Wholesale Banking Trainee Programme

My long-term goal is to become a Relationship Manager. To gain some real-life industry experience and start building my career, I decided to join the Functional Trainee Programme.

During the programme, I had the privilege of visiting the Bank’s new technology and digital hub in Shenzhen Qianhai; EADIS back-end operation base in Guangzhou; and BEA China headquarters in Shanghai Lujiazui, to collaborate with BEA China in promoting the One-Bank strategy. This allowed me to have a better understanding of cross-boundary operations and broadened my knowledge about digital banking.

It was also fascinating to rotate across various job functions within the Wholesale Banking Division. I gained a holistic understanding of corporate clients' lending, from end-to-end origination and coordination to execution. There were plenty of opportunities to explore different business units, network with experienced bankers, and be involved in strategic revamp projects. As a Functional Trainee under the Corporate Banking Department, I was assigned a portfolio of listed and sizeable corporates, and had to structure lending solutions to meet clients' needs.

Overall, my experiences with the programme have really bolstered my confidence in the field, and I am even more motivated to achieve my dream of becoming a Relationship Manager in the future!

I joined the Programme after graduating from university. Over the course of the programme, I was given countless opportunities to develop my practical skills within various departments across the Wholesale Banking Division, thanks to the job rotation arrangement. It was extremely helpful to have hands-on experience and on-the-job training, gaining exposure to functions ranging from back-office operations to the front desk and preparing me for real-world scenarios.

During the job attachment period, I was assigned to the Corporate Banking Department. This opened many doors for me to interact with a diverse range of clients and broaden my understanding of specific client needs. By applying the practical finance knowledge I had acquired from the programme, it was satisfying to come up with tailored financial solutions to meet each client’s unique requirements.

I am grateful for the opportunities provided by BEA, equipping me with the expertise and confidence to navigate complex financial transactions, analyse risks, and provide strategic financial advice to clients from all sorts of industries.

As a functional trainee in BEA's wholesale banking Division, I gained valuable skills and knowledge to excel in the banking industry.

The program included classroom training, job rotation, and an experience week in China. This week provided the opportunity to engage with experts in digital services and artificial intelligence, giving me a firsthand understanding of their practical applications and real-world impact. Through intensive classroom training, I not only enhanced my technical knowledge of banking products and services, but also improved my soft skills such as presenting and responding to clients. During the rotation period, I gained a holistic understanding of the bank's operations and built a strong network within the organization. This network will facilitate future collaboration and projects across departments.

Overall, my journey as a functional trainee has been transformative, shaping me into a well-rounded professional prepared to make a lasting impact.

One of the main things that stood out to me about the Functional Trainee Programme was the collaborative environment fostered by BEA.

Having the valuable opportunity to rotate among various departments within the Wholesale Banking Division, I worked alongside seasoned Relationship Managers, Credit Analysts, and Product Specialists. This allowed me to fully engage with and learn from these professionals, giving me a truly diverse understanding of operations across all areas, from Trade Finance to Enterprise Banking.

It was wonderful to have access to networking opportunities, professional development resources, and the chance to take part in industry-relevant projects. As the programme progresses, I am excited about the possibilities for future trainees, where they can continue to learn valuable skills and knowledge so they can be better positioned to enjoy a fulfilling banking career.