I was able to uncover errors that were being made and alert my superiors so that the problem could be rectified. The experience was valuable for a couple of reasons. For one, it provided me with a framework for the functional application of financial analysis. I learned much by poring through both the financial and managerial accounting figures. I focused on determining efficiencies, and was successful in making improvements in small ways.

I gained considerable experience in front line business as well. This acts as a complement to my academic background, because it puts that background into perspective. At Ming Feng, I gained a real appreciation for the way business works in the real world. It was a step into the old Hong Kong for me, away from the glass towers, but at the same time these are precisely the types of businesses that drive the world's economy. I found the entire experience fascinating from that perspective.

Ming Feng was the most functional of the three positions I had, since I was focused on basic accounting tasks. Yet, I gained a lot of experience there and was able to apply much of my academic background in the course of my daily financial analysis. My accomplishments were in a support role, but this is a role that I will play from time to time, particularly as I learn the commercial banking trade.

During my time at Hang Sing Trading, I worked as marketing intern. This role also utilized my financial expertise. I worked on pricing strategies for our Chinese shipping operations. Through a superior pricing regime,...

Another achievement in this position was that I was able to develop means to tighten the inventory turnover, reducing inventory levels by 10%.
This experience taught me that financial analysis is a valuable skill in all facets of business, not just in accounting or finance. Indeed, I was able to do for the marketing department what none of the marketing people had been able to do themselves, simply through the careful application of my financial knowledge.

I also learned much about the role of the marketing function and how it is typically conducted in a modern enterprise. Although I do not see myself as focused on a marketing career, these skills are applicable to commercial banking. There will be times when marketing efforts are required, to attract investors, to attract customers or simply to win favor from powerful people within and without the company.

My work experiences are well-rounded, and this was a deliberate strategy on my part. I believe that commercial banking is a field where one cannot simply rely on number crunching. The business requires a wide range of skills, not just in the conduct of the bank's business, but to help understand the customer's business as well. I have built myself into a total package candidate because I believe that helps me to add value to HSBC. The world's best bank can only be so with the best people on board. I feel that I am one of those people, on the strength of my varied work experience and strong academic track record.