Learn About the Banking Industry
For the podcast’s first episode in the Candid Career Conversations segment, I have with me Suvo Sarkar. He is a distinguished banker with 36 years of multi-functional experience with five leading financial institutions and in multiple geographies across the Middle East and Asia. Suvo has previously worked with Citibank, ANZ Grindlays Bank and the Standard Chartered Bank.
He currently runs his own advisory firm in Dubai, chairs a fintech start-up, and works with McKinsey & Co and IBM as a senior advisor. Suvo is well regarded as a thought leader in the banking industry and writes a monthly column in Gulf News.
Banking does not necessarily require advanced math skills, but a reasonable grasp of numbers and statistics is important
Banking offers various specializations, such as sales, customer relationship management, marketing, operations, risk management, and analytics
Networking and presentation skills are underrated but crucial for success in banking
Passion, positivity, perseverance, and a slightly paranoid mindset are essential traits as a leader
Stay open-minded, conduct thorough research, and gain diverse internships to explore different paths before deciding for college
Be prepared for career switches and consider banking as a profession that can groom you for other roles and industries
Seek knowledge from a wide range of sources and be humble in recognizing the vastness of what you don't know in order to continue learning and growingTune in to this episode of SMARTER RICHER BRAVER
Remember that much of what is talked about on this podcast is stuff that’s not typically talked about to young people – and it should be. It’s stuff that you need to know so that you can lead a life that’s smarter, richer, and braver.
If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to broach in our upcoming episodes, pls email us at [email protected]. And if you’d like to sign up for one of our award-winning programs, go to kfi.global and check out our upcoming schedule.