Bank Advisor
"The job requires flexibility, sociability, and a keen enthusiasm for learning new things. You don’t need to know everything when you start in the banking sector, as you learn on the job."
- Name not published at the request of the interviewee.
- A bank advisor at POP Bank.
- Graduated as a Bachelor of Business Administration from Vaasa University of Applied Sciences.
- Two years of work experience in the field.
Briefly explain what you do for a living.
I work at a bank, where my responsibilities include assisting customers over the phone and preparing loan applications.
During customer service shifts, I handle calls concerning online banking issues, payment cards, and a range of other customer enquiries. During shifts in the pre-processing of loan applications, I review each application and check details such as guarantees and the applicant’s employment status. After that, I contact the customer to ask for more information about the application, if needed. If there are no obstacles, we arrange an appointment for the actual loan negotiations.
How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?
During my studies, I worked in customer service at the front desk of a sports hall. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, I began considering which career path to pursue. I applied for this job because I had no prior experience in phone-based customer service and wanted to try something new.
Describe your typical working day or week.
My working weeks include shifts where I either assist customers over the phone or pre-process loan applications.
What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?
I work both in the office and remotely. The customer service shifts can start at various times, as we work mornings, days, and evenings, but they always fall between 8:00 and 18:00.
What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?
The job requires flexibility, sociability, and a keen enthusiasm for learning new things. You don’t need to know everything when you start in the banking sector, as you learn on the job.
What is the best thing about your profession?
The best part of this profession is the variety of work involved. I also enjoy interacting with people.
What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?
Changes to systems and operating methods happen quite frequently. While these updates make work easier, they sometimes require learning new things quickly. When there are many changes in a short space of time, it can feel stressful.
In customer service, you sometimes encounter situations where customers take out their frustrations on you. However, it’s great that, in our work community, we can openly discuss any difficult situations that bother us.
What would you tell a person considering the profession of a bank advisor?
If you enjoy helping people and working in customer service, this profession could be a great fit for you. I recommend giving it a try, even if you have no previous experience, as you learn this job through practice.
How do you see the future of your profession?
Customer service roles in the banking sector will continue to be available in the future. Artificial intelligence will be used more often, for example, to assist with information searches.