My job is very flexible. I spend a big part of my time talking to customers. I usually meet around 10 customers per week. I spend the rest of the time processing customers' applications, generating business and attracting new customers. My branch has 25 employees and I work as part of a regional team of six mortgage consultants. We have a great group of people and I view them as friends and as colleagues. We represent all different age groups - we are like a big family!
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Ian Russell, 22 years |
Education: Part-time BA student in Business Studies and Management
Title: Mortgage Consultant
Department: Northern Bank, Belfast
Years of service: 3 years |
From part-time to full-time
I started my career by working in the bank during my school summer holidays. Later, when I started studying in Belfast I continued working part-time as a cashier. The big change took place last October, when I accepted a position as a full time Customer Service Official. I am now working full-time and studying part-time beside of my job.
No regrets
I have always been interested in business and business studies were an obvious choice. I have friends and family working in banks so I knew what it was all about before I started. I must admit that this is not the career path I imagined to have. However, I have no regrets. I am young and motivated and I want to climb the ladder. The bank provides an opportunity for that. The personal development plan and appraisals the bank has are good tools for guiding me further in my career.
Enter computers
Joining the Danske Bank Group was exciting. The new IT platform got us really up to speed. Some of our older employees felt that it was quite a struggle to learn to use the new systems. Fortunately, there were many young people around who were more familiar with computers so they were able give their colleagues help and support. Everything is now computer-based and more regulated. I am sure that some people had a hard time giving up working with paper.
International environment
We are now an international bank and I can see that in my daily work. If there are any problems or issues that need to be clarified, I can just pick up the phone and call Denmark. We are constantly speaking with people internationally. Being part of an international company also gives us opportunities to work abroad. I have applied to be a guide in Sampo Bank’s migration process. I think it would be great to support them after having gone through a similar process myself a year ago.