| Name: | Tim Huang |
| Current Role: | Associate, BMO Capital Markets®† and Bank-Wide Student Training Program Graduate |
| Location: | Chicago, IL |
| "I took my summer internship as an opportunity to explore the Bank and meet people in the areas I was considering for my career." | |
I started as a summer student in BMO® Financial Group’s Bank-Wide Student Training Program in 2005, working in the Risk Management area. I took that internship as an opportunity to explore the Bank and meet people in the areas I was considering for my career. When I graduated with my Engineering and MBA degrees in 2006, I changed business groups and joined the Bank full-time as an Analyst on the trading floor in Toronto. I worked in the Interest Rate Derivatives group, which involves talking directly to clients about products that will reduce their exposure to changes in interest rates. Since October 2008, I have been working in the Chicago office, in the same group but with a U.S. client base. | |
| "I’ve always had the opportunity to do something different; all I’ve ever need to do is speak up and say I’m interested." | |
The Bank’s people, corporate culture and atmosphere are what kept me here after I graduated. I’ve always had the opportunity to do something different; all I’ve ever needed to do is speak up and say I’m interested. My managers have provided me with great advice on next steps I could take, and have looked out for possible opportunities for me. I also really enjoy the dynamic nature of my job. There is no monotony, because every case is different. I learn new things with every new customer. I’ve been able to work in both Canada and U.S. markets, which has been a great experience. | |
| "I know I’ve succeeded when customers leave knowing what I’ve suggested will add value to their company." | |
In this job, you need an open mind, a drive to always want to learn new things, and an understanding of how financial systems work at a high level. My technical background in math and finance has been useful, but the soft skills are equally important. Being able to talk to customers is essential – you can’t be shy in this job! At the end of the day, our customers want to successfully run their businesses. It’s my job to understand what products and services we’re offering to help them do just that. I know I’ve succeeded when customers leave knowing what I’ve suggested will add value to their company. | |
| "I spent a lot of time researching and talking to people in the jobs I wanted to find out what was really involved and what the atmosphere was like." | |
It’s essential for students to know what they want and conduct thorough research; that will make it easier for managers and mentors to help you. I spent a lot of time doing my own research and talking to people in the jobs I wanted to find more about and what the atmosphere was like. Your success can depend upon how well you fit into any business group’s culture. It’s also important to take the initiative and talk to people. I saw the conversations I had when I was looking to explore new areas of the Bank as opportunities to demonstrate my skills and knowledge, and convince people that I was a good fit for their group. |
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| "I’m still in the learning stage of my career, and I’m very new to the role, so my focus right now is to excel in this job." | |
In this area of the Bank, there are two ways to advance your career: by taking on larger accounts, and by moving to a similar role in a different product group. I’m still in the learning stage of my career, and I’m still new to the role, so my focus right now is to excel in this job. I’m also interested in learning more about the difference between the Canadian and American markets and how they influence each other. I get a lot of exposure to other groups, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn more about other parts of the Bank! | |
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® Registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal.
®† Registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence.
