Employee Stories

Sharon Lai

Sharon shares her journey from intern to graduate

A career built through exploration

Not many people graduate knowing exactly what they want to do, Sharon Lai certainly didn’t.

Marketing, finance and analytics all caught her interest at different stages of university. The uncertainty was frustrating at times, but internships helped provide clarity. Each experience helped her understand what she enjoyed and equally importantly, what she didn’t.

Graduating from the Singapore University of Social Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a minor in analytics, Sharon was searching for an internship ahead of her final year when she came across an opportunity at Standard Chartered. The Bank was already a familiar name and applying felt like a natural choice.

Saying ‘yes’ to the right opportunity

That internship turned out to be the start of a much bigger opportunity. Securing a place on the International Graduate Programme after her summer internship was a competitive process. Joining the programme gave Sharon exposure to different parts of the Bank while helping her build connections and gain a broader understanding of how the organisation operates.

“The programme provided networking opportunities and insights into different business functions, which helped me gain clarity on how a bank functions.”

Support from mentors and colleagues also left a lasting impression. The culture and the people around her gave her the confidence to learn, contribute and make the most of every opportunity that came her way.

Continuous learning through exposure

The three years at Standard Chartered have been filled with opportunities to learn and grow. Prior to her current role in Leveraged and Acquisition Finance, Sharon spent time across Financial Markets, Capital Markets and Syndicate and Financing Risk, gaining exposure to different desks and ways of working. Being trusted with responsibility early on helped her build confidence, grow within her role and develop strong relationships with stakeholders. Completing the graduate programme in 2025 marked another significant milestone. The same year brought an opportunity to move into a new role in Global Banking.

The impact of a supportive workplace

A supportive culture has been one of the highlights of Sharon’s experience at Standard Chartered. Helpful colleagues, encouraging mentors and development programmes designed for early-career talent have made it easier to navigate new challenges and continue building skills.

The Bank’s global footprint has also created opportunities beyond her day-to-day role. One particularly memorable experience was spending three weeks in London through the Junior Talent Programme, giving her exposure to colleagues and experiences beyond her home market.

When asked to describe life at Standard Chartered in three words, Sharon’s answer was: engaging, fast-paced and dynamic.

The advice she shares with anyone considering a career at the Bank centres on mindset.

“In a room full of intellects, having the right attitude and mindset would set you apart from your peers. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and always remain inquisitive.”

Curiosity, openness to new experiences and a willingness to keep learning have shaped Sharon’s journey so far and continue to guide what comes next.