From the classroom to a career at Lloyds Banking Group

From the classroom to a career at Lloyds Banking Group 

If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be working at Lloyds Banking Group, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. My career started in a completely different world - teaching. I spent three years at Leeds Beckett University studying Primary Education and then went on to teach Primary School children for a year and a half. While, I learned a lot and met some amazing people, I quickly realised that it wasn’t the long-term path for me. The workload, the lack of work-life balance, and the constant pressure was too much for me.  

That’s when I stumbled across Lloyds Banking Group’s graduate schemes. I’d never even heard of a grad scheme before, but the more I read, the more it sounded like exactly what I needed!  I applied, not really expecting much, and was absolutely thrilled when I got the role.  

A game-changing work-life balance 

One of the biggest changes for me has been my work-life balance. In teaching, I barely had time to breathe. I would go from setting up desks and teaching, to planning and marking. Most days, I didn’t have chance to even eat lunch! Now, I can take a peaceful walk on my lunch break, switch off at the end of the day, and even make it to a gym class on time. I no longer feel burnt out - It’s made a huge difference to my wellbeing and happiness. 

I’m even writing this while taking full advantage of our Flexible Summer! 6 weeks where we don’t have to be in the office 40% of the time and we can work from anywhere in the UK! I’ve loved having a cup of tea outside while reading my kindle in the mornings before starting work, and my puppy has loved the company! Such a calm start to my day!  

Small town to big career 

I work in the Leeds hub, but I live in a small town near Hull and I always thought I was restricted to finding a job near where I live (relocating was not really an option for me, I’m too much of a homebird). Being able to work two days a week in the Leeds office is a game-changer. It’s about a 50-minute train ride, and I genuinely look forward to those office days - catching up with colleagues, grabbing lunch in the city centre, and soaking up the city buzz (this really is exciting when you live in a small town)! The other three days, I work from home, which gives me flexibility and time back. It’s the best of both worlds. 

I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to relocate to make an impact.  

I’m building a career I love, close to my family and friends, and contributing to projects that make a difference across the UK. I get to experience city life, without having to move away from my loved ones, or commute 5 days a week!  

Myth-busting: no direct experience needed 

One of the biggest myths I want to bust is that you need direct experience to work in banking. You don’t. I came from teaching, with no banking background AT ALL, and I have been thriving at Lloyds. If anything, my teaching background has helped me in many ways here, I’m able to offer different perspectives, as I have different experiences from those who have only worked in this field. Lloyds offers so many opportunities to learn on the job, from mentoring and training programmes to hands-on project work. 

If you’re passionate and curious, you can absolutely build a successful career here - no matter your background. 

Interview advice? Be yourself 

One of the biggest pieces of advice I’d give to anyone applying is simple: be yourself. Everyone will tell you this, but I mean, truly be yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to say the “right” thing or fit a certain mould, but what really makes you stand out is your uniqueness. Lloyd’s Banking Group doesn’t even have a mould to fit – everyone is their own person and has something different to bring to the table!  

For me, that was my teaching background. I worried that I might not get a second look due to having literally NO background in banking/finance but I realised that this experience has shaped me into who I am today – and I gained so many skills that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t go through that stage of life! I leaned into this during the interview, talking about how it shaped my communication skills, resilience, and ability to adapt. I didn’t try to hide the fact that I was coming from a different field - I embraced it. And it quite clearly worked!! 

You’re not expected to know everything in your interview – that would be almost impossible! Go in with confidence and be proud to say you’re not entirely sure YET, but you’d love to learn more! What matters is your attitude, your willingness to learn, and your passion. 

Final thoughts  

If you’re thinking about applying to Lloyds Banking Group - do it.  

Whether you’re applying straight out of uni, switching careers, or just curious, there’s really something for everyone at Lloyd’s. Be yourself, be open and excited to learn and don’t let a lack of experience hold you back. I’m proof that with passion and perseverance, you can go from the classroom to a completely new career - and love every minute of it.