My Work and the Digital Tools I Use
I work as a Specialist in corporate customer financing at a bank, where I handle a variety of back-office tasks. My responsibilities include supporting the financing process by gathering and reviewing documentation, updating internal systems, and ensuring that all required information is available for decision-making. I also process emails and online messages daily, which are important for smooth internal coordination and customer service.
My work is highly digital, and I use several tools every day. These include Microsoft Outlook for email communication, Microsoft Teams for meetings, and Excel for compiling and reviewing financial data. I also regularly use the bank’s internal systems, such as the Collateral Application, which is used to record and assess loan collateral, and Osuva, the internal platform for managing customer and financing information. These tools are essential for performing my tasks accurately and efficiently.
Social Media Tools at Work
Social media tools are not a central part of my daily work, but they do have some indirect influence. While I don’t currently use them in my tasks, I can see how some platforms could support communication, learning, and professional networking. Below are five tools I chose and how they could be useful in my work.
1. LinkedIn
LinkedIn could be useful for following financial sector news and building a professional network. It would be a good platform to stay updated on trends, job opportunities, and what other banks or professionals are working on. It could also be used to share career updates or company highlights.
Positive and negative aspects:
One of the biggest benefits of LinkedIn is that it supports professional networking. It allows you to follow current topics in your field, connect with colleagues, and stay up to date with industry trends. It can also be helpful in job searching or finding collaboration opportunities. However, a negative side is that some posts can feel more like personal updates rather than professional content, and the constant focus on achievements can sometimes feel overwhelming or competitive.
2. YouTube
YouTube would be helpful for watching training videos and tutorials related to banking systems, customer service, or digital tools. It could also be used internally for onboarding new employees, for example by sharing short videos that explain work processes.
Positive and negative aspects:
YouTube offers a huge selection of tutorial videos and training material, which can be a great way to develop your skills independently. It’s easy to find videos on new software, work-related tools or professional topics. However, the quality of the content varies, and not all videos are reliable or fact-checked. It can also be time-consuming to find the right video or get distracted by unrelated content.
3. WhatsApp
If allowed by the company, WhatsApp could make internal communication faster, especially in situations where email is too slow or formal. For example, it could be used in small teams to quickly check practical things, ask short questions, or coordinate meetings. It would also be useful for urgent situations.
Positive and negative aspects:
WhatsApp is a quick and convenient way to communicate with colleagues, especially in situations where a fast response is needed. Group chats make it easy to share information or make decisions together. On the other hand, work-related messages may mix with personal messages, and it may be hard to disconnect from work outside working hours. Also, not all organizations allow its use due to data protection concerns.
4. Instagram
Even though I don’t use Instagram for work, I could imagine how a company’s official account might be used for employer branding. Banks could share behind-the-scenes content, introduce employees, or explain their services in an easy and visual way. It could help make the company more approachable.
Positive and negative aspects:
Instagram can be a useful tool for marketing or sharing information about your organization in a visual way. It can help build a brand and reach new audiences. However, from a professional point of view, Instagram is mostly focused on lifestyle content, and it may not be suitable for all workplaces. There is also a risk that the content may appear too informal or personal, especially if work and private accounts are not kept separate.
5. Facebook
Facebook could be used for communicating with customers or sharing official updates in a company page. For internal use, closed Facebook groups could offer a way for employees to exchange ideas, ask questions or share materials related to specific projects or topics.
Positive and negative aspects:
Facebook can be used to share news, events or job openings within an organization. Some companies have internal Facebook groups for informal communication. However, Facebook’s popularity among younger users has declined, and it may not reach all employees equally. Privacy concerns and unclear boundaries between personal and professional use are also challenges.
Conclusion
Social media has many positive sides, both in private life and in work life. It allows people to stay connected, share ideas and experiences, and follow topics of interest. For example, in my personal life, I use Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to keep in touch with friends and family, find new ideas for hobbies and stay updated with current trends. Social media also offers a way to relax and unwind during free time.
From a professional perspective, platforms like LinkedIn can be useful for networking, job searching and following developments in the financial sector. Social media can support professional growth by offering access to expert opinions, news and industry events.
However, social media also has its downsides. It can be very time-consuming and distract from important tasks. It may also cause stress or comparison, especially when people share only the best parts of their lives. In addition, there are risks related to privacy, misinformation and online scams. That’s why it’s important to be careful with what you share and always check the reliability of the content.
Elements of Successful Use of Digital Tools
In the banking sector, the successful use of digital tools is based on choosing solutions that genuinely support business goals, such as improving internal efficiency, data accuracy, and customer service quality. It is important that digital tools are integrated into daily workflows in a way that makes routine tasks smoother rather than more complex.
Ease of use is essential. Digital tools must be intuitive so that employees can use them confidently without unnecessary delays or errors. If a system feels too complicated or fragmented, it may reduce motivation or increase the risk of mistakes.
Proper onboarding and regular training are also key. When employees are well-informed about how and why a tool is used, they are more likely to adopt it effectively. In a field like finance, where regulations and responsibilities are strict, clear instructions and support are crucial.
Security and data protection are always at the core. All tools must comply with strict requirements related to data privacy and banking regulations. Trust in the system is essential, especially when handling sensitive financial information and client data.
Finally, the most successful digital tools are often those that integrate seamlessly with existing systems. Information should flow smoothly across platforms. When used effectively, digital tools can enhance both productivity and the overall customer experience.
Self-Evaluation
This assignment encouraged me to reflect more deeply on the role of digital tools and social media in my professional life. Even though I do not actively use social media in my daily tasks, I realized that many platforms could support professional communication, learning and efficiency if used purposefully and with clear guidelines.
It was also useful to consider the strengths and limitations of each tool, and I gained a better understanding of what makes digital solutions successful in the workplace. Writing this post helped me organize my thoughts about how I currently work and how I could potentially develop my digital skills further. I feel more aware of the opportunities these tools offer, as well as the responsibility that comes with using them in a secure and professional way.