Work experience opens up career opportunities
Anqi Li is a first-year student from Guizhou province in China and studies at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics. She and 19 other students from less-developed areas in China participated in a five-day workshop at Standard Chartered’s offices in Shanghai, delivered by the non-profit organisation Enactus China and 14 Standard Chartered volunteers.
As part of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, the Work Experience programme helps prepare students from disadvantaged backgrounds for the world of work by teaching them employability skills that will help inform their career choices and improve their chances of getting a job or starting a business. The curriculum was piloted in China and Pakistan in 2021 and will roll-out globally in early 2022.
Increasing Anqi’s career possibilities
It’s rare for someone from Anqi’s province to get an opportunity to see what it’s like to work in banking in a world-class organisation. Anqi felt the programme’s focus on business learning activities made up for the limitations of her educational background. She has gained valuable experience, learned about various job offerings within the financial services industry and achieved her self-improvement and recognition goals.
As a result, Anqi engaged fully and proactively in all the activities, winning the Star Award for her efforts in designing a project brief. Anqi said: “I had a remarkable experience at this event, which enhanced my CV/resume, greatly improved my English and broadened my horizons.”
Now, she’s considering banking as a career option and can see herself in a support function such as public relations, human resources or corporate social responsibility.
Volunteer tutor also benefits
As well as benefiting the students, the programme also gave Standard Chartered volunteer trainers an opportunity to share their skills and understand the challenges facing young people.
Di (Evan) Yang, Head of Wealth Client Proposition, introduced the Bank’s support functions to the students. He shared his career experience and offered extensive insight into the diverse career opportunities in banking, which completely changed the school-to-work pathway Anqi envisaged.
He said: “This programme provided me with a great chance to communicate with the young generation and understand their thoughts and needs, as they will be potential clients of the Bank. They are attuned to the digital journey and willing to innovate. Therefore, we can leverage their insight to develop a better client journey experience.”
Learn more about the Work Experience Programme
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