Three top tips for working in finance
Aaron Yong went from watching films about finance to working in it. Now a Credit Team Manager in Shell Malaysia, he shares three pieces of advice for a successful career.
In 1987, the actor Michael Douglas lit up the screen in the movie Wall Street, watched by a young Aaron Yong. But it wasn’t the star cast or memorable soundtrack that intrigued Aaron, but rather the intricacies of working in finance.
Seventeen years later and armed with an accounting degree, Aaron joined Shell as a Junior Analyst. He is now a Credit Team Manager in Malaysia leading a team of 15 that handles portfolios of over 30,000 corporate customers across the country.
Aaron’s inspiration to work in finance may have been a film, but his success at Shell has been a combination of hard work and dedication. He breaks this success down into three core pieces of advice.
Find a work culture that suits you
Find a work culture that suits you
Before joining Shell, Aaron had worked as an auditor. But after two years in the role, he had found his work becoming repetitive, robotic and not challenging enough. He knew it was time to move on. He saw a Shell job posting online, applied for it and aced the interview.
“Shell offered a very different work environment to what I’d experienced before,” says Aaron. “One with internationally recognised processes, supportive work culture and great work-life balance.”
Five years later and Aaron remains inspired. “I have had so many opportunities to learn, develop, make improvements to both myself and the organisation, and take decisions,” he says. “It’s very empowering.”
Seek, and give, feedback regularly
Seek, and give, feedback regularly
In his first role at Shell as a Junior Analyst, Aaron admits that he often finished tasks quickly without fully evaluating them or understanding why he was doing them or how they contributed to the business.
“My line managers and team members were quick to help me,” he remembers. “They were always on hand to provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement. They helped me learn how to streamline my work and optimise my performance.”
In early 2018, a promotion put Aaron in charge of a team for the first time. It meant that, in addition to overseeing a large portfolio, he now had to lead a team of analysts, keep them motivated and look after their professional development.
“I remembered how much my regular discussions with my line manager had developed me and endeavoured to do the same in my team,” he says. “By creating an open and collaborative atmosphere in which constructive feedback is welcomed and encouraged can you empower the people around you.”
Turn mistakes into lessons and fears into opportunities
Turn mistakes into lessons and fears into opportunities
As a child Aaron hadn’t enjoyed school at all. He left studying to the last minute and skipped lectures to enjoy his social life. But as an adult, Aaron isn’t repeating the mistakes of his youth.
“On the job, you have to grow up and take responsibility. You are the custodian of our own fate,” he says.
And work has offered him the chance to learn new things and continue his education. Every hurdle or challenge he has faced has become a lesson.
Aaron is currently learning to face a big fear of his: public speaking. “Growing up, I did not have many opportunities to speak in front of a crowd,” he explains. “But in my current position I have to speak in front of large groups of people on a regular basis. I don’t excel at it, but I am learning.”
Each lesson Aaron learns is but a stepping-stone towards his long-term goal. “I want to continue to develop my capabilities,” he says. “I don’t just want to be a manager, but a leader, and Shell provides me with the opportunities and means of getting there.”
