Unleashing Potential: A Journey of Innovation and Growth on Standard Chartered’s Technology Team

Smita joined Standard Chartered almost three years ago, where she works with emerging technologies alongside her colleagues on the Technology Team. Today, she tells us about what life is like on her team and how leveraging brand-new technology has helped her to progress in her career.

What attracted you to join Standard Chartered’s Technology Team?

I had heard amazing things about the company culture at Standard Chartered and I wanted to experience it for myself. I was thrilled to learn that Standard Chartered embraces modern technology platforms to drive its ongoing transformation and innovation. They’re committed to delivering top-notch services that are more resilient than ever before. I was also attracted to join the team after learning about the Bank’s innovative approach to business and how it takes care of its employees. The environment at Standard Chartered encourages growth, creativity, and staying ahead of the game.

Can you tell us a little bit about some of the projects you are involved in?

I’m currently working on a project that uses predictive analytics and machine learning to identify potential credit issues. The goal is to proactively identify clients who might be facing financial stress and take necessary actions to minimise loan impairment. It's an exciting project that involves testing various hypotheses using client data. Before this project, I had the opportunity to work on automating credit processes. We used machine learning to analyse large amounts of data and then developed our models by harnessing historical data. These projects have truly showcased the innovative and cutting-edge work happening at Standard Chartered.

What’s your proudest achievement since joining the Bank?

My proudest achievement since joining Standard Chartered was when my team and I won the Hacker Rank Competition. I was a fresh-faced newcomer who had only been with the Bank for three months and in just a week, we managed to build an app from scratch – complete with fancy features such as a chatbot. Winning the competition was a massive boost for me and fueled my motivation to keep learning, taking action, growing, and delivering great work.

What do you love the most about your role?

Standard Chartered’s company culture is one of the main reasons I love my role. The environment fosters innovation and encourages me to reflect on my skills and continuously improve. Working with cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and big data keeps me engaged and allows me to stay at the forefront of my field. I also love working with my team, we share the same vision and are truly dedicated to our mission. Collaborating with such passionate and talented individuals is inspiring and creates a supportive atmosphere.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far in your role?

The biggest challenge I have faced in my role was migrating from C3 to Microsoft Data Bricks. We knew it was going to be a challenge since it was a brand-new technology but we found a way to overcome it. We upskilled ourselves and shared knowledge among the team. Thankfully, platforms like Udemy and Pluralsight gave us instant access to a wealth of information. With the right resources and a determined mindset, no challenge is too big to overcome.

How would you describe the culture in your team?

The culture on my team is absolutely fantastic. We genuinely support and care for one another, creating a supportive and nurturing environment. We value sharing experiences and knowledge, which helps us collectively grow and excel. It's this spirit of teamwork and togetherness that makes our team culture so remarkable. We celebrate victories as a team and overcome challenges hand in hand. It's truly a winning culture that fuels our motivation and makes coming to work a joy every day.

What would you say to someone thinking about making the move from a technology organisation to Standard Chartered?

At Standard Chartered, you'll have the chance to work with a wide range of advanced technologies alongside brilliant individuals who possess strong technical expertise. The company places great emphasis on supporting your professional development, helping you not only build on your existing strengths but also bolster any areas where you may have weaknesses. It's an environment that values your growth and wants to see you thrive. Standard Chartered is a place where you can make a real impact, unleash your potential, and embark on an exciting journey of learning and advancement.