Kelly Wang – Risk Graduate

Numbers were always the plan

I’ve always been a numbers person; there was no two ways about it. After a degree in Mathematics and Economics and a placement with Lloyd Banking Group’s Business Support Unit Credit Risk Team, I knew I wanted to get exposure to different risk disciplines and build a career in banking. The Risk Graduate Scheme was exactly what I needed to do that. 

The variety is the job

I came in thinking this would be a heads-down, analytical role in a traditional bank. It’s quite the opposite. Almost everything I do involves different people from different teams, as we work out how to reach the best judgement together. To add to that, the Group’s strong focus on innovation means I’ve had the chance to explore how AI tools could improve productivity and support teams. I didn’t expect a bank to focus so much on exploring upcoming technology, but it was a welcome surprise.

No two days are the same

I’m in Corporate Credit now. It’s been a rollercoaster, but the best kind. Some days I’m knee-deep in analysing financial proposals. Others, you’ll find me reading everything I can to build knowledge in an industry I’m still coming to grips with. One of the most interesting things I’ve done is reviewing complex credit transactions and assessing how risk factors come in from different angles. It's been really fascinating to witness my risk judgement develop in real-time and understand how different things affect credit decisions.

A culture that backs me

If I have to describe the culture here in one word, it would be supportive. I was initially worried about the transition from university to full-time work, but when I realised I had my manager, colleagues and fellow graduates to lean on, it helped me settle so much quicker. I’m now comfortable knowing that if I don’t know something, I can just ask for help. And trust me, that makes such a difference when you’re in your first job.

Finding my people

I’m part of the Women in Financial Risk & MRO network as well as the ESEA network. Between the two, I’ve ended up in conversations I’d never have had through my day job. I’ve been learning about parts of the business I don’t touch, meeting people at every level, and celebrating things together. It’s really all these small things that make you feel like you’ve found a home.