Karl Hyden
Operations Analyst
International Relations & Management (MA Hons) - St Andrews
What did you know about RBS prior to working for them? Did you have any preconceptions?
When
I moved to Scotland for university, I opened my savings account with
RBS. I had no idea that they were an investment bank, let alone a
global contender. It wasn’t until I started researching summer
internships that I came across more information about them and
discovered the scale of their operation.
What attracted you to working for RBS?
A
few things attracted me. I always wanted to work for a large bank with
a global reach. However, what clinched it for me was the culture of the
company. I took part in their summer internship program and was really
impressed by what I saw. There is a real team spirit here. You are free
to ask questions and challenge norms.
What made you decide to go into your particular business area?
I
had already gained exposure to Operations through my summer internship.
I really liked the people and the role, so it was an easy choice for me
to make. I also found that I liked improving processes and
understanding products from a middle and back office perspective.
What training and development opportunities have you received?
When
we first started, we were immersed in an intensive two-week course on
financial markets. This gave us a solid foundation in the products that
RBS offers as well as its role in the banking world. I also took part
in an Operations-specific course which provided me with an idea of what
to expect in my business area.
Over the past ten months, I have
received training in project management, personal effectiveness and
client relationships. I have also had to sit the Investment
Administration Qualification exams. The bank ensured that we received
the best tuition and support for these exams.
As graduates,
we’re encouraged to take a proactive approach to self-development. I’m
keen to see new areas and products, and my requests to sit with other
teams are always welcome. I doubt many other banks would allow their
graduates this much latitude.
How would you describe the culture/working environment?
The
RBS working environment is conducive to learning and development.
Wherever I have worked, people have always been ready to provide
knowledge and support.
Accountability is also a big part of the
culture, but not in a finger-pointing way. We examine our errors and
try to learn lessons from them.
What makes RBS unique?
RBS
is not your stereotypical investment bank, where success is measured
only in annual reports. It also takes into account the people that make
the bank succeed.
What do you enjoy most about your role and working at RBS?
The
best part about working in RBS is the people. I work with a diverse
group who are all totally focused on making the bank a success.
Is there anything that you’ve found particularly challenging or difficult in your role?
The
most challenging part of my role has been to learn the products and the
systems. There is a steep learning curve with each product. However,
there is an even steeper learning curve with the systems and processes
underlying those products. Every Operations Analyst needs to have this
knowledge in order to do their job.
How do you see your future with RBS? What are you looking forward to?
I’m
still undecided about my exact career path, but I know I won’t be short
of options. This organisation is full of opportunities. The bank has so
many different businesses around the world. If you want another
challenge, all you need to do is look for it.
Is there any advice you would give to future grads thinking of joining RBS?
Be
proactive and do not wait for opportunities to arise. Grab life by the
reigns and ensure you make the right move after university.
What tips would you have for people joining now?
Ask as many questions as possible. In RBS, there is no such thing as a stupid question, only a stupid answer.
What would you say to a friend considering joining RBS? How would you persuade them to join?
It
is important to consider work-life balance before you make any big
decisions. I think RBS is one of the few investment banks out there
that values this.
What happened on your best ever day at RBS?
I
suppose my best day at RBS was my last day on the first rotation. My
whole team showered me with praises and good wishes for my next
rotation. I really felt part of the team and, more importantly,
validated for the job that I had been doing.
Do you have any anecdotes or stories from your time so far?
Just
the other day, an official memo went around about our Treasure Hunt.
This social event was organised by a few of us graduates here in
Operations. The memo included pictures of the event, a few of myself
and the other graduates wearing pirate costumes. It was hilarious
What are you most looking forward to in your career at RBS?
I’m
looking forward to the day when RBS is able to purchase its stake back
from the British government. I want to be part of that success story.