【Article by College of Social Sciences】
On November 30th, 2021, IMES alumni Angel Cheng, Yuan-Yuan Mei, Billy Huang, Sam Chang, and Lin-Yu Cheng were invited to share their career experiences as Management Associates in the banking industry and interview skills. Working in Fubon Bank, CTBC Bank, E.SUN Bank, Taishin Bank, and Mega Bank respectively, Sam Chang and Lin-Yu Cheng have also been appointed to branches overseas in Hong-Kong and New York.

The speakers started with introducing the role of an MA and how to prepare for interviews. During interviews, there are skills applicable to stand out and techniques to take to heart, information that unveils the mysteries of being a Management Associate.

Emphasizing the importance of being proactive but not belittling, to listen and ask the right questions, and to remember information brought up by other interviewees to enhance your own answers, Cheng from Fubon Bank also brings up another topic - characteristics. A MA will benefit from being sociable, logical, active, stress resistant, and confident in any occasion.

“Preparation can always go a long way,” said Cheng. With Huang from E.SUN giving insight to resume preparation and more about working experience, he stresses how to utilize what you have. Being specific about your qualities, you can transform disadvantages to advantages. Furthermore, when used right, stories and experiences can add to your overall impression.

Mei from CTBC Bank then shared how to make use of these tips in different interview stages, and how each bank approaches their recruitment process. A Management Associate prioritizes a team-player role. One should not reject those that need your help, but embrace the ability to help and contribute.

Speakers online, Chang and Cheng from Taishin and Mega Bank, recollected how the English-taught program, IMES, had honed skills that they are still using till this day. Having classmates from all over the world improved their conversational English abilities, a skill that a MA values. The IMES program and NCCU are very resourceful and the speakers encouraged juniors attending to make use of them. One should take advantage of internships and exchange programs, as being an exchange student is a great opportunity and the best way to see the world. Though being appointed overseas may be a dream for many, Cheng warns that language and daily life in a foreign environment can be stressful and challenging. Faced with new responsibilities, the speakers still spoke about their new experiences and growth passionately, fondly reminiscing about times as a student and how interactions shaped who they are today.

With the event coming to an end, the seniors happily answered questions brought up by juniors attending. Having graduated for several years, the alumni were delighted that their experiences and hard work can benefit students that want to follow the path they have taken. No matter the background or difference in where they started, the doors to becoming a Management Associate is welcome to all.