Kim advises our clients on their journey into the digital future

Starting your career at Deutsche Bank doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to live and work in one of the world’s major banking centres. Just take Kim, for example, who is currently completing a graduate programme in our private and corporate client bank. It was important to Kim that she be able to start her career while still maintaining close links with her home town. Working as a trainee at a branch in Mainz means she can strike this balance.

Kim likes to interact with people and is as interested in economic issues as she is in technological trends. Initially, a dual study programme in information systems seemed the ideal solution, however, Kim soon discovered that analytical-mathematical studies lacked daily contact with people. She subsequently switched programmes but remained in constant contact with the bank during her degree in business administration. She went on to gain her first practical experience via an internship in one of our branches. Whilst there, she was involved in advising clients on planning and organising their financial activities, as well as working with colleagues to design processes within the branch. This proved to be the perfect mix for her.

After completing her Bachelors, Kim applied for our graduate programme. “I was able to choose three preferred locations,” she recalls. “That was vital to me because I wanted to stay close to my family and friends.” She got her dream start at a branch in Mainz, where she enjoys the blend of everyday banking business and complex advisory situations. “We serve a wide range of clients here in the branch. Every day is different, and our advisory services are just as diverse.” These services include investment, financing, day-to-day payment transactions and building international business relationships. “The mix of different people and requirements is what makes working here so exciting.”

Digital transformation is changing the branch landscape. Online media, apps and video chats are an integral part of the advisory infrastructure. While some customers are new to the world of digital services, others are already online experts. “Digital solutions, smartphones and tablets are also part and parcel of my private life,” she explains. “I have grown up with technology and am glad to be able to use my knowledge to share tips with both clients and colleagues.” Conversely, her more experienced colleagues pass on their specialist know-how to Kim – a shared, team-oriented responsibility from which everyone benefits.

Kim is acquiring a broad foundation of specialist knowledge during her graduate programme. She is undergoing several rotations, which means familiarising herself with the bank’s entire product range. In her final rotation, she has the opportunity to focus on a particular area and has opted for the business and corporate client division. Kim receives career support from her mentor, who gives her advice and helps her to make new contacts.

Despite all her local ties, Kim also appreciates the international scope of the bank. She began her trainee programme in London and met all of the trainees in her class. “That was unbelievably exciting and inspiring,” she says. The regular soft skills training sessions also have an international flavour. Kim learns via WebEx with trainees from India, Spain, England and the USA, while the trainer is based in London. “At the moment, I’m very happy with my role here,” she said, “but who knows where else my journey at the bank will take me.