Marcus, 29, found clarity in his career after joining OCBC's Graduate Talent Programme in 2022. The programme not only enhanced his technical skills and client management abilities but also fostered a culture of growth and mentorship that has significantly shaped his professional development as a relationship manager.

Hi, I’m Marcus Khoo. Like many fresh graduates, I wasn’t entirely sure where I wanted to take my career. With a double degree in Business and Economics from the National University of Singapore (NUS), I had many options to explore, but no clear direction. That’s when I took a leap of faith and joined OCBC’s Graduate Talent Programme – a decision that turned out to be one of the best I’ve made.

Exploring the banking industry

The programme was more than just a job; it was an adventure that allowed me to immerse myself in different aspects of the banking industry. I rotated across various departments, gaining first-hand experience in capital markets, loan syndication, corporate finance and global markets. Each rotation pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenging me to adapt quickly while deepening my understanding of how different functions work together to drive the bank’s success.

A defining moment: Regional Week

One of the most defining moments of my journey was Regional Week (a week-long programme of learning, innovation, and business case building for Graduate Talents to build their peer network with colleagues across regions and subsidiaries). I was entrusted the role of chairperson for an event featuring participants from all over the region. At first, the scale of responsibility felt overwhelming. But with the unwavering support of my organising committee, we tackled every challenge head-on, proving our resilience and teamwork. I'll never forget the moment my project team won first runner-up for our presentation, especially since we were also juggling our organising committee and regular responsibilities. It reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and the incredible things that can be achieved when people come together with a shared goal.

Becoming a better relationship manager

Through the Graduate Talent Programme, I also honed my skills as a relationship manager. Transitioning from the buy-side of property funds to the sell- side in commercial real estate banking was a shift that required me to refine my ability to engage with clients, communicate persuasively, and build lasting relationships. The exposure to different departments gave me a broader perspective, allowing me to connect banking solutions with real world business challenges. By balancing technical knowledge with soft skills like negotiation, client management, and stakeholder management, I became more confident in my ability to meet my clients’ needs and provide meaningful support.

The power of mentorship

Beyond the technical skills I gained, mentorship played a huge role in shaping my growth. The formal mentorship sessions within the programme offered great insights, but I found some of the most valuable guidance came from seeking out mentors beyond the structured setting. These candid conversations helped me understand the nuances of career development at OCBC – what paths to explore, which skills to refine, and how to navigate the fast-paced world of corporate banking. Having someone to turn to for honest advice was a game-changer.

A culture of growth and collaboration

But what truly sets OCBC apart for me was the culture. It’s a place that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Here, I wasn’t just another employee. I was part of a team that valued my contributions and encouraged me to take ownership of my work. That kind of environment pushes you to grow, to challenge yourself, and to become better every day.

From Graduate to Professional

Now that I’m firmly settled into my role as a relationship manager, I can see just how much the Graduate Talent Programme shaped my career. It gave me the skills, knowledge, and network to thrive in the industry – not just for today, but for the long run.