GCSE) he secured A*AA in Maths and Further Maths, bagged a place at the LSE and, during his degree, summer internships in Goldman Sachs before successfully applying and nailing down his first full time role starting this July. Why mention him? Because I think the hunger and ambition he's demonstrated and his willingness to push himself should show us all the potential that is out there, often in areas that are overlooked. Charities like Vincent Keaveny CBE's Progress Together aim to ensure that those from all socio-economic brackets are given equal opportunity within the financial services industry (all be it at senior levels). Others like London Youth and Wings of Hope aim to make young people like Naim Hassani mentors to show others that they have more potential than they've been told and taught. I think if we can unlock him and others to spread the message of aspiration, we can unlock more. Let's get cracking

I got rejected 🫣 by Morgan Stanley twice in my career. Here are the 3 important lessons I learnt. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working at some of the most prestigious firms in London such as... 👊 Goldman Sachs 👊 Barclays and 👊 Peel Hunt Even received offers from UBS and BNP Paribas, which I turned down for personal reasons. However, Morgan Stanley was always a challenge. 🚫 My first rejection came down to a headcount issue, despite great feedback from multiple interviews. Proof of this was the fact that they invited me for another interview - this time in its banking team only a few months after. 🚫 The second rejection was more down to likability – a reminder of how important it is to make a good first impression, especially in banking, where you'll spend long hours with your colleagues. "REJECTIONS" are part of the application process for any job - especially banking. The key takeaway❓ It’s all about... → Perseverance, → Resilience, and → Learning from each experience. Keep refining your skills, keep applying, and keep improving. If you have succeeded without failing then you've learnt nothing on your journey. Every interview gets you closer to success. 👉 Have any rejection stories to share? How you bounced back and lessons learnt? Comment below. 👇

Hear from the graduates at Deutsche Bank! Deutsche Bank Technology, Data & Innovation Deutsche Bank Investment Bank

My best advice to our HSBC US Global Banking summer analysts: 1) think in three year blocks 2) go deep then go broad 3) relationships first 4) accept the process 5) the work always comes back to you and 6) be open with your knowledge and insights. There is no singular blueprint or roadmap for success, but I have found these pieces of received wisdom have helped me greatly in my career, and have witnessed it with successful leaders across industries. No matter how competitive summer programs on Wall Street are, in my mind they serve as an excellent reminder that no one gets where they want to go in their careers as fast as they want to because everyone in front of them shares those same ambitious qualities. To our summer analysts: thanks for joining HSBC over the next ten weeks, for immersing yourself in what makes HSBC the leading international bank, and for asking the curious questions in our introduction. For those wondering – my podcast library garnered the most interest (reach out for recommendations!) Fortunate to have such an ambitious group for the #HSBCUS summer!

40 years ago, on 4th September 1984, I started at Barclays, Altrincham. After working across the country for many years, in too many roles to mention, I have ended up back in Manchester. So what have I learned in 40 years? 1. You learn more from your mistakes, than your successes. And I have had plenty. But that is where I have learned the most. It’s all about the ‘scars on your back’. 2. Concentrate on what you are good at. For years I have had different development plans looking at where I can improve. It was a waste of time. Spend your time trying to be great at something. Anything. 3. What ever your role, be enthusiastic and infectious. If your job is about producing data, talking to clients or giving presentations. Be memorable, be different. 40 years goes quickly. Enjoy it.

💬 "It set the tone for what I should expect when interviewing with a global company," says Ingrid, an analyst at Barclays. Since its inception, the Barclays x University of Greenwich Mock Assessment Centre has transformed career journeys for over 650 students, equipping them with the tools to succeed in competitive industries. 💼 Students like Ishan, now an intern at PwC, and Ingrid, credit the scheme for boosting their confidence and career-readiness. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we thank our dedicated teams from Barclays UK and the University of Greenwich for their continued support in shaping future leaders. Read more here: https://orlo.uk/uqBPS

I'm thrilled to share that I've successfully completed the ''Future Employee for the Digital Era'' summer training program at Commercial International Bank in August. It was an enriching learning experience, and I'm grateful to the bank for this valuable opportunity. #CIB #training #financialinclusion #sustainability"

How I Changed Careers🚀🌟✨ I have always been fascinated by payment processes. The miracle of pressing a few buttons, swiping a card, and carrying out transactions in faraway places that I have never been to. And 18 months ago, I decided to change careers and venture into the banking industry. I was so scared. I had a career in talent acquisition and management that I studied and worked hard for. I really loved HR. But when I was 25, I promised myself to walk every single path that I wanted. And I promised myself to break barriers, both societal and self-imposed. When I started the recruitment process with Fidelity Bank, I was so excited. I passed the assessment stage and the first interview stage. However, when the invitation for the final interview arrived, the enormity of the impending change hit me like a ton of bricks. Oh my God, I was so scared. With just one interview standing between me and a new career, doubts crept in—what if this entire process is a huge mistake? Despite my fears, I diligently prepared for the interview and passed it. When I got my offer letter, I ascended (or descended, really, depends on your POV) to an unprecedented level of fear. I had a great job in a great industry. Did I really want to leave it for an unknown land? What if this is the greatest mistake of my life? Was I really going to do it? 😂 I took the plunge and dived into unknown waters with no lifeline in sight. I had nothing but Allah, my wits and passion, the support of my partner and loved ones. I told myself that I could do it. I definitely did not believe my inner voice, but I trusted and did it anyway. Here I am now, 10 months after, learning at a rapid pace, rediscovering my learning capacities, creating a new network of contacts, and preparing to create an impact in this field. I owe my growth to my colleagues at Fidelity Bank PLC. This post is to inspire every single person that is thinking of making a change. Trust in yourself, and the world is yours for the taking. #CareerChange #NewBeginnings #CareerTransition #JobSwitch #CareerShift #FreshStart #ProfessionalGrowth #NextChapter #CareerDevelopment #ExploreOpportunities