Margaret Doyinsola – Navigating a new job, in a new country and in a new career path

Margaret tells her what drew her into banking

Are there any quotes you live and work by?

“When you stop learning, you start dying” - Albert Einstein

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Always trust the process, never settle and remember always that your authenticity is your distinct competitive advantage.

What was your first job?

Management Consulting Summer Intern in one of the big four Accounting Firms (KPMG Nigeria)

What has been your career path, to get where you are now?

Leveraging mentorship, leading trailblazing projects, volunteering and investing in highly respected professional certifications and exams that help improve your knowledge.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when working?

I have just joined a new team, in a new country and in a new role. So far, it has been a steep learning curve bringing myself up to speed in such a fast-paced environment. In the midst of it all, I have learnt to stay curious, ask questions and leverage the support of my colleagues. I must say that my learning progression has been so great!

If you didn’t do the job you do now, what would be your other career?

A Strategy and Management Consultant

What was the first thing you bought with your own money?

An iPhone

How do you like to spend your free time?

When I am not wearing the corporate hat, I am either restaurant hopping, spending quality time with family & friends or just enjoying my company watching visual podcasts.

Do you have any hidden talents?

None that I know of (for now!). Still learning a lot about myself so probably I may discover one as time goes on.

Are there any new skills you’re trying to learn?

Photography.

What’s the best part of your daily routine?

Meditating and planning my entire day during the very early hours of the day

Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

Listening to music and cooking.

What positives have you experienced from the pandemic?

I was able to focus on myself and discover more fun things about myself. For instance, I started my journey as a lazy baker.

What career advice would you give to your younger self?

Believe in how far you have come, never doubt yourself, do all it takes to be the best but always TRUST the process. Also, never let imposter syndrome hold you back.

Could you describe your role?

I have just joined the Capital Issuance and Term Funding team in London. The team sits within the Group Treasury and maintains primary oversight of the capital issuance and capital restructuring projects relating to the Group and its subsidiaries. We are critical to the bank’s delivery of its strategy and as an associate on the team, I support in optimising capital efficiency for the Group.

What’s been your most memorable experience with Standard Chartered?

My most memorable experience was the Graduate Development Event the bank organised for all the 2021/22 International Graduates across different markets. It was an intense and very educative 3-day event in Hanoi, Vietnam. We had the privilege of meeting some of the bank’s senior executives. We were also grouped into teams and had to work on a pitch. I loved that we had to deliberate on different plans, explore the feasibility of the plans, agree on the best plan and then sell idea. Required a lot of background work and research, but it was exciting!

What drew you to a career in banking?

Ever since I was a little child, the idea of “managing money” for people and entities always resonated with me and that was why when the opportunity to pursue a career in Banking presented itself, I knew I had to go for it. I love that banking incorporates a good blend of Strategy, Accounting and Finance, three areas that I am passionate about.

What drew you to a career with Standard Chartered?

Standard Chartered exposed me to a diverse environment that supports continuous learning & development as well as one that offers a solid career support. I find myself most efficient and productive in this kind of environment as it enables me to harness my potential to the fullest.

Could you use three words to describe life at Standard Chartered?

Fun, Engaging and Rewarding

What do you love most about your role?

I am an enthusiast constantly motivated by challenges and I love that my role keeps me intellectually satisfied.

Describe the bank in three words?

Here for good! (Literally!)

Never get too busy making a living that you forget to make a life

Margaret Doyinsola

What advice/hints and tips, would you give to someone looking to work at Standard Chartered?

Do all it takes to get into the bank, invest in yourself, learn all you can, develop all the soft and technical skills needed for the position you are applying to. It is definitely worth it.

How should someone prepare for an interview with Standard Chartered?

SCB is more focused on recruiting unique talents that can fit into the bank’s culture so when preparing for the interview, keep calm, be yourself throughout and give practical answers. If you can, try to put the questions in context before answering. It helped me!