Meet Sneyha Pynee, a recruit of the 2023 Beyond Graduate Programme, as she walks you through her journey: from selection to future career prospects. 

Knowing her future lies in the vast and fast-paced banking industry, Sneyha chooses to explore her options. Eager to immerse herself in various streams of banking and find where her skills and interests align best within this dynamic industry, her professional adventure begins at MCB. 

Making the cut 

“The selection process was rigorous, yet transparent. It involved multiple stages, including interviews and assessments, gauging our technical skills as well as our affinities with company culture. Instead of assessing our technical knowledge alone, various other factors were prioritized: critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and teamwork among others.  No wonder, as they’re all essential qualities to succeed in today’s banking industry!”, she remembers. She also appreciated the diversity of students being invited to showcase their skills and potential during this programme. After all, Beyond Graduate is all about equal opportunities and meritocracy! 

A supporting ecosystem

Nurturing talent is what this learning journey is all about! Like her peers, Sneyha found HR to be a constant point of contact, tuning in after each rotation. “This ongoing communication gave me guidance and support tailored to my progress and career goals within the programme” she explains, adding that she made the most of learning opportunities: “We have access to a wide range of seminars and courses which equipped me to excel in different business units. This even applies to our soft skills and professional image! So far, I was able to build my communication skills, which allowed me to be a better networker at each business unit. We even benefited from one-on-one sessions with professional coaches. Mine helped me identify my goals, as well as what I want and need to work on”.  

All about mentorship 

This programme is the perfect occasion to learn from the best in the industry… And our young trainee didn’t let this opportunity slip by. “The Heads of the respective business units I explored were actively involved in the programme. I admired their willingness to teach, and the open feedback they gave us. They created a supportive environment where learning is prioritized, and growth opportunities are abundant. I also seized the opportunity to meet previous fellow graduates who generously offered their guidance. Their insights and experiences have provided valuable perspectives on navigating challenges and maximizing opportunities within the programme and beyond”, she confides, enthused. 

Bridging academia and hands-on experience 

She enters the bank with a solid foundation in both legal principles and financial management, and an appetite to understand the mechanics of the banking industry itself. “In that sense, our training is tailored to the demands of the banking industry. I had the opportunity to discover various business units within the organization. This broadened my understanding of the industry, all the while allowing me to apply my academic knowledge in real-world scenarios.”, Sneyha insists.  

Growing as a person  

Exercising her skillset across business units allowed Sneyha to develop a host of soft skills: “In a mere 6 months, I’ve become more adaptable and resilient. I've learned to embrace change and ambiguity and be more proactive”, says the avid learner who seems to be growing with every new opportunity. 

What’s next? 

“Learning from the best at the MCB allowed me to identify common values which guide me forward. Innovating and creative thinking, but also developing solutions that meet evolving market needs are but some of the goals that motivate me to keep expanding my skillset.”, says Sneyha. “I’m also committed to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into my work. As a young person, working towards a banking sector that powers more positive change for the community and the environment is particularly important to me.”, she concludes.

Learn more about the Beyond Graduate Programme here.