Hear from Kelechi Innocent

I started my journey in Customer Services for the Bank of Nigeria.  I came to the UK as an undergraduate and on graduating, I then studied for my Masters.  In summer 2023, NHBC supported the 10,000 Black Interns programme and I joined the Technical Operations function as their intern as part of that programme.

Having already worked for eight weeks at NHBC as an Intern, I already knew what a great place it was to work and on achieving my Masters, looking for work, I was keen to come back.

The people I had met in Tech Ops were so friendly and helpful and happy to share their knowledge so my expectations were that the teams in Customer Services would the same.  I was not disappointed.  There is a good culture in Customer Services where I feel included and quickly felt that I belong and blend in. 

By far the best part of my job is helping people. I find this incredibly satisfying.

There has been a lot to learn and people have made me feel relaxed and not pressured as I have taken on new systems and processes.  Everyone is willing to help and where answers are not always obvious, we work together to find solutions.  My training has been excellent.

I feel strongly supported by my manager and my team both personally and professionally.  I admit I was a bit sceptical about blending in and did not expect to see many people like me here.  However, the reality is it is not like that and you don’t feel that way once you join as everyone is the same.

There is a real sense of community at NHBC that you don’t see everywhere.  It has a ‘family feel’ where everyone looks out for each other. 

I have in fact referred some of my university friends to NHBC.  I tell them there are a variety of roles and I see people progressing in their career here.