From Apprentice to Leader: Amy Morgan’s Inspiring Career at Barclays

Hi, my name is Amy Morgan, most commonly known to my colleagues as ‘Morgs’. I started my career in Barclays as an apprentice cashier, despite contrary advice from my careers adviser at the time, encouraging me to go to university.

From humble beginnings, being raised in a working-class background in Leeds with a broad (but very proud) Yorkshire accent, to my current role in Eagle Labs (6 promotions and 7 years later) – I’m proud of how my journey’s panned out since joining Barclays a school leaver at the age of 18. 

My ultimate goal when I started was to be a Branch Manager. I wanted to lead in making a positive difference for my community and to promote financial literacy and inclusion. I was surrounded by inspiring leaders who led by example and made me want to aspire towards their role and support my colleagues and team. I envisioned that I would achieve this in 30 years’ time, at the end of my career.

Two months following the completion of my Apprenticeship, I was promoted to Personal Banker, empowered to support customers in key life moments. Major imposter syndrome hit as I was supporting customers with solutions to life moments I hadn’t experienced myself – such as buying a home. How could I support home insurance at the age of 19, still living with my parents?

A short while later, at the age of 21, I was asked to be a Branch Manager and jumped at the opportunity! This time, the imposter syndrome wasn’t so prevalent, and I was instead filled with pride at the opportunity of being Barclays’ youngest Branch Manager at that time! I share this because in life, sometimes we don’t feel like we are ready for opportunities, but it’s important to believe in your ability to succeed and learn as you go.

After realising I had achieved my lifelong career goal and still had 30 years ahead of me, it was time to challenge myself again with a new adventure, which is where I found Barclays Eagle Labs. This was a key development area for me. I had to learn about Business Banking, entrepreneurial mindset, events and more. Oh, and the odd public speaking event! (I’ve gotten loads better at those.) 

I currently have the responsibility of helping to grow our proposition by expanding our physical presence across the UK with like-minded partners and growing the Eagle Labs brand across the UK Tech Ecosystem! 18-year-old Amy would have never believed it!

Key moments from my career include being asked to represent Barclays at the House of Commons and sharing our vision of driving local economic growth, as well as hosting the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, at one of our Eagle Labs and managing to grab a selfie!

I hope my story inspires others to be unapologetically themselves, to grab every opportunity, and set clear and sometimes super high ambitions. I want people to remember that it’s always possible to create a career of your choice, without necessarily having the ‘relevant qualifications’! 

I’m Amy. This is me.