Inspiring the next generation: Eudan’s internship with Standard Chartered
LEDA’s innovative partnership with Standard Chartered pioneers a shift in the perceptions of working in finance through a trailblazing internship programme.
Inspired by Standard Chartered’s geographical footprint and focus on sustainability, Eudan Mojados commenced his internship journey with the Transaction Banking team in New York alongside studying economics at Princeton University, one of the world’s most illustrious higher education institutions.
Tell us about yourself:
I was born in the Philippines and moved to the US when I was young, settling in the Philadelphia area. Currently I am studying economics at Princeton University as well as being a LEDA (Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America) scholar.
What is LEDA and how did it introduce you to Standard Chartered’s internship program?
LEDA is a college-readiness programme that begins during the summer of your junior year and is two months long. During the programme, you are housed at Princeton University and take classes led by Ivy League professors. The programme helps prospective students to prepare for the college application process. It is a great opportunity to network with like-minded people and to get a taste of college life.
I was introduced to Standard Chartered through their partnership with LEDA, so I was aware of the opportunities that they offered to students. Their partnership helps to change prospective students' outlook of finance by breaking the mould. Students often see bulge-bracket banks as the only route into the regimented financial industry without realising how international banks, such as Standard Chartered, could encourage them to leverage their passions through valuing creativity, innovation and diversity. Knowing this, when my college guidance counsellor brought an opportunity to intern with the Transaction Banking team to my attention, I was instantly sold.
What have you been working on during your internship?
Interning with Standard Chartered is distinguishable to other internships in the banking industry as you are thrown straight into a role with responsibility. I mainly work on transactions alongside the established team and I have been sure to soak up as much information as possible. I also spend time proactively learning through the Bank’s online learning portal. My manager is always available to answer my questions and dedicates time to my development.
What aspects of the Bank have you connected with?
Sustainability is a significant value at Standard Chartered and its importance to the Bank is one of the aspects that attracted me to the internship. Standard Chartered’s embodiment of this value has resonated with me and makes me proud of my contributions during my time at the Bank. The entrepreneurial aura of the office inspired me to always challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. My colleagues didn’t always hold my hand and they gave me the independence to work on tasks myself, which boosted my confidence and reinforced values, such as resilience, that my family instilled in me growing up.
Has the internship influenced your long-term career goals?
Despite not being totally made up on the specifics of my long-term plans, my internship at Standard Chartered has highlighted the non-negotiable qualities that I will be looking for in my future career. Similarly to the environment at Princeton University, I enjoy the fast-paced climate that the Bank creates as well as the supportive culture. The encouragement and reassurance I have received as an intern has been unprecedented and is differential to the often unforgiving financial industry.
What are some of your key takeaways from your time at the Bank?
The internship provided me with hands-on experience in the financial industry. I learned a plethora of technical skills that I can apply to a variety of areas in both my personal and professional lives. My role gave me a visual identification of what I could do in the future and cemented my passion for economics.
The main takeaway from my internship is how it has taught me to be concise. Prior to my time at Standard Chartered, I approached things indirectly but now I am straight to the point. The best part about internships is leaving with a skill that you never knew you had.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an internship with Standard Chartered?
My answer to this question is dependent on the individual's background and their perceptions of the finance industry. Students from Ivy League schools such as Princeton are often solely exposed to bulge-bracket banks. My advice to them would be to discard any preconceived opinions about banking and what a career in finance entails. Be unorthodox in your thinking and ensure that the company aligns with your values and desired working culture.
Can you see yourself applying to the International Graduate programme?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Standard Chartered. The Bank’s global footprint and sustainable ethos provide a workplace that would enable me to travel and contribute to a cause I am passionate about. Applying to the International Graduate programme is definitely on the table.