- 30.09.2021

Give your career a kickstart? Good guidance and support will give you the momentum you need!

One thing is certain: remote advice is on the rise. That makes it an exciting, varied job that calls for the right guidance. After completing his studies, Grégory dived straight in to the role. He looks back at his first few months at a branch providing remote advice at BNP Paribas Fortis.

A first job is quite exciting but sometimes also stressful. You ask yourself a lot of questions: Can I handle this role? Will I be able to use the knowledge I gained through my studies? Who will help me if I need it?

These were the questions that Grégory asked himself when he finished his bachelor’s degree in 2016 and became a commercial adviser at the BNP Paribas Fortis Easy Banking Centre: a type of remote branch accessible by phone, e-mail and video call.

Personal support

“Let us be clear: I knew nothing at all about the profession of commercial adviser when I was hired, but the challenge appealed to me", recalls Grégory. Fortunately, he could rely on a guidance programme with personal support from his coaches, his manager and his colleagues. This was the ideal way to acquire knowledge and experience quickly while developing his network.

"In the first few weeks, I attended a series of theory-based training courses that were essential for my new job. It was quite intense, but extremely interesting. I learned the basics of the profession of commercial adviser, starting with how to conduct a conversation with a customer," he says.

Daily exchange

After a while, it was time to put this initial theory into practice. “You always feel a little nervous during your first discussions with customers, but that is also part of the learning process,” states Grégory, who has always been able to count on the support of his manager and colleagues.

“In the first few weeks, I had fixed meeting times with my manager for a meeting and individual coaching”, he explains. "This gave me the opportunity to ask questions. I always had many questions and I was happy that I could ask them regularly. This enabled me to make rapid progress."

For tips on his day-to-day work, he was always able to speak to the colleagues around him. "I received a great deal of support from them. This is the advantage of working in the Easy Banking Centre: you are never alone, you are constantly sharing your experiences and you learn by doing so! That is truly enriching."

What does Grégory particularly like about the job? "The combination of digital expertise and advice. It is also a very contemporary role that evolves alongside the behaviour and expectations of the customers", he replies. "We do give advice remotely, but this is not comparable to the call centres of 20 years ago. Our expertise constitutes genuine added value: we guide and support our customers at all key moments in their lives and help them turn their plans into reality. You could say that we are their financial coach."

Ready for the future

Year after year, Grégory builds on his skills and acquires new knowledge, thus broadening his professional horizons. Today, he is a Private Banker by James and advises individual clients with a high net worth on the management of their assets. He does this from the Easy Banking Centre, too. "The progress I have made through to the present is thanks to the guidance and support that I have received at every stage of my career. Of course, you have to be curious, bold and fully committed to your job, but you get a lot back in return", he states in closing.

And you?

Does an advisory role sound like something you would be interested in? Do you enjoy working in a team and are you familiar with new technologies? If so, you are ready to kickstart your personal journey in the Easy Banking Centre. Your adventure starts here!