Gemma Hyde, Barclays

Gemma Hyde graduated with a degree in chemistry from the University of Oxford. She joined the Barclays retail banking graduate programme after graduation.

Why did you choose a graduate career in retail banking?

At university I realised that whilst I enjoyed the challenges of academia I wanted to work in a role where there was more emphasis on the people around me, and connecting with them. Before joining Barclays I completed their summer internship programme.

I think sometimes retail banking is overlooked by graduates. It’s the only place that I know that I could have such hands-on leadership experience at such an early point in my career. I am currently undertaking a leadership training course, which looks at how you lead yourself and others.

Tell us about your job

I am currently working as a line manager for seven colleagues in one of our London branches, and also work on projects with the area team and on a strategic project at head office. In the branch I spend my time where the customer needs me. That can be on the banking hall floor speaking with customers face to face, or taking time to develop my colleagues so that they can be there for our customers. In my project role I work in a close-knit team and get to engage with relevant stakeholders.

'I think sometimes retail banking is overlooked by graduates. It’s the only place that I know that I could have such hands-on leadership experience at such an early point in my career.'

The best thing about my role is that there are so many things to get involved in. At this point in my career I’m keen to experience everything that I can. One of my line managers described the culture here brilliantly by saying ‘customers are at the heart of everything we do’. I’ve asked to get involved with some high priority projects and have been thrown in at the deep end as a result – which I love. Sometimes it’s a challenge to prioritise your time between different work streams, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What has been your best moment in the job so far?

Presenting our strategic project to the managing director of the branch network. We had to work hard, but it was worth it when we got great feedback from some really senior stakeholders – as a result our suggested solutions are coming to life.