Poh Yong – Discovering her passions and strengths through stepping out of her comfort zone
Standard Chartered Singapore’s Associate Director of Business Development, Poh Yong tells us about her career journey and life at Standard Chartered.
Determining your future career is a daunting and seemingly lifelong decision, but it doesn’t have to be. Poh Yong explains how trialling different roles to establish her destined career path has helped her to manifest a fulfilling and prosperous career that she takes pride in and loves.
How have you gotten to where you are now in your career?
I started my career in banking with a local bank as a Service Ambassador. I was responsible for converting service users into sales, however, once the client had been converted, the sales team took responsibility for the client relationship. I have always been passionate about sales, so it was disheartening to only be a part of the beginning of their journey as a client. Because of this, I requested a transfer to the direct sales team as a Business Financial Manager. After a brief period, I realised that my skills were better suited to a larger organisation which is when I joined Standard Chartered. Since joining the Bank three years ago, I have made considerable progress, smashed my quarterly targets and cemented myself as a valuable member of my team.
What is life like at Standard Chartered?
The positive and supportive culture at Standard Chartered sets it apart from other banks. There is a real sense of togetherness between colleagues and management and everyone is willing to go the extra mile whenever a colleague is in need of help. My team and I support one another through the highs and lows of our roles, which has helped us to build strong and trusting relationships. Standard Chartered’s values of being better together, never settle and always doing the right thing are intrinsic to the Bank’s success and are championed by every individual in the organisation.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your role?
Working in sales is dynamic and fast-paced, so the biggest daily challenge that I face is time management. When I first joined the Bank it was difficult to adjust to the time constraints of converting sales, but with the patient support of my team, I quickly acclimatised to the fast-paced working environment. My colleagues did not gatekeep their knowledge and helped me to understand the best processes to effectively close sales. At Standard Chartered we collaborate to accomplish our shared goals and do not compete with one another.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
As I entered the professional world after completing my education, I was unsure of which career path would be the right fit for me. I spent countless hours researching various careers and what they would entail but the potential of making the wrong decision made me anxious and hesitant to make a choice. My manager at the time advised me to not be afraid and try what I can whilst I am young, as my dream job could be something that I had never considered. I took his advice and eventually entered the banking industry, which was a poignant moment of my professional life that led me to where I am today. Because of this, I would encourage those that are starting their careers to take themselves out of their comfort zones and take risks as it can help to identify their passions and strengths, which is what led me to my prosperous and rewarding career in sales.