Visitors to the Bank of China (Hong Kong) booth at the Career Forum will be able to find out details about its graduate programme, discover the skills, attitudes and aspirations that the bank values, and have the chance to talk about the wide range of career opportunities on offer.

Grace Lee, deputy general manager of the bank’s HR department, says that in addition to technical skills, it is important for job applicants to be self-driven and have a clear vision of why they wish to develop their career in the banking and finance industry.

“It is important to have a realistic understanding of the challenges they will face, alongside the broad range of career opportunities available to them,” Lee says. “We look for strong self-awareness matched with the personality to work with others, while rising to the opportunities available across the bank.”

To ensure new trainees receive the support they need to advance their careers, the bank provides a continuous series of training and development programmes. During the first three months, new recruits receive comprehensive classroom training (as the foundation) and on-the-job training (as the core) to strengthen their business and compliance knowledge.

Lee says that during these experiences, trainees will become familiar with retail and SME banking services, as well as corporate customer-servicing techniques. To help trainees choose a specific career direction, courses will also focus on areas including corporate banking, financial markets, IT and operations, risk management, legal and compliance, accounting, and financial management.

While students with business or finance-related degrees are likely to already have a better overview of the banking industry, the bank welcomes interest from degree holders of any type.

“We are looking for skills and competencies instead of specific knowledge,” Lee says. “Above all else, we appreciate the hunger and passion to learn, grow and develop.”