Petty Chen

What persuaded you to work for Bank of America Merrill Lynch?

I decided to join Bank of America Merrill Lynch because of the people. I had a fantastic experience during my internship and made lots of great connections. Everyone I met at BofAML was enthusiastic and passionate. I felt like the people around me were invested in my career goals and supportive of my development.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There really isn’t a typical day as a Corporate Banking Analyst as it heavily depends on the clients. However, I spend the majority of my day talking to clients, understanding their goals, and learning about their business/operations. I help companies manage their cash flows and explore financing options to support their development.

What skills are important for a Corporate Banking Analyst?

Analytical skills are very important as we need to understand the client’s operations and identify business opportunities through their financial statements. Having the ability to dissect the financials gives us a holistic view of the companies we cover and helps us offer specific products that are tailored to each client’s needs. Additionally, communication skills are also critical as we talk to clients regularly and are expected to be able to present Bank of America’s platform and product offerings concisely and effectively.

Do you work in a global team?

Being on a regional multinationals coverage team in Hong Kong, I work with teams in all twelve markets within Asia, as well as bankers and product partners in North America and Europe. The team is incredibly diverse and brings very different ideas and perspectives to the table. Getting to work with people all around the world has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

What advice would you give to students?

Take advantage of networking events and speak to as many people as you can to understand different fields and areas within the industry.