act as a seasoned risk analyst. You've worked for top best banks and have mentored numerous analysts from graduates to senior managers. Use that knowledge and expertise to review this guide. Look for gaps that would enhance it and make it comprehensive and of absolute value for anyone wanting to become a credit risk. The revised version should be clear and evident on the problem it's trying to resolve. It should be relatable, engaging, and practical. We want to avoid jargon, and complex words. The writing should be using British Spelling. Here it's. What To Expect In Your First 90 Days As A Credit Risk Analyst

"The first 90 days in any new role are crucial for setting the tone for your future success. Here's what you can expect as a credit risk analyst." — Unknown

Starting a new job as a credit risk analyst can be both exciting and daunting. The first 90 days are a critical period where you'll be learning the ropes, building relationships, and proving your value to the organisation. Understanding what to expect during this time can help you navigate the transition smoothly and set yourself up for long-term success. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can expect in your first 90 days as a credit risk analyst.

1. Onboarding and Orientation

What to Expect: Your first few days will likely be focused on onboarding and orientation. You'll be introduced to the company culture, policies, and procedures. You may also receive training on the systems and tools you'll be using.

Tip: Pay close attention during these sessions. Take notes and ask questions to ensure you understand everything. This is also a great time to start building relationships with your colleagues.

Example: During your orientation, you might be introduced to the company's risk management framework and the specific software tools used for credit risk analysis.

Recommendation: Use this time to familiarise yourself with the company's processes and tools. Ask your manager or mentor for any additional resources or training that might be helpful.

2. Meeting Your Team and Colleagues

What to Expect: You'll be introduced to your team and other colleagues. Building strong relationships with your team is crucial for collaboration and support.

Tip: Be proactive in introducing yourself to your colleagues. Show genuine interest in their roles and how you can work together.

Example: Schedule one-on-one meetings with key team members to understand their roles and responsibilities better.

Recommendation: Use these meetings to build rapport and understand how your role fits into the team's overall goals.

3. Understanding Your Role and Responsibilities

What to Expect: Your manager will outline your role and responsibilities. This will include your key performance indicators (KPIs) and the expectations for your first 90 days.

Tip: Clarify any uncertainties about your role and responsibilities. Ask your manager for a clear outline of your tasks and priorities.

Example: Ask your manager, "What are the top three priorities for my role in the first 90 days?"

Recommendation: Regularly review your job description and KPIs to ensure you are meeting expectations. If you're unsure about any tasks, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

4. Learning the Company's Credit Risk Policies and Procedures

What to Expect: You'll need to familiarise yourself with the company's credit risk policies and procedures. This includes understanding the risk assessment framework, credit scoring models, and reporting requirements.

Tip: Spend time reviewing the company's documentation and guidelines. Ask your manager or mentor for any additional resources or training.

Example: Study the company's credit risk manual and attend any relevant training sessions or workshops.

Recommendation: Use this knowledge to ensure your analysis aligns with the company's policies and procedures.

5. Getting Hands-On with Data and Tools

What to Expect: You'll start working with real data and the tools used for credit risk analysis. This might include databases, statistical software, and risk management platforms.

Tip: Take the time to understand the data and tools thoroughly. Practice using them to build your confidence and proficiency.

Example: Spend time exploring the company's data warehouse and familiarising yourself with the credit risk models in use.

Recommendation: Ask for guidance if you encounter any issues or have questions about the data or tools.

6. Participating in Meetings and Discussions

What to Expect: You'll be expected to participate in meetings and discussions related to credit risk. This might include team meetings, project updates, and stakeholder presentations.

Tip: Prepare for meetings by reviewing the agenda and any relevant materials. Contribute thoughtfully to discussions and ask insightful questions.

Example: During a team meeting, share your initial observations about the data and ask for feedback on your analysis.

Recommendation: Use these meetings to demonstrate your engagement and willingness to contribute to the team's goals.

7. Conducting Initial Analyses and Reports

What to Expect: You'll start conducting initial analyses and preparing reports. This might include data cleaning, preliminary risk assessments, and drafting reports.

Tip: Focus on accuracy and thoroughness in your initial analyses. Use your findings to inform your recommendations and next steps.

Example: Conduct a preliminary analysis of a loan portfolio to identify potential risks and opportunities.

Recommendation: Review your work carefully and seek feedback from your manager or mentor to ensure it meets the required standards.

8. Building Relationships with Stakeholders

What to Expect: You'll need to build relationships with various stakeholders, including senior management, clients, and other departments within the organisation.

Tip: Be proactive in introducing yourself to stakeholders. Show genuine interest in their needs and how you can support them.

Example: Schedule meetings with key stakeholders to understand their priorities and how your analysis can support their goals.

Recommendation: Use these relationships to gather insights and feedback that can inform your analysis and recommendations.

9. Seeking Feedback and Continuous Improvement

What to Expect: Regularly seek feedback from your manager and colleagues to identify areas for improvement and growth.

Tip: Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your skills and approaches.

Example: After completing a task, ask your manager, "How did I do on this assignment? Is there anything I could improve?"

Recommendation: Use feedback to set goals for yourself and track your progress over time.

10. Preparing for Your 90-Day Review

What to Expect: Towards the end of your 90-day probation, you'll have a review with your manager to discuss your performance and future goals.

Tip: Prepare for this review by reflecting on your achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement. Gather evidence of your contributions and be ready to discuss your plans for the future.

Example: Create a summary of your key accomplishments, any challenges you faced, and your plans for the next quarter.

Recommendation: Use this review as an opportunity to demonstrate your value and commitment to the organisation. Set clear goals for the future and discuss how you can continue to grow and contribute to the team's success.

Final Thoughts

The first 90 days as a credit risk analyst are a critical period for setting the tone for your future success. By understanding your role and responsibilities, learning the company's policies and procedures, getting hands-on with data and tools, participating in meetings and discussions, conducting initial analyses and reports, building relationships with stakeholders, seeking feedback and continuous improvement, and preparing for your 90-day review, you can navigate this transition smoothly and set yourself up for long-term success.

So, credit risk analysts, embrace this opportunity and make the most of your first 90 days. Stay focused, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement. Your dedication to these practices will help you excel in your role and build a strong foundation for your career in credit risk analysis.

Happy analysing!