Viki’s Transformative Journey as a Junior Cloud Engineer: Inspiring Women in Tech at Standard Chartered

Viki’s journey to becoming a Junior Cloud Engineer began in 2023, after successfully completing her internship and graduating from university with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Data Science. Her contributions to Standard Chartered’s ongoing initiatives have been transformative, particularly in data pre-processing, where her efforts have improved data accuracy and reliability, enabling more robust analysis. Through her dedication, technical prowess and collaborative spirit, Viki exemplifies the Bank’s commitment to excellence in technology. She serves as an inspiration for women in the industry, demonstrating that talent and determination can drive meaningful impact in the world of technology.

What attracted you to join the Standard Chartered Technology team?

I initially joined Standard Chartered as an intern last year before transitioning to a full-time role as a Junior Cloud Engineer. As a graduate in Computer Science, I've always been interested in exploring the banking industry and gaining insight into its inner workings during this era of digital transformation. Although there is a stereotype that working in a bank is challenging, I am drawn to challenges and chose to intern at a bank for this reason. I was particularly interested in Standard Chartered because of its well-known global footprint, which offers ample opportunities to work on various projects, learn from experienced professionals worldwide, and gain valuable experience overall.

The Bank has a reputation for being at the forefront of technological advancements in the financial industry, which presented a unique opportunity for me to work. Standard Chartered’s working culture impressed me from day one. I felt a sense of belonging and was able to work in an inclusive and supportive environment, which is crucial in the tech field. I was drawn to the Bank’s efforts to create a level playing field for all its employees and foster an inclusive culture. This was important for me because I wanted to work in an environment that would support me to grow. Standard Chartered’s Technology team is responsible for creating and implementing solutions that drive the organisation's success, and I wanted to be part of this impactful work and contribute to the Bank's growth and success.

Can you tell us a little bit about some of the projects you are working on?

As someone with a Major in Data Science, during my internship, I had the opportunity to work on various data analytics projects that have allowed me to hone my skills and contribute to my team's success. One of the key areas I have worked on is data pre-processing, which involves cleaning and transforming data so that it can be used effectively for analysis. By implementing effective pre-processing techniques, I have been able to improve the accuracy and reliability of the insights we derive from the data.

What is your proudest achievement in your Standard Chartered career so far?

My proudest achievement is successfully completing an automation project during my internship. This project was a significant challenge for me since I had never worked with automation before and my knowledge was limited. Previously, data had to be manually imported each time, and visualisations had to be built, which consumed a lot of time. However, this project reduced the manual work required to complete that task, and now my team can generate monthly reports automatically by simply running the codes. This has made it easy for my team to view an automated dashboard and analyse it for various business purposes accordingly.

To accomplish this project, I utilised various new tools and technology stacks that I had never used before. This not only helped me expand my skillset but also made me more confident in my abilities to learn and adapt to new technologies. Additionally, the project significantly reduced the risk of human errors, which is a critical factor in data analysis. Completing this project on time and delivering it successfully with the support and guidance of my manager was an incredible accomplishment. It was a great experience for me to work with my team, collaborate with different teams, and learn from their perspectives; making me feel more integrated and productive within the company.

What do you love the most about your job?

One of the things I love the most about my job as a Junior Cloud Engineer is constant learning and problem-solving. Every day brings a new challenge, and I am always learning something new. I also love the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully implementing a solution and seeing it work in a real-world scenario. Additionally, I enjoy the collaborative nature of my work. Cloud Engineering is a team effort and I appreciate the opportunity to work with other skilled engineers to find the best possible solutions. The collaborative environment can be exciting and stimulating, as I learn from others and contribute to a shared goal.

How would you describe the culture of your team?

The culture on my team is highly supportive, collaborative, and inclusive. I have hugely benefitted from the guidance of my team members and manager. Their support throughout the entire process has been valuable. Whenever help is needed, everyone on the team is always willing to lend a hand. This has fostered an environment where we work collaboratively to achieve our goals, which has led to great success.

We have a team that is diverse in terms of background experiences, and perspectives. Despite these differences, everyone is treated with respect and valued for their unique contributions. This creates a positive and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions. This has led to a wealth of ideas and creativity that has been beneficial to the team's overall performance. In addition to being inclusive, my team also embraces flexibility. We are all willing to shift priorities, adjust our approach, and support each other as needed to achieve the team's goals. We recognise and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Our manager also values continuous learning and encourages all of us to develop our skills, knowledge, and expertise.

What advice would you give to young women looking to build a tech career?

Building a career in tech can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling experience. I understand that it can be daunting to navigate the male-dominated industry as a young woman, but it is not impossible. Building a successful career in tech as a young woman requires a combination of hard work, dedication and self-belief. It is important to have confidence in your abilities and not let anyone else's opinions or biases hold you back. Continuously learning about the latest trends and technologies in the industry is essential as the tech industry is constantly evolving. Building a strong skillset is vital for success in tech. I believe networking is crucial in any industry. There are various communities today for the tech industry that will help in connecting with other professionals in the field and which eventually will lead to your next big opportunity. Seeking out mentors who can provide guidance and support is also incredibly valuable.

I believe with hard work and dedication, one can achieve anything they set their mind to. Be persistent and keep working towards your goals. As you build your career, it's important to inspire and mentor other young women to pursue similar paths and make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.