AIB Careers

What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?

Cally O’Leary, AIB Branch Retail Manager

I decided to study German and Business in college as they were my favourite subjects in school. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after school. I had thought maybe a career in teaching but I wasn’t 100%. .

When in college, I also worked in a supermarket chain part-time. In my fourth and final year of college I decided to specialise in the area of general management as I felt it would be something I would like to get into in the future be it in my existing company or elsewhere.

After college I still wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do yet and so I had set up a Linkedin profile. Someone had reached out to me via Linkedin asking would I have an interest in applying for a job in banking. I applied, got the job and started working in a different bank just after college, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had an interest in the area, and I also loved working with people.

Having worked there for just under 2 years I decided I wanted to do bit of travelling while I could,and made the decision to leave that job so I could travel SE Asia for 6 months.

It was when I came back at the beginning of the Covid pandemic when I saw the job advertised with AIB. I knew banking was an area I enjoyed and so I applied and successfully got the role. I enjoyed learning new things within the bank and expanding into other areas. When I could I enjoyed passing these learnings and new skills onto newer members of staff. I have always had a passion for lifelong learning and upskilling so I asked to be trained in different areas of the bank so I could progress as much as I could. As well as this, I knew teaching and training was something I thoroughly enjoyed. Covid19 was the perfect opportunity to do a postgraduate online, and so I took part in a Postgraduate diploma in teaching in further education in the evenings after work. It was tough, but I knew having the course behind me and skills in the area could potentially allow me to progress within in AIB further.

I showed support to my Retail manager at the time and in other areas, I was eager to finish my QFA exams as I knew I would need these also in order to progress. Having completed these and proactively training in other areas within the branch I chanced applying for a level 3 role as Retail manager as I knew it would be an area I would love to progress to within the branch. I was only in the AIB 4 years but I went for it, and successfully got the role where I am today!

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

My parents have always been so supportive in all I do and helped me so much throughout college. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do after college it just kind of happened when I was reached out to via LinkedIn that I fell into a career banking.

My own retail manager when I started in AIB initially influenced me greatly. She was a great role model and allowed me opportunities within the branch to train and progress into other areas. I began covering her role in her absence and loved leading a team in an area I was already familiar with. I knew that if I wanted to stay in the bank, it was a role I would definitely like to try out, and having both the experience in the bank along with my postgraduate in adult further education, I took the plunge to apply for a position when it came up.

How did you go about getting your current job?

I initially seen the job for AIB advertised via LinkedIn. I had applied through Hayes, who recruit on behalf of AIB. I did a remote interview over the phone first with one of the recruiters from Hayes. I was then called into branch to do an interview in person with the branch manager. After a couple of months being in the job, I had to apply for my position with AIB directly through an application process. Four years later, I was checking the careers portal and level 3 Retail manager position came up, where I had to complete a detailed online application form. I got picked for an interview which was based on competency questions. I was successful in the interview and got the role of Retail manager I am in today.

Describe a typical day?

Everyday is different. We usually start in the branch with a morning huddle on updates from day previous day or week, or what’s going to be going on that on that day.

I monitor the sales and digital figures daily and link in with staff where possible to ensure these are being met.

I meet with customers on a daily and service different customer service queries.

I try my bets to cover other areas in the branch where I am able to.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

I lead and coach the Sales and Advisory team within the branch to achieve weekly income and sales objectives

I endeavour to lead a culture of open communication and staff engagement.

I help support the coaching & development of others within the branch

Build Strong Customer relationships with customer of AIB by ensuring excellent customer service and good outcomes for all our customers.

What are the main challenges?

Branch banking is constantly changing so its important to be able to keep up to date with the changes and assist customers with these changes which can be challenging.

What do you like most?

The people I work with. Leading a team and seeing results and getting the branch name in lights when after meeting the expected targets etc.

Is there anything that isn't great?

Not necessarily. I enjoy the role. It would be nice to have the ability to work home the odd day or two but that doesn’t really work in branch banking with a customer facing role.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

Team player

Flexibility and agility

Leadership

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

My leaving cert subjects included Business, Biology, Home Ecc, German then Irish English and Maths.

I chose subjects that I enjoyed the most. Business definitely helped me in the role I am in today. At the time I didn’t really know what I wanted to do so I went with what I enjoyed most. I don’t think I would have changed any of my subject choices or done anything differently.

What is your education to date?

I completed my LC back in secondary school in 2012. I then went on to study German and Business in college for four years after this.

Since then, I have completed the Level 7 Qualified financial planning exams which I got to do through the Institute of Bankers through work. I have also more recently completed a Level 9 Postgraduate diploma in Teaching for further education with the National College of Ireland.

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

I think all aspects of my education have contributed to the role im in today. Overall the biggest one is the organisational skills I have gained. Definitely the Postgrad I completed in adult education has shown me that this is the role I wanted in the bank. I learned so much about diversity and inclusion and how everyone learns and works differently and how to best approach this. The QFA exams have also proven particularly relevant to the role and without these I couldn’t have progressed to the role I am in now.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

In terms of my career, Achieving the Level 3 within 4 years of working for AIB. I think I have shown both newer and also my younger colleagues that there is opportunity to progress here, and you don’t have to be in the bank a million years anymore to do so.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

I would like to think that I am an open approachable person which definitely helps me in the role that I am in.

I am ambitious and like to put my mind to things which I believe played a huge factor in getting the role of Retail manager.

In any part of branch banking, having patience, flexibility and definitely organisation qualities and skills to hav.

What is your dream job?

I still don’t know what my dream job is. If there was a job just to travel the world that would be for me. For now I am happy in the role I am in and who knows what the future will bring,

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

I was lucky to progress to a level 3 within four years of being with AIB so there is opportunities there if you want them.

I do work Monday to Friday 9 - 5.30 so in terms of daytime flexibility it is limited, however I have the evenings and weekends free which has allowed me to go back playing football with my local football team and take part in other hobbies.

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

Its brilliant experience. There is also so many different areas that you can progress to within the bank once you know what you enjoy doing.

Having a head on your shoulders and enjoying working with others. Having a want to help others.

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Team player

Communication

Organisation

What is your pet hate at work?

I wouldn’t say I have any pet hates. You will always have to deal with difficult situations or customers in the role but that can be anywhere. Having these experiences just allow you to be more competent in the role.

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

Im constantly looking to upskill. Last year I was looking to get some mortgage training andended up being a support to one of the Mortgage Advisors for the year so this was great experience. Since taking on my current role I have also got to complete some Opex training to allow me help out other management and in other areas of the branch. I am still relevantly new to the management side of things so I am still learning the role everyday.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Banking, customer service, office admin or any office or customer centered environment.

What is your current job title?

Retail Manager - AIB Branch Enniscorthy

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