Anna Heng – My career journey so far with Standard Chartered

Anna shares what it's like working for Standard Chartered in Malaysia in Consumer, Private and Business Banking. 

I enjoy talking to people and learning about their lives and backgrounds. When I completed my degree in Human Psychology, I started looking for a job in related fields such as counselling, psychology clinics or childcare centres. At the same time, by chance, a friend’s sister who was working in a regional bank referred me for a role in the bank; it wasn’t what I was looking for but I thought I’d give it a go as I would still have the opportunity to talk to people.

That was how I got into my first role as a Service Ambassador. The first two weeks were physically tough. I had to stand by the ticketing machine greeting customers from 9am to 5pm, but I didn’t give up.

From there, I progressed to being a Personal Financial Consultant, and then to Relationship Manager. I seized the opportunity to move over to Standard Chartered when a role opened up for me to manage profiles of priority clients. I am now managing the higher profile priority private clients.

The brand name of Standard Chartered and the global exposure were the pull factors that made me decide to come to here, as I knew I’d gain a more meaningful experience to enhance my career. It has been a really good and rewarding 9 years that I’ve been with the Bank.

What do you love most about your role?

I love the networking and connections that I get to build with my clients and colleagues, and of course, the satisfaction I feel from clients who are happy with my service and advice.

Are there any quotes you live by?

Nothing is impossible, always have faith and do your best to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

How have you built flexibility into your everyday life?

I typically plan my schedule and appointments ahead of time so I can be more productive and achieve what I aim for. I also review my clients' profiles, look at market updates, currency and stock movements and talk to clients to get information upfront so I am as prepared as possible to tackle any questions or provide insightful advice.

And finally, what career advice would you give to your younger self?

Be patient, learn and experience as much as you can and do not give up easily.

This is a place where I have developed personally and professionally over the years.