Associate, J.P. Morgan BEng (Computer Science)
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How did you start your career? Can you tell us something about your first job hunting experience?
It was a long exploration journey - I spent the first 2 years of my university life figuring out what I want to do with
my career.
I studied Computer Science and wanted to work as a programmer - it's only logical that I explore my options
with a technology firm. So I did an internship with a mobile game company in Science Park that develops various Android and iOS games. I love programming but I don't want to do the same thing for my entire career. I want diversity and different exposures. I began looking into technology roles in a non-traditional technology firm while staying true to my calling as a technologist.
Many of my peers were considering joining investment banks as it's the most popular choice among business students. I wondered if investment banks hire programmers too. The answer is obvious but it may be a surprise to many IT students - yes they do. After doing some research, made a few applications and attended a few interviews, I was accepted into J.P. Morgan's Technology Analyst Internship Program. The 10-week program gave me an eye-opening experience - I had a chance to participate in real project, did hands-on programming, learned about the financial services industry, how it works, and developed systems that enable the operation of the firm. It was a turning point of my career - I decided to continue my journey with J.P. Morgan and accepted my return offer after graduation.
What are the differences between working in gaming industry and banking industry? Any suggestions to your fellows on decision making process if they have to choose among these two?
Always put your interest first. If you are clear with what relatively more promising. The career development path is well structured in banking, and opportunities are always there for top talents. It suits those who are looking for meritocracy and great career development.
Can you share the most challenging experience at this point of your career? What gave you the courage or motivation in every change?
After working in J.P. Morgan Corporate & Investment Banking Technology as a project manager for almost 2 years, I was offered a rde in Asset & Wealth Management Technology as an application developer.
J.P. Morgan promotes mobility which allows employees to move around different functions, businesses and even locations to gain different exposures within the firm. It was a great opportunity and I took on the challenge.
It wasn't easy- I haven't been ddng much programming ever since I left university and I don't know what Asset &
Wealth Management is about. It didn't help that I made the transition in the middle of my promotion evaluation year. I had less than six months to learn about Asset
& Wealth Management and prove my capabilities or I'll
miss the promotion. It was really challenging.
I'm thankful that J.P. Morgan focuses on employee development and fosters culture of collaboration. My team was very supportive of my transition - they took time out of their busy schedules to teach me all the new technologies and business knowledge I needed to perform. My managers gave me a lot of insightful advice and guidance, and worked closely with me to design a development plan to help me overcome the steep learning curve. They were mindful to assign me with projects that I can leverage my strengths, demonstrate my capabilities and set me up for success. I was able to get back on track very quickly and earned my promotion. It was a huge boost in my career, and I'm grateful for the opportunity and the support I've received from my team.
Apart from technical competencies, what are the other 2 attributes that are important to a successful Associate at J.P. Morgan?
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these two attributes are much more important than technical competencies because it is all about teamwork at J.P. Morgan. Technical competencies can help you perform your task, but collaboration brings everyone's ideas and effort together to deliver the best solution. A positive attitude to collaborate with others is always essential to success. Good communication skills can help you articulate your thought to the others accurately and concisely; reducing unnecessary conflicts and eventually achieves smooth collaborations.I woMLl
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52· 53
Fintech is becoming more and more popular.
What advice would you give comments would you give to those who are interested in this field?
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FinTech is about changing the way financial services industry works with innovation and technology. Hence, it is important to understand how the industry works, where the challenges and than immersing yourself in it. J.P. Morgan is essentially a technology firm in its own right - with over 40,000 technologists globally and investing over USO 9 billion in technologies every year are keeping us ahead of the game. The firm is developing innovative FinTech solutions like COIN (a machine learning system whichreviews commercial loans agreement and saves
360,000 man hours annually). At J.P. Morgan, you'll get a good experience and knowledge on how technology applies in the financial services industry to embark on your career in FinTech.
Any tips to students on how to live a university life to the fullest?
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When I was in university, I received emails from the Career Center almost everyday on all different kind of opportunities - from internship openings to volunteer works, from recruitment talks to part time work to earn extra pocket money - and many other opportunities that I never thought I could get my hands on. I read all my emails religiously. In fact, I came across J.P. Morgan's recruitment talk and the internship opportunity via an email from the H KUST Career Center.M~
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