Shubhendra Agrawal

Business Analyst, Foreign Exchange Technology

Why did you join Deutsche Bank?

I studied Computer Engineering at the National University of Singapore. I’ve always been passionate about working at the crossroads of two disciplines, two industries, and the technology division of a global financial firm is just that. I was a DB tech intern in the Summer of 2014 and started on the grad programme in 2015. Since then I’ve been through several rotations in Global Transaction Banking (GTB), Corporate Tech, Information Security and Global Markets.

What’s the culture like in the Technology Division?

I think what makes the culture so strong at Deutsche Bank is the real diversity of countries, cultures, and professional backgrounds. In technology we work across different time zones and interact with parallel teams all over the world.

What are the biggest intellectual challenges you’ve faced?

Every financial firm that operates in Asia has to deal with big differences in regulatory requirements between jurisdictions, and that’s one of the key challenges we have to address in technology. Heavy-handed, one-size-fits-all solutions are not an option; we have to tailor global standards to suit local demands.

How have you changed during your time here?

I don’t know that I’ve changed, but I’ve definitely come to realise my strengths and weaknesses. Having experienced several teams across the organisation, I’ve realised that I enjoy working with cutting-edge tech, and how lucky I am to be involved in some of the most exciting industry platforms.

What do you enjoy most about the graduate programme?

The programme has been a great way to form long-lasting connections and friendships. It’s amazing to meet and start working with hundreds of new colleagues who are just as keen to make an impact as you are, to ask questions, and to learn about the bank’s strategy from senior managers. I also got the chance to make several trips around the UK and explore London – a memorable experience.

Why should someone work in tech in a bank and not for a tech firm?

If you’re interested in working in a cross-disciplinary field, a bank is an excellent choice. You develop products all the way from ideation to successful adoption, and at Deutsche Bank you work with innovation labs and technology centres around the globe. You’ll get the chance to take our digital presence to the next level – to innovate not only in the way we service our clients, but in how we as colleagues go about our work.

Julia Lim

Julia is putting people first.

When a lot of students look at banking, they naturally associate it with technical knowledge, maths and everything quantitative. But while those aspects form an integral part of what we do, banking is ultimately a people business. Julia, a Private Wealth Management Analyst in our Singapore office, found out what that meant for her career when she joined our Graduate Programme in 2017.

Finding the right fit

After majoring in Finance and Corporate Communications at school, Julia knew she wanted to work in finance and specifically in wealth management.

“I chose this division because I wanted a role that was a bit more person-to-person, rather than person-to-business. I think wealth management really makes an impact on individuals.”

She completed an internship in Wealth Management in Singapore and was offered a place on the graduate programme where she rotated through different teams including lending, strategy and project management. In her final placement within the funds team, Julia and her manager both realised her people-focus and people skills meant she had the potential to be an exceptional products specialist.

“Studying Finance clearly helped me technically, but I found the Corporate Communications studies gave me a complementary skillset when I worked on investor relations. It’s really applicable for my team.”

A people-first culture

In her role, Julia works with relationship managers and investment advisors to find the right resources from around the bank to provide bespoke solutions for clients’ needs and strategically manage their funds. It’s a dynamic team where a lot of different clients have continually changing needs depending on what else is happening around the world.

“Our clients demand a very high level of responses and it can get hectic at times but that means I get a lot of opportunities to present to stakeholders. If I encounter difficulties there is always someone I can speak to. It’s a very inclusive and collaborative community.”

With her team being around eight people spread over Hong Kong and Singapore, Julia recognised how important the team’s culture was and the opportunities it enabled from day one.

“Everyone has their own area of expertise and people are very willing to let you learn, especially as a junior. I feel Deutsche Bank is a place where seniors are really keen to guide you. They want to see you develop and help them as you grow as an individual and a colleague.”

This combination of opportunity and support means Julia is feeling confident about her future. Her ambition to work with individuals as well as institutions has put her in a strong position to start building the relationships that can make it happen.

Bryan Tan

Bryan is capturing every opportunity

When did you last change jobs? Did you find you had to start over again when it came to building skills and growing a network? Bryan, a Sales Manager in our Corporate Cash Management team in Singapore, is proof that changing roles is an effective way to build a career where a diverse range of experience can help you progress even quicker. By prioritising our people, we’re creating a culture that gives employees control over their careers.

Building a diverse network

Bryan originally joined us as an intern in Group Risk via Singapore Management University. He wanted to build on a prior stint in Operations and gain a deeper understanding of risk. Bryan began to realise that a client-facing role in Global Transaction Banking (GTB) played to his strengths and might be more in line with his career plan.

“People were happy to share more about what they did. They were really supportive in helping me find out more.”

After joining the Corporate Bank graduate programme in 2016, he rotated through several areas of Global Transaction Banking including Relationship Management, Sales, Product Management and Client Service, before taking a permanent role in the Cash Management team. As a result of the broad exposure he gained from each rotation, Bryan continued to establish a strong network that stretched across the bank.

“The number one benefit of the graduate scheme for me is the network I built. We get the opportunity to work with people across different functions, different countries. In my current role, we rely on the network to get things done.”

Analyst to Sales Manager

Bryan’s first role in the Cash Management team was a Regional Sales Analyst. He supported eight different sales managers each with their own portfolios. Within a year, Bryan became a Sales Manager. The exposure he had as an analyst served him well, but so did all his other experience in the bank.

“Every step of my journey in the bank has shaped my understanding of the nuances across departments and locations. Through my experiences, I understand the varying demands of these environments.”

This is useful in Cash Management, a particularly fast-moving area of the bank. Bryan rarely works on singular projects but instead continually collaborates with internal teams and clients to eradicate friction in processes and create mutually beneficial efficiencies.

Outside of work, Bryan is a photography enthusiast, spending his free time finding the right light and great moments to capture. He draws the same principles for his work as he does in photography.

“I tell people the key to photography is visualising the shot before you take it. It’s the same in sales; it’s all about opportunities. We need to understand our client, what we’re good at, what we’re not and marry them together. Just like photography, you always need to be prepared to capture those opportunities.”

Keep on evolving

It’s an attitude that Bryan applies to his career. Bryan is only two years into his career, and has achieved an exceptional amount through determination and the ability to draw on his diverse range of experiences. He credits his success so far on his commitment to learning and doesn’t plan on stopping soon.

“I’ve always seen my career as quite opportunistic. I think the wonderful thing about Deutsche Bank is that there are always opportunities available and if you raise your hand, you will be considered.”

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