Employee Stories
Hui En Siew
My career journey after joining as an intern in Singapore
We spoke to Hui En Siew, who started her career at the Bank in Singapore as an intern in our Group Internal Audit team, and is now part of our graduate programme.
Where did you study, and what subject?
I studied double degree in Accountancy and Business (Finance) programme at NTU.
Did you always know what you wanted to do when you had finished studying?
To be honest, I didn’t have a fixed career path in mind after finishing my studies. However, I’ve always had a strong interest in finance and was keen to gain exposure to the banking industry. Internal Audit thus offered a unique opportunity to understand how the Bank operates from a holistic, independent perspective.
Why did you choose to intern at Standard Chartered?
There were two main reasons why I chose to intern at Standard Chartered. First, I have always wanted to work in a bank, and Standard Chartered – being a global bank – felt like the perfect starting point. It offered the chance to tap into an international network and learn from professionals across a wide range of markets and functions. Second, I was drawn to the Bank’s strong culture of diversity and inclusivity, which provided an environment where different perspectives are valued, and individuals are supported to grow both personally and professionally.
Can you tell us a bit about the internship?
My 10-week internship with the Bank was both intensive and rewarding. Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity to dive deep into the world of internal audit and work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about what they are doing. The learning curve has been steep, but the various portfolio sharing sessions, new joiners’ Foundation Academy and continuous support from the team have been invaluable in enhancing my industry knowledge and professional growth.
How has your career progressed since you interned with the Bank?
I was very fortunate to receive a return offer after my internship and I rejoined the Bank as part of the International Graduate programme. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to rotate across different functions within Group Internal Audit, gaining exposure across a variety of audit areas and learning from multiple teams with diverse expertise. This has given me a broader perspective of the Bank and helped me develop both technical and soft skills early in my career.
Can you tell us about the learning and development you’ve received?
As a new joiner, I really appreciate the training sessions that we have on a regular basis (for example, methodology refreshers, innovation workshops, audit risk and control self-assessment training) as these trainings help to lay a strong foundation and ensure that we have the right knowledge and tools to perform our roles effectively.
Is working in banking what you expected it to be?
To some extent. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but what stood out most was the strong sense of support and collaboration within the team. Being surrounded by colleagues who are approachable and generous with their knowledge has made the experience both fulfilling and enjoyable.
What’s the best thing about working for Standard Chartered?
Besides the foosball table and the relaxation room, the best part of working at Standard Chartered is definitely the people. Everyone is supportive, collaborative, and genuinely great to work with – makes coming to work every day much more enjoyable.
Could you use three words to describe life at Standard Chartered?
Dynamic, exciting, and fulfilling. Life at Standard Chartered is about anticipating change, driving it, and knowing that the work you do contributes meaningfully to the Bank’s success.
What sort of person would succeed in your team?
The ideal team member would be someone who is curious, communicates effectively, and exhibits resilience in a dynamic environment.