Josh Rawcliffe
What degree course did you study and when did you graduate
BSc Economics with Study Abroad (2020).
Why did you choose that particular degree course?
I wasn鈥檛 100% sure exactly what I wanted to study at University. On open days, it was usually a 3 way tie between History, Maths and Economics, my A-Level subjects. Think the reason I went for Economics was that it was a nice combination of still being quite analytical and maths focused but also get the chance to dive more into history, politics, sociology, psychology and various other areas.
Tell us about your employer
I work for NatWest Group, a large organisation within the UK finance and includes brands such as Royal Bank of Scotland, NatWest, Rooster Money, Ulster Bank and Coutts. Given the size, there鈥檚 plenty of roles that don鈥檛 necessarily fit the traditional 鈥榳orking in a bank鈥� role. I鈥檝e been working here since graduating so coming up to nearly 3 years now and currently on my 7th different role since starting here! Culturally, it is much more collaborative, friendly and inclusive than my initial expectations. They鈥檙e also very open to working from home (I do so 95% of the time) and flexible working patterns (I currently work 9 day fortnights on compressed hours).
What was the position you were recruited for. Please briefly outline the position you were recruited to within your organisation and summarise the business needs and role you fulfil
I joined the 'Risk鈥� Graduate scheme in September 2020. This was as part of their broader graduate scheme range, where you must pick your chosen area whilst applying. With this, I did 5 different rotations within the Bank in my first 2 years, all with a focus on mitigating 鈥楻isk鈥�. Some of the roles were more qualitative, determining any 鈥榬isks鈥� within a new app feature and what controls we have in place, others I had to learn how to code and do analysis on consumers credit quality. Key need for graduates is to be inquisitive, curious and willing to get stuck in. Can be quite a steep learning curve!
What attracted you to this position?
It appeared quite an analytical and challenging area of the Bank which allows me to get a better understand of the whole organisation rather than specialise in a specific area. It also means the days can vary enormously, whether it be working on specific projects from coding to delivering sessions on culture to upskilling on new regulation. I had no idea what I wanted to do post university but was keen to get a varied experience which a graduate scheme like this definitely offers.
What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?
I think my biggest challenge to date has been working on our supplier management for Retail and leading on Risk Oversight of a new contract with a cloud infrastructure supplier which increases our concentration risk. Having to push back, ask challenging questions (as well a simple ones to understand the technology) and get comfortable with the ask and approving before this eventually goes all the way to the CEO for her sign-off and approval at Board.
What top tips would you give to students looking for a career in your market sector?
Speak to people at the careers fair and learn what they do and how they find their job. Once you鈥檝e got through the application process and are starting out, be inquisitive, ask lots of questions and don鈥檛 be afraid to make mistakes. Also, even if you aren鈥檛 in the 鈥榙ream鈥� role, take it as an opportunity to learn what you like / dislike about it before jumping onto something else. Don鈥檛 assume that all roles in an organisation are the same. Even within the same department, there are many different styles of people leaders and opportunities, so think about what motivates and encourages you. Ask yourself 鈥渨ould this manager help my future development?鈥� and 鈥渨ould this job build me experience for my next role鈥�. All about small stepping stones onto the next thing!
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?
Graduate schemes are extremely competitive, don鈥檛 let it get you down if a number of them are rejections – ultimately they have so many applicants that they cannot truly assess your potential. With this in mind, keep your options open and send applications off for jobs you aren鈥檛 鈥�100%鈥� on as they will even be a good experience to get through the process, whether that be online tests or interview skills. Knowing the process is half the battle!
Any additional advice or comments?
Final year can be daunting when you鈥檙e thinking about jobs, dissertation, exams etc... Make sure you鈥檙e still looking after yourself and doing things you enjoy!