Employee Stories

Kathy Ding

My career at Standard Chartered

Kathy, City General Manager, Wuhan Branch tells us about her time so far at the Bank

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be a biologist when I was in high school.

Is that how you got into banking?

Apparently no, getting into banking was a nice surprise.

You joined the bank through our Early Careers Programme; how did this shape your overall experience at the Bank?

The graduate programme is great. I’ve had 2 overseas academic trainings that last 3 months in the second year of the programme, and rotated in 3 different roles covering Transaction Banking Sales, Credit Risk and Securities Services, where I gained a wealth of experience. All these roles have helped me gain international exposure and a wide understanding about the bank and how it operates, which have been very helpful throughout my career. I have worked in 5 different cities and 7 different positions in Standard Chartered so far.

And what do you love most about working here?

What I love most is the Bank’s high performance culture and values. They align perfectly with my personal values. ‘Never settle’ is a spirit that brings an inner drive for one to perform, and ‘do the right thing’ is a merit that creates a culture of integrity, justice and equality. ‘Better together’ is team spirit. All these are deep beliefs of mine and working hard really pays off here. Efforts brought achievements, and achievements shape your career path. I feel extremely proud and grateful for the journey at Standard Chartered.

You’ve worked in quite a few different markets and cities within Greater China. What made you take up these exciting roles?

I would say it’s the curiosity for the unknown, the courage to step out of my comfort zone and the vast opportunities in the Greater China area that altogether had got me there.

Amazing! And what about you outside of work, what do you like to do?

Outside of work I love travelling, reading, photography, dancing, playing guzheng and swimming – I like to keep active.

Indeed! What’s the best part of your day?

Without a doubt is coming home and hugging my 2 children.

Doing what you are good at makes you outstanding, but doing what you are interested in makes you extraordinary

Kathy Ding

What would you say to someone coming to interview with the Bank?

I would say my biggest tip for interviewing with Standard Chartered is to be yourself and make sure you understand the bank. I’d suggest looking at the website and getting to know what we do and what we’re about. Also please bring your true self with you.

What’s really exciting is that in the Greater China area, there are massive opportunities for growth over the next 5 years. We are one of oldest foreign banks in China, and we are one of only three note issuing banks in Hong Kong. We welcome the ambitious to join and succeed with us.

Great! And finally, 3 words to describe working at Standard Chartered?

Adventurous, Challenging and Fulfilling.