Employee Stories

Kajal V

Breaking barriers and shaping the future

In the dynamic world of banking and technology, individuals like Kajal are leading the way in breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive future.

As a Software Developer at Standard Chartered, Kajal has quickly become a driving force at the Bank, harnessing her expertise and passion to make a lasting impact. Since joining the Bank in June 2022, Kajal’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Technology and Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kajal brings a unique blend of technical skills and an unwavering determination to create meaningful change.

Why did you choose a career in technology?

Choosing a career in technology was driven by a multitude of factors that resonated with my interests and aspirations. One of the main reasons was my fascination with unravelling complex problems. Technology provides an exciting avenue for me to explore innovative solutions and express my creativity.

Rapid advancements in fields like artificial intelligence and machine learning captured my imagination. I knew that being part of this ever-evolving landscape would allow me to actively contribute to transformative breakthroughs.

What attracted you to join the Standard Chartered Technology Team?

There are a few key reasons I joined.

• Global Impact: Standard Chartered is a leading international bank with a global presence across multiple markets. Since joining the Bank, I have had the opportunity to work on projects that make a global impact and make a difference in the financial industry.
• Career Growth and Development: Standard Chartered is committed to investing in its employees’ professional development and offers ample opportunities for career growth.
• Collaborative and Diverse Work Environment: Standard Chartered values diversity and inclusion. The Technology Team encourages teamwork, creativity, and diversity of thought.

Can you tell us a little bit about some of the projects you are working on?

As a React Developer on the Security Service Team, my main responsibility is designing and developing user interfaces for security applications. I collaborate closely with my team and Senior Developers to improve security measures and protect user data. I’ve gained deep knowledge of React and related technologies, honed my interface-building skills, and become proficient in tools like Git and Jira.

I am also a part of the Post-Trade Team, where I work with my colleagues to develop big data applications using Hadoop, Spark, and Python. I’m learning how to process and analyse large datasets efficiently, build scalable data pipelines, and collaborate with senior team members who provide valuable guidance.

What is your proudest achievement in your Standard Chartered career so far?

One of my proudest moments at Standard Chartered was during my six-week training programme. We were challenged to create a working project using the technology stacks we had learned, including React, Spring Boot, JDBC, and Git. It was a defining moment for me as I eagerly embraced the opportunity.

I thoroughly reviewed the concepts and collaborated with my team to brainstorm project ideas. We utilised React for the front end and Spring Boot for the back end. When we presented our project to the evaluation panel, they were impressed with our implementation of various technologies.

To my delight, our project secured the first position among all the submissions. It was a proud and satisfying moment, knowing that our hard work and technical skills had paid off. Building that successful project using the technologies we had learned was truly a highlight of my career at Standard Chartered.

What do you love the most about your job?

As a newcomer in the fintech industry, I’m constantly amazed by the learning opportunities at Standard Chartered. Each day brings new challenges and chances to grow. One thing I love about my job is the exposure to the various teams within the Bank. It’s fascinating to see how different functions, like corporate banking, retail banking, wealth management, and transaction banking, collaborate to achieve the Bank’s goals. This holistic view of the organisation helps me understand how a large fintech institution operates and delivers value to customers.

The learning opportunities at Standard Chartered are unparalleled. Through training programmes, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions, I continuously expand my skills. The supportive work culture and guidance from my colleagues have been instrumental in my professional development. I’m grateful to work in an environment that encourages learning and growth in the technology industry.

What advice would you give to young women looking to build a tech career?

Here are some valuable tips to consider on your tech career journey:

• Pursue your passion: Choose a tech field that genuinely interests and excites you. From software development to data science to cybersecurity, explore the diverse opportunities available. Find an area that aligns with your interests and strengths.
• Embrace lifelong learning: Tech is ever-evolving, so commit to continuous learning. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and technologies through online courses, workshops, boot camps, and industry events. Building and expanding your skills will keep you competitive in the job market.
• Build a strong support system. Surround yourself with supportive mentors, peers, and allies. Seek out female role models in the tech industry who can inspire and guide you. Join professional networks, online communities, and women-in-tech groups to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your network.
• Be confident and assertive. Confidence plays a crucial role in any career, including tech. Believe in your abilities and the value you bring, and don’t be afraid to assert yourself. Speak up in meetings, share your ideas, and take on challenging projects. Proactively seek opportunities and advocate for yourself.
• Embrace resilience and learn from failures. Tech can be challenging, and setbacks or failures may occur. Embrace these moments as opportunities for growth and learning. Stay resilient, persistent, and develop a growth mindset to overcome obstacles and keep progressing.
• Believe in yourself. Above all, have faith in your abilities Be confident, persistent, and proactive in pursuing your tech career goals. You have the capability to achieve tremendous success in the tech field!

Remember, your passion, dedication, and continuous learning will pave the way for a rewarding and impactful tech career.