Nicola Bustard
Your job title:
Plan / Program Manager for the Client Valuations Application Suite
Length of Service so far?
8.5 years
Describe your current role?
- People management of Analysts and Testers across dual locations.
- Manage the relationship between the development teams and the Business users by running the demand agenda, prioritization, release planning and allocation of work.
- Monitor weekly progression to the defined Project milestones.
- Act as an escalation point for the business, development and operate teams.
- On occasions assist in the Requirements Engineering process.
- Manage relationship with dependent external systems
- Provide status reporting to senior managers and Business Sponsors
- Attend Regulatory / Audit discussions
- Manage Post Implementation and Developer efficiency reviews
- Contribute to budget discussions and reviews
As a side task I also run the –
ETC Social Committee
· Manage the budget for the ETC social committee
· Plan the events schedule for the year
· Contribute to the events organisation
What do you enjoy most about working for J.P.Morgan?
If you have the passion to learn and the drive to progress your career then J.P.Morgan has extensive opportunities and resources to assist. Also the calibre of people we attract.
Describe your career so far?
I started in J.P.Morgan 8.5 years ago as an Administrator. After only a few months, it was evident that the role was not challenging enough for me. At which point, I was given the opportunity to become a Technical Administrator. This opened many doors for me and I have since carried out numerous roles - Software Configuration Manager, Support Analyst, Project Manager, Business Analyst and now Plan Manager for 2 applications and Program manager for 1.
When did you first become interested in technology as a career?
To be honest I hadn’t considered moving into a technology role until I had moved to J.P.Morgan. As I progressed within the IT Sector I realised the opportunities available and through that was eager to challenge myself.
What made J.P.Morgan attractive to you?
There were a number of key areas that attracted me to J.P.Morgan:
One of the Largest Investment Banks in the world
Global offices which provided the potential to travel
Sheer number of employees
Focus on diversity
What was your first impression when you came to J.P.Morgan for interview?
J.P.Morgan appeared to be a very professional company. The opportunities were endless and I left my interview feeling excited at the impact I could make within the team.
Did you relocate? If so, where from?
Moved from Perth to Glasgow, it is only 1hr away but I was young and it was my first time being away from home so I was a bit scared!!
How do you ‘make a difference’ in your work?
I am an extremely outgoing person. Very much a people person. I thrive on responsibility, have built a great rapport with my staff and the business. I manage the relationship between the business and our technical counterparts. I am involved in many initiatives promoting Glasgow throughout J.P.Morgan and actively seek opportunities to improve procedures and gain the required exposure.
Where do you commute from?
Motherwell
Do you take part in any social activities organised through J.P.Morgan? (please expand)
As I organise the ETC social events I have no option but to partake. We run a number of events throughout the year (drinks nights, race nights, quiz, 5 a side football, xmas party nights and the Annual Dance). The annual dance is a key selling point for Glasgow, it is a great event where employees and partners come together to experience a party the “Scottish” way. We start the night off with a champagne reception, piped into the hall,“address the haggis”, sit down to a 3 course meal, dance the night away with traditional scottish dancing and end the night with a disco.
What technologies or technological issues are most important to your clients/customers?
Performance and capacity are key issues for the business, as volumes increase and customers become increasingly demanding we need to move fast and ensure we are ahead of the game at all times.
What has been your biggest challenge so far in IT?
As Investment Banking is widely known as a highly pressurised and demanding business it is extremely challenging adapting to new technologies, environments and products to ensure that you are ahead of the game.
How have the training opportunities / program assisted in your career at J.P.Morgan?
J.P.Morgan is keen to promote the extensive certification programs.
These programs focus on the key skills required to ensure that J.P.Morgan is in sync with the market requirements. Personally I have completed the ISEB Diploma in Business Systems analysis and am now working towards the PMI Project Management qualification. As well as these qualifications I have completed many technical and business courses that have assisted me in my career to date.
In a male dominated industry what career tips would you give to a female who's just starting up on her career?
Be strong, confident and assertive.