Standard Chartered's management trainee programme is not just about finding the best possible bankers - it is about picking the best people to fit in with the bank's culture, says Anna Sampson, head of the bank's resourcing and talent management in Hong Kong.
'Talent is important. But at the end of the day, if I can quote my director Peter Wong, 'we are not recruiting just good bankers, we are recruiting good people who are responsible citizens of the world',' Ms Sampson says.
Standard Chartered takes it for granted that those chosen for the programme will excel in the banking environment, prompting the organisation to put as much, if not more, emphasis on candidates' personal qualities.
'We look at whether a person is giving back to the community. Do they take an interest in issues outside of their studies? And are they aware of global issues such as HIV? We think these are important traits of a 'good' person.'
The bank defines a 'good' person as someone who, besides being talented, believes and lives by the same five values as those at the core of the bank's culture: responsiveness, courage, internationalism, creativity and trustworthiness.
'The ideal cultural fit is someone who has the drive to succeed. Someone who cares about people, who is a good team worker, and who has the integrity and values that we believe are important,' she says.
The programme targets fresh graduates in any discipline and those who have a maximum of two years' work experience. It is open to all who have the right to work in Hong Kong.