We caught up with City University student Yoana as she comes to the end of her industrial placement with UBS. Hear first-hand about her Human Resources – Asset Management industrial placement and find out how you can follow in Yoana's footsteps to land coveted work experience with a global bank.
Why did you choose an HR industrial placement?
I wanted to find out more about the world of Human Resources (HR). People often think HR is just about contracts and organising salary payment but there’s so much more to it. In my first week I dealt with some of the most senior employees at the bank. In my role I supported the HR business partners across UBS Asset Management, helping them deal with recruitment, development and talent issues for Asset Management. It really opened my eyes to what a career in Human Resources could do for me and where I could go with UBS.
What do you like about working at UBS?
Everyone at UBS is incredibly friendly and happy to be in the office. I settled in quickly and had a great support network. I'm studying Psychology - working with people is what I enjoy. However UBS gave me an in-depth exposure to the world of banking and finance. They have a web hub called UBS Business University and, on days when I was less busy, I would take online training modules on financial products, leadership and development and communicating in business. This was in addition to all the support and mentoring I received during my placement.
What type of work did you do?
The Human Resources team run a huge number of initiatives throughout the year. My highlight was working on the annual review process which evaluates employees and allocates bonuses based on individual, team and organisation performance. The scheme identifies talent and how to develop employees to the best of their potential. On most days I would support the HR business partner with queries from across the bank. For example if a line manager has a particular issue relating to their team, we advise them on the best course of action. During the annual review process I was supporting all line managers and senior business partners on how to best rate employee performance.
What was the most important thing you learnt?
I learnt so much. The placement taught me how to communicate with people who are very busy - making sure I get straight to the point - and how to write an effective email. I have dealt with senior people from day one and it's improved my confidence to no end.
Any advice for someone starting out at UBS?
Listen to others and soak up as much information as you can. Use your time wisely and learn about the business. UBS has a huge focus on internal mobility - they want to develop employees within the bank and retain their talent. It's a great place to build your career.
Check out the opportunities at UBS by visiting their employer page here.