Tania Amin Muhammad – growing professionally and personally at Standard Chartered
Tania Amin Muhammed aspired to embark on a career in the banking industry since she was a child. Through hard work, perseverance, and the support of her colleagues, she achieved her ambitions while working at Standard Chartered
Tania proved that women can shine in their career alongside their responsibilities as a parent.
How did you begin your audit career?
Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around the local community bank in my neighbourhood. I loved visiting it with my parents as they’d let me fill in the deposit slips, sparking my appetite for all things banking. The respect commanded by my local bank cashiers left me in awe and inspired me to want to be just like them when I grew up.
I wanted to demonstrate that you could maintain a work-life balance while still doing a job you aspired to and enjoyed. At a young age I pursued my ambitions and began my career with Standard Chartered. From my first day with the Bank, I have worked hard and challenged myself which has helped build my career to where it is today.
I joined Standard Chartered as an auditor in 2012. My manager was dedicated to my progression and ensured that I received unlimited training, mentoring and support. My hard work and commitment to my professional development was recognised and awarded by management, and by 2014 I was promoted to Audit Manager.
How has Standard Chartered supported you over the past 10 years?
After four years of hard work in Pakistan, Standard Chartered assisted me to find a new position overseas, as my husband was based in UAE. I truly appreciated the Bank’s willingness to support me through the chapters of my personal life. Standard Chartered helped me grow and build a career that took me beyond my home country. In the past 10 years, I have moved from strength to strength and my colleagues have been behind me every step of the way – the Bank is like a family to me.
After becoming a parent, I needed greater flexibility to manage my work alongside the responsibilities that came with being a mother. My managers provided me with their undying support and worked hard to accommodate my needs as a new parent. Standard Chartered is a bank with a heart, they recognise all employees as individuals with unique needs and go above and beyond to adapt to their requirements.
What roles have you performed during your time at Standard Chartered?
Since relocating, I have performed various roles across three Internal Audit teams of the Bank. I have received countless opportunities and promotions, including advancing through three internal grade bands. Most notably, I was given the chance to specialise in Financial Crime Compliance, which was a perfect fit for me. Not only was I helping the bank combat the financing of terrorist groups, but I was also able to do something good for the community. Having a job that aligns with my values is important to me and I feel incredibly fulfilled when I finish work every day.
Since beginning my career with Standard Chartered, the Bank has given me all the support I could need through the transitions in my life. Thanks to my manager's support, I didn’t have to sacrifice working for a company that I love when I relocated to the UAE to live with my husband.
Tania Amin Muhammed Senior Audit Manager
What do you enjoy most about working for Standard Chartered?
Standard Chartered acknowledges that its people are the heart and soul of the Bank. There is an emphasis on every individual's voice being heard regardless of their position. The Bank takes care of their employees professionally and personally by creating opportunities to progress and supporting a balance between your work and personal life.
As a woman from Pakistan, I have been given a new perspective to the phrase “live your dreams”. Through the support of my managers, colleagues, and family I have been able to achieve my goals while still holding firm to my beliefs. Despite spending 10 years with the Bank, I am still ambitious, and I aspire to become the Head of Audit in the future.