Kate Sparks (nee Hopkins) - Commercial Banking
Where are they now?

• What's changed since we filmed you last?
• What has been the most challenging part so far?
• What business area and type of work are you working on now?
• What have you learnt the most by being on the graduate programme?
• Are you where you thought you'd be?
• What's next?
• Is there any advice you can offer to someone thinking of joining Barclays?

What’s changed since we filmed you last?

I think quite a lot has changed since we last spoke. Firstly, I’m married, so my name’s different. That’s quite a big thing. Secondly, there has been quite a big change in the markets, in the environment and the economy over the last two years. It’s both exciting and challenging, so it’s been really interesting.

What’s been the biggest highlight so far?

There have been quite a few highlights when I look back on the last three years. The two main ones I would say are last year when I worked in a team that completed six deals in two weeks. It was a really fantastic time, albeit extremely busy. The other thing was completing a professional qualification with the AMCT - the Association of Corporate Treasurers. It’s really pertinent to what I do day-to-day, so valuable for me and also very useful qualification for the bank. Plus, of course, I’ve met lots of friends along the way, which has been great.

What has been the most challenging part so far?

I think a lot of it has been really challenging, which is partly down to the fact that I’ve purposely chosen roles that are particularly stretching, pushing my experience and taking myself out of my comfort zone. Sometimes it can be daunting, when you’re entering a new team or a difficult environment, but actually, when you go through that and you look back, you realise it’s been a rewarding experience and that’s something I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.

What business area and type of work are you working on now?

At the moment I work in BBS, which is another acronym that adds to the many that you’ll find here at Barclays. Effectively, it’s our Business Support Team. It works out of the Commercial Bank. What we do is we look after businesses - large businesses - that are underperforming or in difficulties and help them out. That’s probably the best way that I would summarise it.

What have you learnt the most by being on the graduate programme?

I’ve learnt over the last three years. Probably the most important thing is about being proactive. There are lots of opportunities available for new starters when you arrive on the grad scheme. But it’s up to you to take those opportunities and drive them forward yourself. It’s not like being at University where things will be given to you and you kind of move on and do your best. You’ve got to seize opportunities, and if you do that you’ll do really well.

Are you where you thought you’d be?

When you first start, I think it’s difficult to map out where you might be in three years. But the time goes by extremely fast and where I am right now is probably isn’t where I thought be on day one. But that just makes it far more exciting and interesting. When you start, there are so many opportunities, that you may have a path that you think you’re going to take and things you want to achieve, but when you get here, you find the options are so varied, that it often takes you in different areas, which has been a really good thing for me.

What’s next?

At the moment, I’m concentrating on performing well and making a good impression in my current role. I’ve gained quite a lot of technical experience, I’ve dealt with a lot of big businesses and technical leverage type transactions. So next for me, I think, is to try and move into a relationship type role and get some front line experience, which is something else I’m really looking forward to.

Is there any advice you can offer to someone thinking of joining Barclays?

Firstly, I’d say that it’s a great thing to be thinking about right now. We’re performing so well, as a company that it’s a tremendously exciting place to be. It’s been a fantastic three years for me. I’ve really enjoyed it and had a lot of good opportunities. What other employer would give you the chance to study professional qualifications with such a supportive network? Or so many opportunities to travel, explore different areas of the business or work in different roles?