The Standard Bank CIB Technology Graduate Programme - Experience Design
In the dynamic landscape of financial services, innovation and technological advancement are pivotal. Recognizing this, Standard Bank has established the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) Technology Graduate Programme, with a special focus on Experience Design. This initiative is designed to foster new talent in the realm of technology and user experience, preparing graduates to lead the charge in a rapidly evolving industry.
About Standard Bank
Standard Bank, one of Africa's
largest financial institutions, was established in 1862 in Port Elizabeth,
South Africa. The bank's inception aimed to cater to the financial needs of the
expanding colonial economy, which was heavily influenced by the burgeoning
diamond and gold industries. Initially known as The Standard Bank of British
South Africa, it rapidly expanded its operations across Southern Africa,
setting up branches in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban. By the early 20th
century, the bank had established a strong presence throughout the region,
offering a wide range of financial services and contributing significantly to
the economic development of Southern Africa.
Over the decades, Standard Bank has
undergone substantial transformations, aligning itself with the evolving
economic and political landscapes. In 1962, it rebranded to Standard Bank of
South Africa Limited and continued to diversify its operations. The 1980s and
1990s were marked by significant international expansion, with the bank
establishing a foothold in various African countries and beyond. Embracing
technological advancements, Standard Bank was a pioneer in adopting digital
banking solutions, which has cemented its position as a modern,
forward-thinking financial institution. Today, Standard Bank is not only a key
player in Africa's banking sector but also a symbol of resilience and
adaptability, continually evolving to meet the dynamic needs of its clients
across the continent and globally.
Understanding the Programme
The Standard Bank CIB Technology
Graduate Programme is a comprehensive, multi-faceted training initiative aimed
at equipping recent graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel
in the financial technology sector. The Experience Design track, a cornerstone
of this programme, emphasizes the importance of creating user-centric financial
solutions. This track is crucial because it bridges the gap between complex
financial systems and the end-users who rely on these services.
Qualifications Required
Candidates for the Standard Bank CIB
Technology Graduate Programme - Experience Design should possess a postgraduate
qualification, either completed or on track to be completed in 2024. This
qualification can be in:
·
Design
Studies
·
Information
Systems
·
Computer
Science
·
Graphic
Design
·
Interaction
Design
·
Human-Computer
Interaction
·
User
Experience Design
·
Or
a related field.
This diverse range of disciplines
ensures that candidates have a strong foundational knowledge and specialized
skills relevant to the multifaceted nature of experience design in a financial
context.
Experience Required
Applicants should have participated
in relevant workshops, conferences, or online courses related to finance and
design, as these experiences can provide valuable insights and enhance their
professional development. The ideal candidate will have up to 2 years of
experience in a design-related role, preferably within the finance industry or
a corporate setting. Experience working in startups or design agencies is also
advantageous, as it demonstrates adaptability and a wide range of design
skills.
Portfolio and Technical Skills
Candidates must submit a link to an
online portfolio showcasing their design work. This portfolio should
demonstrate proficiency in designing for web and mobile platforms, including
examples of user interfaces, user experience flows, and interactive prototypes.
The ability to showcase practical and impactful design solutions is critical.
Additionally, proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite
(Photoshop, Illustrator, XD) and Sketch is required. Familiarity with
prototyping tools like Figma is preferred, and a basic understanding of
front-end development technologies (HTML, CSS) is a plus. This technical
proficiency ensures candidates can effectively contribute to the design and
implementation of user-centric financial solutions.
The Role of Experience Design
Experience Design in the context of
financial services focuses on crafting intuitive, efficient, and engaging
interfaces that enhance user interaction with banking products and services.
This involves understanding user needs, behaviors, and pain points, and then
designing solutions that not only meet these needs but also exceed
expectations.
In the Standard Bank CIB Technology
Graduate Programme, graduates delve into various aspects of Experience Design,
including:
·
User
Research and Analysis
Understanding the target audience
through surveys, interviews, and analytics to gather insights on user behavior
and preferences.
·
Interface
Design
Creating visually appealing and
functional interfaces that facilitate smooth user interaction.
·
Prototyping
and Testing
Developing prototypes and conducting
usability tests to refine and optimize design solutions.
·
Collaboration
with Development Teams
Working closely with software
developers to ensure that design visions are effectively implemented and
maintained.
Programme Structure and Learning Experience
The Experience Design track is
structured to provide a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical
experience. Graduates participate in a series of workshops, seminars, and
hands-on projects that cover the latest trends and techniques in user experience
(UX) and user interface (UI) design.
·
Mentorship
and Guidance
One of the key strengths of the
programme is its mentorship component. Experienced professionals from Standard
Bank and industry experts guide graduates, offering insights and advice that
are invaluable in navigating the complexities of Experience Design in the
financial sector. This mentorship ensures that graduates not only gain
technical skills but also develop a strategic understanding of how to apply
these skills in real-world scenarios.
·
Real-World
Projects
Graduates are given the opportunity
to work on real-world projects that have a tangible impact on Standard Bank's
operations. This hands-on approach allows participants to apply their learning
in practical settings, working on projects that range from mobile banking apps
to sophisticated financial platforms. These projects provide a platform for
graduates to showcase their creativity and problem-solving abilities,
contributing to their professional growth and confidence.
·
Career
Prospects and Opportunities
Upon completion of the programme,
graduates are well-prepared to embark on careers in Experience Design and
related fields. The skills acquired during the programme are highly sought
after in the financial industry and beyond, including sectors such as technology,
consultancy, and digital marketing.
How to Apply?
Applications close on the 30th
of June 2024. Click here to apply.
Standard Bank's CIB Technology
Graduate Programme serves as a launchpad for a rewarding career, offering a
unique blend of technical training, practical experience, and professional
development. Graduates emerge as proficient, innovative, and user-focused
professionals ready to drive the future of financial technology.
