Michelle Smith
Degree: Pure Mathematics, University of Bristol
Programme: Lombard Credit/Risk
Favourite cartoon character: Buck-e-o-hare.
Lombard Credit is a valuable part of the RBS group, so when I was given the opportunity to be part of it, I jumped at the chance. My current role in Lombard Credit is based in Redhill, Surrey.
I was interested in Credit in particular as it gives a great grounding in Financial Accounting principles. The skills I’m learning will be useful in the future, regardless of the area in which I specialise.
As part of the Graduate programme, I was able to hone both my interpersonal and technical skills. Now I’m far more adept at dealing with and managing people, and have also completed the RBS Certificate in Credit. At the moment, I’m studying to qualify as an AMCT professional, which the Bank is funding, and this will help me to excel in my job.
There are opportunities to do placements in different parts of the Bank. This can either be one month, one week or one day which is particularly eye-opening and educational.
Currently, I’m team leader for a strand of a larger group, designed to deal with and improve existing credit processes and problems in the department. I especially enjoy how many projects are on the go at any one time, and having the freedom to choose to involve myself in as many or as few as I like.
The nature of my business area is that we are totally dictated to by workflow, and therefore time management skills are essential. This creates a pressure to perform that’s really enjoyable.
The main piece of advice I’d give to anyone starting out in Credit is to keep every business card you get and remember everyone’s name – they’ll appreciate it, and so will you!
