How did I end up in banking?

Honestly, by accident.

The day after graduating with my pharmacy degree, I started a temp job at RBS.
Short-term thing whilst I figured out life.

Then the fraud team (faster payments)gave me a chance. Taught me the work. Before long, I was permanent.

I took every shift they’d give me. The 3-11pm slots no one wanted. Christmas Day coverage. Overnight system updates. Became a TL within about 18months. I worked hard.

Because I loved the team.

Then our first Lean Wave in 2012. That’s when everything changed. I learned that operations could be better. That small changes could make massive differences to both customers and colleagues. That teamwork is often the most important thing.

Some of my closest friends are still from those RBS days. Some of my most treasured memories too.

Now, that ops background is everything.
When I work with contact centres or fraud teams, other areas, I can relate to what they do — I’ve handled escalation calls and those with distressed customers who’ve lost everything. I’ve been there when overnight updates didn’t go to plan.

It gives me a different kind of compassion for what people do every day.

I didn’t plan to work in banking. But I’m grateful they gave a temp with a pharmacy degree a chance.

What’s your sector origin story?