Carla Leonard, Barclays

Carla Leonard is a retail bank branch manager at Barclays. She has a BA in English and Spanish from Queen’s University, Belfast.

You don't have a finance-related degree. What drew you to a retail banking career?

I studied English and Spanish at university because I’ve always been passionate about literature and really enjoy learning other languages. When I finished university I lived in Vancouver for a year and worked for an investment and wealth management company. I really enjoyed the experience and got a buzz from the challenges I faced every day, which led me to seriously consider financial services as a career. I am now managing a branch in East London and working on a number of projects to improve our customers’ experience.

Why do you think you succeeded at getting your graduate job?

During the recruitment process, two of the most important traits I demonstrated were my passion for the area and my motivation to succeed at everything I do. I also drew on the experiences I had outside of university, such as the time I spent in Spain and Vancouver and my year travelling. I would definitely encourage graduates to do some work experience as it gives you first-hand experience of the industry you want to enter as well as demonstrating your dedication and commitment to your career – something recruiters will be looking for.

What skills do you need to be a retail bank manager?

My work requires strong communication skills, as well as the ability to influence and inspire my colleagues. I have relied heavily on the presentation and organisational skills that I acquired during my degree as well as my ability to work independently.

'I think that having a non-finance background makes me more determined to learn and helps me bring a completely different perspective to the organisation.'

Do you think your job is harder because you have an arts degree background?

I have been on a steep learning curve but colleagues with a background in finance have also found it a challenge so I don’t think it’s down to my arts background. I think that having less experience in the field actually makes you more determined to learn and you can bring a completely different perspective to the organisation.

What tips would you give graduates looking for a finance job?

My advice is to make the most of your time at university: get involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible and talk to people who already work in the industry to further your knowledge. Be confident about the skills and abilities you have to offer and develop a thorough understanding of why you want to pursue a career in the area. Recruiters will know if you have done your research and your background knowledge is what will set you apart from other candidates.