Serena Lew
Master of IT in Business (Financial Technology & Analytics)
January 2023 Intake
While completing the SMU MITB programme, I was keen to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. I hence sought an internship that would not only complement my studies but also offer hands-on experience in financial services and technology. This led me to apply for the internship opportunity at DBS Bank with the Innovation for Treasury & Markets team, under the Investment & Trading Technology department. I submitted my application through OnTRAC, the university's career portal.
I entered the internship with the aim of gaining practical experience in both the areas of innovation and how a technology department functions within a bank. The reality exceeded my expectations as I actively contributed to various projects, learned about innovative strategies, and picked up various skills. Through the experience, I broadened my understanding of financial markets products as well. The valuable exposure to the bank's innovative strategies and practices enriched my classroom-understanding of how innovation is harnessed and inspired me to contribute to such efforts in the future. The projects I worked on were not just tasks; they were opportunities to learn about the business and apply the skills I had gained in the MITB programme in real, impactful ways. Furthermore, I was able to enhance my proficiency with an array of essential tools such as Python, Power Automate, Visio, and PowerPoint. I have learned to automate workflows, wrangle with data, design processes, and create impactful visual presentations. I believe these will make me more versatile and efficient in my career in the future.
The internship came with its challenges, particularly the steep learning curve in financial markets knowledge and technical skills. The knowledge from several courses such as Digital Banking Trends, Fintech Innovation and Startups and Financial Markets Systems and Technology provided a good foundation. The projects from these classes were also instrumental in preparing me for the strategic thinking and effective communication required in this role. It was a good experience to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application during the internship. It was also challenging to take on new responsibilities in an unfamiliar work environment and balance the MITB coursework with the demands of the internship. It taught me a lot about time management and resilience.
Reflecting on this experience, the internship was more than just a stint; it was a pivotal chapter in my professional growth. It equipped me with not just technical skills but also a deeper understanding of the intersection between technology and finance. As I graduate from the MITB programme, the insights and experiences gained will indelibly shape my career path forward. This internship has significantly influenced my career aspirations. While my interest in becoming a business analyst remains steadfast, I am now equally receptive to exploring roles centered on strategy. I am grateful for the opportunity to have completed this internship. Special thanks to my manager, Matthew, for his mentorship, and to the T&M Innovation Team for their exceptional guidance and the valuable learning opportunities provided.
