Minnie Lau (Class of 2022)
Drawn to the allure of Hong Kong as an international finance centre, Minnie set her sights on a career in banking and finance, believing in its promising future. It was this ambition that propelled her to enrol in the programme in 2018, enticed by its career-oriented curriculum and the expansive opportunities it offered for real-world exposure and networking.
Being in the sales and trading department at a renowned bank, Minnie finds that her studies have equipped her with knowledge of financial products, directly contributing to her professional responsibilities. Her participation in AMPB activities, such as the “Connectivity in Finance”, she engaged in trading simulations and got a taste of working in both the sell-side at an investment bank and the buy-side as an asset manager, helping her to develop effective communication and negotiation skills and adopt various strategic perspectives. This hands-on experience proved invaluable, equipping her with a sound financial knowledge base that is broadly applicable across various disciplines. Furthermore, these extracurricular activities sharpened her vision and soft skills, reinforcing her belief that with passion, success is achievable in any field.
Supported by the programme, Minnie seized the opportunity to network with industry professionals through coffee chats and attend lectures led by veteran practitioners, gaining valuable insights. The personalised career support, including one-on-one interview coaching from the programme director, significantly improved her presentation abilities. The internship opportunity at a private bank, facilitated by the industry programme (PWMA), allowed her to delve into the intricacies of client lifecycle management, investment preferences and product knowledge that she continues to apply in her current role.
To prepare oneself for the industry, Minnie encourages stepping out of one's comfort zone and making more attempts. Interacting with industry professionals over casual coffee chats, attending networking events, and absorbing knowledge from the experiences shared by others are all part of the growth process. Curiosity is also crucial, as it drives an individual to navigate and capitalise on the dynamic nature of the economy, transforming nuisance into opportunities. By embracing continuous learning, you will eventually carve out a path that aligns with your skills and passions.