Sunshine Chow (Class of 2023)
Sunshine, currently a private banker reflects positively on her time at the AMPB program. She particularly appreciates the program's integration of industry professionals into the curriculum, providing practical insights and early industry exposure which she found crucial for preparing for her career. The standout courses for her were equity valuation, where she learned to calculate equity value using discounted cash flows—a vital skill for investment bankers and asset managers—and lending, taught by Prof. Wong, the program director, which she found highly relevant to commercial and private banking.
Her engagement extended beyond academics into networking and extracurricular activities with coffee chats and a Sales & Trading (S&T) simulation being the most impactful. The coffee chats were instrumental in connecting with industry experts, offering a platform to discuss real-life experiences, career advice, and industry operations. She credits the coffee chats with playing a significant role in shaping her career and interest in the private banking sector. By engaging with seasoned professionals, she gained multifaceted insights into the industry, enriching her knowledge and providing her with an edge during interviews, where her in-depth understanding of the sector distinguished her from other candidates. A notable interaction for her was with a current colleague, where she gained diverse market perspectives and insights into the future of private banking and offshore accounts. This dialogue also emphasized the importance of broadening her knowledge through reading, which is essential for private banking, where varied topics are key in client interactions. On top of coffee chats, the S&T simulation during her third year was another highlight, allowing her to experience the trading floor dynamics and assess her interest and suitability for roles in that department, broadening her understanding of career possibilities within banking.
Sunshine recognizes the program for its comprehensive networking support, accentuated by the accessible and detailed guidance from the program director. She received academic advice, career planning support, CV reviews, and mock interviews, which she believes enhanced her competitiveness in the job market. Her advice to current and prospective AMPB students is to actively participate in ECAs and seize every opportunity. Exploring one's potential and stepping out of one's comfort zone are crucial to distinguishing oneself in a pool of academically and professionally accomplished peers. By embracing opportunities, students can discover their limits and potentials.