Ask me a question!
What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
When I was still in school, I worked in the Bar and Restaurant trade where I stayed for many years. I did have a place in college after completing my leaving cert but at 18 earning a weekly wage was more appealing, so I deferred my place and never ended up going to college. I did complete 2 years of Adult Education in Business Management eventually. I then worked in a local Estate Agents for a number of years before Covid hit. After that I got a job in retail and worked as a Team Leader in Tesco. I started in AIB Direct in 2021 in the Phone and Internet Banking department. In 2022, I got a permanent contract with AIB and in 2023 I moved to Personal Sales. It was the best decision I have ever made. I love it here!
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
My family and friends! They are always so supporting of my career choices.
How did you go about getting your current job?
I applied initially through a recruitment agency. A girl I went to school had a post up on social media and I made enquiries. I was doing shift work in Tesco at the time, which was no longer convenient for me, so when I got the call saying I had got the job I was delighted to be starting my new career at AIB. Three years later and I am still here!
Describe a typical day?
Some days can be very busy. In personal sales we look after Personal Loan, Credit Card, and Overdraft Applications. Some days, I need to do a lot of admin work on applications. All in all, the day normally goes by quickly!
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
My main tasks would be completing both normal and complex lending applications, discussing loan accounts, managing mailboxes, and completing different tasks in AIB and AIB NI. I also provide excellent customer service to our customers.
What are the main challenges?
I am most engaged when speaking to customers and making sure we are finding the right support for them. All customer’s circumstances are different and it’s important that I engage closely with them to understand their needs and help find the right product for them.
What do you like most?
I love helping people! I love engaging with customers. I enjoy that no two phone calls are the same! Being part of a team would be a big factor for me in any job.
Is there anything that isn't great?
No…
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
I have a strong credit knowledge which helps with customers queries. I’d like to think I have a good personality too which helps
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
The subjects I chose in Secondary School were Business Studies, Home Ec, French, Geography and English, Maths and Irish. When I completed further education in Business Management, I always assumed I’d end up somewhere that required numerical skills as I adored everything that involved figures i.e. payroll, spreadsheets, bookkeeping, loan calculations, income, and expenditure. I definitely think Maths and Business has helped influence my career path to date. In Personal Sales we do calculations hourly when it comes to loans and affordability. I think Maths and Business has helped me to succeed in my career.
What is your education to date?
I completed my leaving cert in 2008. Since then, I completed 2 years of adult education. Most recent was 9 years ago! I did start my QFA exams while working here at AIB and currently have 2 exams complete. I am hoping to obtain my full QFA soon.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
As I said, my love of maths helped me along and I was computer literate so obviously that helps too!
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
I have recently been promoted to Senior Sales Advisor!
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
Patience and Empathy!
What is your dream job?
I obviously would like to progress within AIB. I just take every day as it comes!
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
Absolutely! My current work hours are 9-5 and it suits me perfectly. I have children at home that play sports, so it’s vital that I can work around them too and with added hybrid working it is ideal for my family’s lifestyle!
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
AIB is a great place to work. Where I am, it’s call centre based and my advice would be to be empathetic and listen to customers so you can best understand how to support them.
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
Personality, Empathy and Organisation!
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
Yes, I hope to complete the full QFA modules to become a fully qualified financial advisor.
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
The types of work experience that would provide a good background for the position would be customer service. E.g. customer facing jobs, retail, admin. Also, people who have a customer first mindset would be good for the job.
What is your current job title?
Personal Sales Advisor at AIB
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