Employee Stories

Amanda Wiggh

My journey into the world of Finance

I studied business in high school and have always been interested in finance and economics however I ended up going to law school. Besides my university studies, I worked part-time for a Nordic bank, which I loved. I really enjoyed learning about investments and banking, as well as working with the customers.

After graduation I started working as a business and corporate lawyer. I learnt some very valuable skills and had some good experiences, but after some time I felt a longing for something else. After work hours, I took some business courses as I wanted to learn more; it then became obvious to me that finance was a path I wanted to pursue.

When did you join Standard Chartered, and what was it about the bank that made you decide to join?

I joined Standard Chartered in January 2023, as an Associate Director Client Manager in the Coverage team. From the first interview, I felt a good connection with both my people leader, Sverre Hana, and the rest of the Stockholm colleagues. I would say this was crucial in aiding my decision to join the bank, and from the day I started I felt really supported and welcomed, which is highly important and motivating to me. I also love the fact that working for Standard Chartered is truly international and that you never stop learning!

You regularly support young people with career advice, what are those activities, why is it important to you and how did you get involved?

I’ve been engaged in different kinds of coaching, people and project managing work and volunteer work since I was a student. With Standard Chartered, I have, together with some colleagues, engaged in supporting young people by telling them about different career path opportunities, that it’s okay to try something out and then change your mind and that there are so many opportunities out there for them.

We’ve frequently visited the Ronald McDonald House in Stockholm with the entire Stockholm team. – A house committed to make life a little bit easier for families with seriously ill children – we donated our time by helping them with whatever tasks they need assistance with.

In October we started a new collaboration with Stockholm Stadsmission, a nonprofit organisaton that was founded in 1853 to alleviate the acute needs resulting from widespread poverty and social deprivation in Stockholm. More than 170 years later, they continue to work for a more humane society for all, and we’ll support them by donating our time to sort clothing and items for their second-hand thrift store.

My volunteering and supporting engagements have usually started by someone asking me if I would be willing to engage in current volunteering initiatives or overseeing arranging something from scratch and I have always said yes. Those activities are important since they can mean a lot for the individuals and groups that you help!

I think we need more kindness and consideration in the world – sometimes all people need to flourish is someone believing in them or showing they are worth giving of your time.

What is your career advice to those who aren’t sure what direction they want to take, or don’t know how to get in to an organisation like Standard Chartered?

Try it out – knowing your true passion directly can be hard but try to do your best and feel what you’re interested in and how that can be translated into your career. Things will unfold eventually and do not be afraid to reassess your previous choices and take a new direction if that is what feels right.

Regarding getting into an organisation like Standard Chartered, I think networking as well as showing interest and commitment goes a very long way, along with being pro-social and respectful towards others.

Are you involved in any other volunteering or DEI activities?

I donate blood – which I encourage anyone who can, to do! In June, the Stockholm office participated in a charity run which was a great success! To mention one other thing, at previous jobs I have also volunteered as a mentor for student as well as for new coming foreign grads who wants to join the Swedish job market.