Lynette Kek, 25, spent her university years running a social media marketing agency. After coming across OCBC’s purpose - to enable people and communities to realise their aspirations - she felt inspired to pursue something more meaningful. That led her to join the Graduate Talent Programme in 2023.

She was intrigued by the possibilities offered by the bank: an accelerated career track, personalised job rotations and mentorship guidance. Through these rotations, she discovered her passion for wealth management.

Q: What attracted you to the programme initially?

I’ve always been curious about financial markets – I started investing when I was 19. So, when I came across the Graduate Talent Programme (GTP), it felt like a natural next step: a chance to align my interests with a meaningful career.

Compared to running a business where it can be lonely and uncertain, it was a refreshing change in scenery having a structured programme where you can choose your career trajectory and know what the possibilities are. As a Graduate Talent, there were many opportunities to collaborate across the bank’s divisions and entities.
Q. How did you realise you want to pursue wealth management?

The personalised rotations in GTP gave me a safe space to explore both storytelling and capital markets hands-on. I experienced the creative strategy side in marketing, and then the market-facing analytical side in wealth advisory. It helped me clarify what energises me: thinking fast, staying updated on the markets, and delivering actionable insights.

My first rotation in OCBC Securities Derivatives introduced me to the world of Forex and brokerage. The environment was fast-paced and technical, which fuelled my interest to venture deeper into the markets.

Next, in Digital Wealth Marketing, I learned the power of storytelling. I worked with a team that promoted Wealth Advisory content and ran campaigns to drive investment activity through the OCBC app. That experience gave me an end-to-end view of how investment strategies are shaped and communicated to clients.

My aspiration to pursue Wealth Management was cemented during my final rotation in Wealth Advisory, where I realised the field sits at the intersection of both my passions. Compared to marketing, the learning curve felt steeper, but that challenge excited me. ⁠⁠I enjoy the intellectual rigour, the dynamic pace, and the direct impact on clients’ financial outcomes.

I contributed to market updates, wrote content, and helped produce investment strategy videos. That’s when it clicked: I could be both analytical and creative here – and that balance felt right.
Q. How were you able to learn and grow with your home department?

At first, it felt daunting - I came from a marketing background and wasn’t sure if I’d ‘fit in’ within the world of finance. But those doubts quickly faded once I met my team.

From day one, my team created a nurturing and low-risk environment that allowed me to learn, experiment, and grow without fear of failure. Their support helped me overcome imposter syndrome and gave me the confidence to lean into the challenge. Of course, it also took a great deal of grit, determination, and curiosity on my part. I kept showing up, asked lots of questions, and consistently pushed myself beyond my comfort zone.

Over time, that curiosity transformed into confidence. I sharpened both my business acumen and data skills. It’s incredibly heartening to see how far I’ve come. This experience not only expanded my technical capabilities but also deepened my appreciation for collaborative learning and growth.

Being part of a team was instrumental in my growth. It gave me a safe space to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn without judgment. My teammates were generous with their time and knowledge. They didn’t just give me answers, they helped me understand the “why” behind them. That kind of support accelerated my learning curve and helped me build confidence in areas I was initially unsure about. More than anything, it reminded me that growth doesn’t have to be a solo journey - it’s often the people around you who help reach your potential.Q. How did your mentors support you in your career journey?

I have been fortunate to have two incredible mentors who played pivotal roles in shaping my career journey.

Loh Chiu Weng from Wealth Advisory helped me bridge the gap between curiosity and expertise in the markets. Coming from a non-finance background, I had a lot to learn – and fast. He didn’t just hand me resources; he created structure. Our weekly check-ins became a routine where I’d present market updates and receive candid feedback. It wasn’t always easy, but it sharpened my thinking and taught me how to communicate complex ideas clearly. He also encouraged me to immerse myself in financial literature, from newsletters and analyst reports to subscribing to The Financial Times. But what stuck with me most was his advice: “It’s okay not to know everything. We’ll never know everything. Be bold, make a calculated call, move on then deal with whatever comes later.” That mindset gave me permission to be bold and curious.

Meanwhile, Samuel Wong from Wealth Advisory, took a different approach – he opened doors. He believed in learning by doing and gave me opportunities that stretched my skills and expanded my network. I got to film investment strategy videos and meet prominent figures in the finance industry that I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. One standout moment was when he advocated for me in front of senior management, which led to an opportunity to host a ‘Trading Matters’ video series on OCBC’s YouTube channel. That experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me visibility I hadn’t expected.

Together, they didn’t just support my development – they challenged me to think bigger, act bolder, and grow faster. Their mentorship made a real difference in how I approach problems, communicate ideas, and see my place in the industry.

Q. Any final thoughts on the OCBC Graduate Talent Programme?

The Graduate Talent Programme has been a defining chapter in my career. It gave me the exposure, structure, and support to explore different facets of finance and discover where I thrive. Today, I see a clear path forward in advisory work – where I can continue to learn, lead and contribute meaningfully. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead