Graduates

Why is Group Technology & Operations (GTO) so important to Standard Chartered?
Across the banking industry worldwide, technology is evolving as a key business driver. We have now reached the stage where technology is no longer perceived as a support function, but as a key differentiator that sets one financial institution apart from its competitors. Take new developments in banking pre-paid cards, smart cards, mobile banking and internet remittances, for example. These are all powered by technology and driven by operational perfection. A key focus for Standard Chartered is innovation and creating value through organic growth. GTO empowers this innovation and growth.

What are some of the key challenges for GTO?
One of our key challenges is to determine the optimal mix of trying out new business initiatives for organic growth and deploying resources for existing business processes. Other challenges include reaching service level excellence by business process reengineering, maintaining the high performance of man and machines within cost constraints, and planning and enabling the smooth integration with newly acquired banks so that Standard Chartered can continue to grow.

Why do you think a graduate should work in GTO?
A position in GTO gives you a good perspective of how the Bank's core businesses are run by technology, along with a clear understanding of operational aspects that improve efficiency. You can initiate new business ideas and work closely with businesses such as legal and finance to develop ideas, thus gaining valuable experience. You don't have to be a technical expert to work in GTO - though we do have roles for the technically minded! I don't have a technical background, but I love my role in GTO.

What do you like best about the rotational aspect of the International Graduate Programme?
Prior to my role in GTO, I worked in Consumer Banking in India where I had diverse roles ranging from relationship management to managing telesales centres and product management. Standard Chartered gave me the flexibility to try out new roles, constantly learn and take up new challenges.

What do you like best about your current role?
My job in GTO Strategy is to identify new business opportunities that involve the use of technology, then develop these ideas and work with country teams to implement them. I love the role as it gives me the thrill of innovating, the challenge of convincing businesses about the new ideas, and the experience of starting new initiatives by working closely with cross-functional, cross-country teams. I also have a great team and an excellent manager who is interested in my development.

What surprised you most when you joined Standard Chartered?
I was surprised by how accommodating Standard Chartered is to an employee's personal requirements, and how far the Bank goes to allow individuals to develop. In the past five years, I have worked in four different roles, been based in two different countries (India and the UK) and worked across five or six different countries.

Do you have any key messages for graduates thinking of joining us?
If you have bright ideas that you believe can make a difference, if you want to make changes and improvements in the way the Bank conducts business, and get a great view of cross-functional work, if you enjoy working closely with diverse teams and great team members -come join GTO!

What is the best background/skill to be successful at Standard Chartered?
There is no single background that is perfect for working in SCB, but it really helps to have an all-round perspective of marketing, sales, market research and the operational aspects of management that can help you develop or manage a product or business. Whatever your background, you need to work well in teams. Be a risk taker and try out new roles - you won't regret it!