First Day Experiences as a Probationary Officer in Banking: Insights from SWB and PNB
Joining the financial sector as a Probationary Officer (PO) is an exciting yet challenging experience. This article shares insights from two different banks, Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Punjab and Sind Bank (SWB), highlighting common and varying experiences during the induction process and first day in the branch.
SWB: Probationary Officer's First Day at Staff Training College Rohini, New Delhi (June 8, 2022)
On June 8, 2022, I joined Punjab and Sind Bank as a Probationary Officer at the Staff Training College in Rohini, New Delhi. My first day kicked off with document verification, followed by a formal welcome and introduction. Subsequently, a training program lasted for three weeks, emphasizing the transition into the banking environment. It was quite fulfilling to be part of such a structured induction, which set me up for success in my career.
After the training, it was a great honor to meet the MD and CEO of the bank, which inspired my journey. Here's what the first day looked like in the branch:
On July 5, 2022, the first day in the branch, I joined a rural branch near Amritsar. I stepped into the branch early, noting that I was only the second person present. My immediate supervisor, the Branch Manager (BM), came in and had a letter in hand. After confirming my identity, he looked at the letter assigned me to a female officer with a day's notice to vacate. She quizzed me on some minor details before assigning me to a clerk for the day. Since my Finacle ID was still being processed, I had nothing to actually do. She took over the duties with assistance from a peon, leaving me to observe and learn.
The workday concluded around 5 PM. Then, we celebrated the departing clerk with cake and a few words of farewell, marking the beginning of an enriching experience. The journey in banking has turned every day into a learning opportunity, from understanding work-life balance to handling pressure and managing interpersonal situations. Each moment holds valuable lessons that contribute to a fulfilling career.
PNB: Probationary Officer's First Day at Staff Training College Panchkula, Haryana (September 13, 2022)
On September 13, 2022, I embarked on a new journey at Punjab National Bank, joining as a Probationary Officer at the Staff Training College in Panchkula, Haryana. My first day was equally enlightening, with a process of document verification, followed by a warm welcome and formal introduction. Although the experience was rewarding, these initial days bore their own set of challenges.
I later reported to an actual branch on October 5, 2021, where I spent three to four months. My first morning started early at 9.30 AM. Unlike the expected scenario, the branch was quiet until ten o'clock. When the BM arrived, I introduced myself as a Management Trainee on OJT (On-the-Job Training) for 4 months. He read the letter and then assigned me to a Scale III Manager, a position that was in its final days.
The vice-manager quizzed me on a few basic details and then placed me with a clerk for the day. However, the clerical staff's behavior was a stark contrast to my expectations. They were inquisitive and seemed immature, questioning my background, family, and relationship status. This unexpected rudeness was quite disappointing. I managed to stay until 8 PM, even though it was not required, as a system glitch delayed the end of the workday.
The initial days in the banking sector can be daunting, filled with real-life challenges that never seem to materialize from textbooks or training sessions. Transitioning from a theoretical understanding to a practical application of these skills involves more pressure and real-life scenarios. The journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding, especially when you see the positive impact of your work.
Conclusion
The first day of a Probationary Officer's journey in banking is a mix of excitement, curiosity, and occasional setbacks. Whether at SWB or PNB, the common thread is the realization that the real-world experience is vastly different from the imagined one. However, these experiences lay a strong foundation for a successful career in finance. Each day introduces a new challenge, pushing you to grow and learn. These anecdotes serve as a stepping stone for others preparing for similar roles and inspire them to approach their first day with open minds and a readiness to learn.