Name: Gary Broad
Job Title: Area Manager, Kent and South East London
Time with the Society: 8 years
I remember the advert I applied to clearly. It said 'building on your previous banking experience'. I remember it because I had no experience. Previously I'd been a self-employed lorry driver and a civil servant. I was given an interview and fortunately they thought I was right for Yorkshire Building Society. And that's because we're not all about taking money in and giving it out - it's all about how we communicate with people.
I was taken on as a Divisional Support Assistant, which means working in the branch that needs you at the time. Within three weeks I was at the Strand branch where they had a problem with resourcing in mortgage processing. I hadn't any experience or training and I went up there to do what I could to help. A senior manager who had a great deal to do with the branch network came to visit the branch. I didn't know him from Adam but he asked me a few questions and how I was getting on. I told him that I had no experience in mortgage processing and it would be nice to be able to help out more. The very next day he got on to the Divisional Manager and I was sent to Swansea to gain some experience. They listened and acted quickly - which was a bit of a shock, but a nice one.
I'd been a Divisional Support Assistant for about a year when I had a one-to-one with the Divisional Manager. He told me that my name had been mentioned as someone with really good potential. A position had come up as a temporary Branch Supervisor and he was asked if I would like to go for it. And that's when I first got my foot on the ladder for promotion.
Since then, they've looked after me a lot. I've been on loads of different courses, gaining management, communication and presentation skills. Considering I had no banking experience when I joined, my career progression has been a bit of a steep incline. I've missed out on some of the day-to-day experiences in a branch that comes from being in a specific role - but it hasn't held me back. Partly it's about being in the right place at the right time but I think a lot has to do with how you adapt to things.
The early stages of my career were probably the most important - it gave me the grounding for taking on a District Manager role. I'd shown people I'm prepared to work at processes and I'm a quick learner. If I don't think something's right, I'll say it. And the Yorkshire Building Society encourages that.
I've been really lucky, as I haven't had to move at all. I've always been open and honest so everyone knows my views on career progression and the balance with home life. I'm ambitious and want to do well at my work, but my family and home will always come first. Today, I'm Area Manager of the Area where I first started as a Divisional Support Assistant.
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Yorkshire Building Society is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
