Amy Cluskey - Human Resources
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?

So much has changed since you last filmed me. I’m in a completely different area now and doing a completely different job. It’s so enjoyable though. I was working on the Employee Opinion survey, managing that for the whole of Global Retail and Commercial Banking. Now I’m actually an HR Business Partner in the Central Functions of GRB.

What has been the most challenging part so far?

I think for me, one of the most challenging aspects of the job was making the transition from my first role, or at least my first major role, as the manager of the Employee Opinion survey to becoming HR Business Partner - simply because I was a subject matter expert and then I had to start learning again. It’s been really tough to make that transition, but luckily I’ve had an amazing manager, a fantastic team, and a great support network in place, and I feel like I’m learning so much every week.

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

At the moment, I’m working in the Chief Operating Office or COO. I’m doing generalist HR work as an HR Business Partner, which means I’m involved in everything from recruitment, performance management and development and managing some of our talent programmes to disciplinaries, grievances, capability, redundancy - the whole shebang.  It’s a really interesting area and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

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

I think what I’ve learnt most is to have confidence in my own ability. I was given a lot of challenging opportunities over the course of the graduate programme and each time I thought I couldn’t do it and I managed to do it. I think it’s given me that self-belief and confidence to do whatever I put my mind to. It’s been great from that point of view.

Are you where you thought you’d be?

When I joined the programme I wanted to do generalist HR work. I’ve done a number of different things before getting to this point, but now I’m here I’m enjoying it so much. So yes, I’m exactly where I want to be.

What’s next?

I think there are so many opportunities in Barclays.  One of the graduates from last year is currently on secondment on Absa and that’s something that really attracts me. To go on secondment to another country, to South Africa, would be fabulous. I think that’s a little way down the line though.  At the moment, I want to focus on learning what I can in this job and then start thinking about my next steps.

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

Just do it. It’s an amazing company to work for.  The opportunities are there for those who want to grab them. I think the sky’s the limit. I’ve had such an amazing experience over the last 12-18 months and I know that the future is bright. I’m learning so much, I’m enjoying myself and there’s so much more to do, so I’d say go for it.