Meet Eamon | SMBC Group | Industrial Placement

SMBC is one of the leaders in aviation and maritime financing, which are two sectors I find exciting because of their tangible and asset-backed nature. It’s rewarding to know that a deal I’ve worked on could be the plane I ride on a future holiday, or even the vessel delivering something I ordered online!

Another major pull factor for me was that SMBC is one of the only banks offering a placement specifically in transportation finance. The team’s strong expertise and close collaboration with its subsidiary, SMBC Aviation Capital, creates an excellent environment for learning. I knew I’d be surrounded by unique and high-impact transactions, and that expectation has definitely been met from day one.

Besides the industry-specific expertise, the bank’s global reach and Japanese heritage were also deciding factors for choosing SMBC as my placement. Having previously worked at a Japanese company, I know that an emphasis on integrity, loyalty, and meticulousness is never overlooked. This resonates with my character, and I am proud to work at a bank that embodies such values.

A mix of different challenges every day, but primarily supporting the Credit team. One of my regular tasks is producing weekly trigger reports, highlighting clients that may need closer monitoring. For example, if there are signs of deteriorating financials, adverse news, or significant drops in share price or credit ratings. I also liaise with SMBC Aviation Capital by preparing spread templates and running the bank’s internal credit grading model based on the financials they provide.

Another key part of my role involves assisting with the credit monitoring process by checking that the origination team has prepared the application correctly. This includes verifying the bank’s exposure is accurately recorded, checking unfavourable [KD1] information, and reviewing financial spreads.

Lastly, I help with internal monitoring processes that are essential for keeping deals on track and ensuring the bank is alerted early if a client’s financial position begins to weaken. This involves communicating with Relationship Managers and ensuring financial statements are received and registered in a timely and compliant manner.

One of the best parts of my internship has been how much I’ve been able to take charge of my own learning. Unlike university, learning on the job requires taking initiative and making use of the various resources provided at the bank. The most valuable resource for me is the approachable people in our department, who are always happy to give their time to share their insights. I’ve really enjoyed speaking to many of my experienced colleagues and hearing the advice they’ve shared.

Besides this, an aspect I’ve really appreciated is SMBC’s open and supportive feedback culture. The annual goal-setting and review process has been a great way to reflect on progress and identify my areas for growth, and I’ve found the team to be incredibly receptive and encouraging throughout. During one of these sessions, a colleague shared that they were impressed with my work on internal monitoring and noted that I had shown strong initiative in seeking out learning opportunities. Feedback like this has been motivating, and has helped me better understand how I can continue developing. It’s been reassuring to know that the bank values intern development and creates space for honest, constructive conversations.

Lastly, the most rewarding aspect of the internship is the supportive community. From day one, I felt at ease knowing that I had not only the network of placement students but also a buddy mentor within the department. Everyone is quite easy-going and friendly, so anytime I have questions about my or other departments, I can easily go to any one of them.

Take your time to research the company along with the specific department you’re applying to. For my interview, I found it helpful to read SMBC’s medium-term management plan and research the Poseidon Principles. If possible, you should learn about the types of deals being worked on and try to connect with current or former interns to gain more familiarity with the role.

In the interview itself, be confident in your reasons for joining and clearly communicate what skills/knowledge you’d like to develop during your year. That said, remember that as a placement student, you’re not expected to know everything. In fact, a humble, growth-minded, and curious attitude will take you much further and demonstrate that you’re ready to learn and make the most of your placement.