Fresh graduates with no work experience can be at a disadvantage in a tough economic environment, where jobs are at a premium. That is what Vivian Wong Wing-hang thought when she came back from Canada last summer, armed with a bachelor degree in commerce and economics.
But she need not have worried. Less than a year later her career is well on track, thanks to an introductory banking course she took as a summer trainee with Standard Chartered Bank.
She signed up for the course, launched last September, because she saw it as an opportunity to determine if she was genuinely interested in the banking industry.
'I learnt all the practical and useful things about the local banking industry, and the instructors' inspiring stories and experiences increased my interest in the field,' said Ms Wong, who was offered a contract position in consumer banking on completing the course. Within months, the position was extended to a permanent role. She is now channel development officer, strategy, with the consumer banking section.
'The past nine months have been really amazing,' she enthused. 'The course was very useful and interesting. It helped to confirm my career interest, and at the same time it equipped me with the know-how. My job is challenging, but the workplace culture is warm and friendly. Everything is encouraging and positive.'
The Financial Career Institute, the academic arm of Standard Chartered Bank, is committed to helping people equip themselves with the essentials for embarking on a career in the financial industry. The institute is open to the public.