Insider profil
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Top Insider Advice
When i joined the first financial institution i worked for, initially working in customer services, i had two goals in mind: 1. I knew Customer Services was not for me long-term, and i wanted to move to a more admin based role as soon as possible. I achieved this within a year of joining the first financial institution i worked for. 2. Standard Life had a great reputation and were well known in the City i worked in as being a great place to work. When i took my first job in financial services my goal was to ultimately join Standard Life but i knew i required some experience in the industry before doing so. After two years in Financial Services i successfully applied for my first role at Standard Life. This was a great decision for my career and i remain at Standard Life/Phoenix to this day, many years later.
Career path
Operational Governance and Risk Consultant
Phoenix Group
Started 04/2022 to PresentRegulatory Relationship Analyst
Phoenix Group
From 06/2018 to 04/2022Fund Controls Analyst
Phoenix Group
From 10/2014 to 06/2018Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
Operational Governance and Risk is part of the wider Operations function within Phoenix. Operations is a large function, with a number of teams who all perform different tasks and activities. The result is i can be involved in, or have exposure to, a variety of different tasks/activities which keeps things interesting. I am also lucky that within Operational Governance and Risk, i work in a great team, who are very supportive.
Greatest achievements
I joined the Regulatory Relationship team at a time when it was expanding, following Phoenix's acquisition of Standard Life. During my time in this team, we worked hard to meet the ever-increasing demands of the regulator's and vastly improved Phoenix's relationship with it's regulator's, despite the company undergoing a period of significant change.
Kieran J
Top Insider Advice
My recruitment journey was a rollercoaster. When I was in my final year of university, I was so certain that I wanted a job lined up for when I leave university. Therefore, I began applying 8 months in advance. Although it sounds like I was prepared, I wasn't prepared for rejection. I used to apply to roles whereby all the duties and responsibilities would fit perfectly, but the reality is that the employee market is so competitive. I received hundreds of rejections where I put my heart and soul into job applications. My advice is therefore simple, never take rejection seriously. Go with the flow, take feedback on board. This enhances your interview skills. You develop as an individual. Through constant rejection, you will land your dream role. Most importantly, do not undermine yourself throughout the recruitment process. Keep going with utmost motivation.
Rachel R
Head of Talent Acquisition
Top Insider Advice
A sideways or lateral career move can help give you a different perspective and broader experience. It helps you consolidate your knowledge. Always look around an organisation if you're happy before deciding to look outside. There are opportunities often such as secondments which might give you that breadth with an option to return to your 'home role' afterwards.
Jonathan M
Top Insider Advice
Be open to new opportunities, which make you smile We are in a growth business, and a growth mindset compliments this. I am a big believer in doing things which make you happy and working on your strengths. I feel like I have found this here
