Breaking Down Borders – Bisma’s Story

Bisma tells us how she fell in love with retail banking

Getting started 

I’ve always been interested in creative outlets, from photography and videography to writing, reading, and listening to music. I studied marketing at university but wasn’t sure where the course would take me. 

After completing my degree, I was keen to discover more about Pakistan’s economy than I’d been exposed to during my studies. I joined the Standard Chartered Early Careers Programme and opened my eyes to a new world of exciting ideas. 

A unique recruitment experience 

The simplicity of the Early Careers recruitment process made me confident in Standard Chartered from the offset. I found my Global Internship Programme through the online job portal. After sending off the first application, I went through a series of tests and a video interview. Completing the early steps from the comfort of my home meant the early stages of the process felt very relaxed. 

Then, I was invited to the Standard Chartered head office in Pakistan for an in-person interview with HR and colleagues from the Consumer, Private and Business Banking division. Back home, I received the news that I had been chosen to join the Internship Programme! 

The application was short and straightforward, and decisions were made quickly, which meant less anxiety and waiting around. As a candidate, I always knew the next step, making the whole process exciting and less overwhelming than other applications. 

The next step – falling in love with retail banking 

When my internship came to an end, I was invited to an interview with the Head of Consumer, Private and Business Banking. I was selected to join the International Graduate Programme shortly after. Thanks to Standard Chartered’s speedy and proactive recruitment process, I was one of the first students from my class to land a job! 

I’ve had the opportunity to rotate between Consumer, Private and Business Banking, which has been a great chance to figure out where my interests lie. So far, my favourites have been the Credit Cards, Personal Loans, and Digital Banking departments. 

As part of the Consumer, Private and Business Banking team, it’s my job to help ensure our products and processes are competitive against the market. I love the focus on client happiness, which lets me support product development and draw on my marketing skills. Some of the projects I’ve most enjoyed have let me go beyond Retail Banking to work with colleagues across different industries. These opportunities to grow and develop are one more thing I love about my job with Standard Chartered. 

I love working in Consumer, Private and Business Banking because I’m encouraged to innovate and create without limits. My department pushes boundaries to improve and innovate. No two days are the same, and the challenging ones just add to the fun! 

Looking to the future  

When I first got into banking, it was to gain experience and knowledge, never a lifetime career. I’m happy to say my mindset has changed since working with Standard Chartered. My short time in the industry has been exciting and rewarding, and I’m excited about being able to contribute and help shape the company’s future. 

Collaboration is at the core of everything we do. Working with Standard Chartered has encouraged me to approach others with confidence. With my newfound confidence, I’ve settled into the workplace happily, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the future takes me. 

The unique thing about Standard Chartered’s work culture as a whole is that people are always available to help and will try their best to make sure they do all they can to assist you.