April joined B2E Consulting in the Summer of 2023 as a Career Changer in our B2E Academy programme. Since then, she has been supporting a FTSE 100 Financial Services client as part of the wider B2E Consulting team. In this article, April reflects on her 18-month transition from ecommerce to financial services, highlighting the transfer of key skills, development of new expertise in project management and financial forecasting, and the professional growth achieved through adapting to a dynamic and high-pressure environment.

Introduction
Transitioning into the financial services sector marked a significant change in my career progression. Having spent almost a decade in ecommerce, I was accustomed to a fast-paced environment focused on online retail. Roles such as social media customer service, product writing in luxury ecommerce, and content production management  provided me with a strong foundation in communication, stakeholder management, and process optimisation. However, my move into financial services introduced me to a new set of challenges and opportunities, expanding both my skill set and professional outlook.

Transferring Skills from Ecommerce to Financial Services
Although the industries differ, many of the skills I developed in ecommerce were directly transferable to my new role. Communication, stakeholder management, and time management were crucial in both settings. My previous experience in managing relationships with stakeholders across various departments helped me quickly integrate into the financial services environment, where collaboration across teams is essential.
Clear communication has been pivotal in keeping teams aligned and ensuring that project goals and expectations are consistently met. Additionally, my experience with minute-taking and managing meetings helped me document key actions and decisions, which are vital for staying on track and ensuring accountability across multiple projects.

Time Management and Prioritisation
Time management has been a central skill throughout my career, particularly during my time in financial services. The sector’s demanding pace requires the ability to prioritise tasks effectively, especially when managing multiple projects simultaneously. I have found that effective time allocation and an understanding of which tasks require immediate attention have been essential in meeting deadlines and ensuring that work is completed to the highest standard.
This ability to manage competing demands has not only allowed me to stay on top of my responsibilities but also enabled me to contribute meaningfully to the success of multiple projects, from project rollouts to financial forecasting.

Professional Development and Certification
As part of my commitment to long-term career growth, I sought to further my qualifications while transitioning into financial services. I pursued the Prince2 Project Management certification, which provided a structured approach to managing projects and processes. The methodology taught me how to break down complex initiatives into manageable steps and ensured that I could apply industry-standard practices to the projects I was involved in.
This certification has proven to be an invaluable tool in my new role, enhancing my ability to manage projects effectively and increasing my credibility within the sector.

Gaining Insights into Business Analysis
A key part of my role involved rotating through the Business Analysis team, where I gained valuable insights into process mapping and system understanding. This experience was crucial in helping me better understand the underlying mechanics of financial services projects and how to identify inefficiencies in workflows. The ability to map out complex processes and suggest improvements became an essential tool in delivering successful outcomes for various projects.
This exposure also gave me a deeper understanding of how strategic decisions are made and how small changes in process can have a significant impact on overall performance.

Project Management Office (PMO) Experience
One of the most enriching experiences during my time in financial services was working within the Project Management Office (PMO). My role was focused on supporting the rollout of a new project management tool, which required upskilling the workforce and ensuring that the tool was used effectively across teams.
The project demanded attention to detail, time management, and adaptability, as we encountered challenges such as slow uptake and a high workload across teams. However, despite these difficulties, the project was ultimately deemed a success after 14 months. This experience reinforced the importance of clear communication, flexibility, and perseverance when managing large-scale projects.

Financial Forecasting and Budget Management
Another significant aspect of my role involved engaging with project financials. I was tasked with tracking project spends and contributing to budget forecasting for the upcoming year. This responsibility enhanced my understanding of financial decision-making and improved my ability to allocate resources effectively across multiple projects.
By gaining a deeper understanding of the financial elements involved in project management, I was able to provide more informed input during planning and budgeting discussions, ensuring that projects remained on track and within financial constraints.

Adapting to High-Pressure Environments
Working in financial services required the ability to adapt to high-pressure environments. With constantly shifting priorities and competing demands, I learned to stay flexible and agile in my approach. Being able to collaborate with various teams and offer support where needed was essential in ensuring that projects stayed on track and deadlines were met.
This experience reinforced the value of a collaborative mindset and the importance of being adaptable in an ever-changing work environment.

Conclusion: A Period of Growth and Development
Looking back on my 18 months in financial services, it is clear that this period has been one of significant professional growth. The skills I brought from ecommerce—such as communication, stakeholder management, and time management—have been invaluable in this new environment. At the same time, I have acquired new expertise in business analysis, project management, and financial forecasting that will continue to serve me well in the future.
As I move forward in my career, I remain committed to furthering my professional development, taking on new challenges, and continuing to learn from those around me. My experiences in financial services have provided me with a strong foundation for success, and I look forward to the next steps in my career with confidence.

About the author – April Clarke:

April joined B2E in the summer of 2023, brining with her a wealth of experience in e-commerce accumulated over eight years across various retail companies.

Interests: Outside of work, April is a keen traveller is with an interest in fitness, especially walking and cycling and enjoys dining out at a variety of establishments.