Meet Tooni | SMBC Group | Industrial Placement

I was drawn to SMBC because of its welcoming and supportive Japanese culture, which fosters both personal and professional growth. The opportunity to rotate across different departments within Information Security particularly appealed to me, as it allows me gain hands-on-experience in multiple areas and make a well-informed decision about my future career path.

At present, I am working with the GRC(Governance, Risk and Compliance) department. This provides a strong foundation as I am gaining in-depth knowledge of the organisation's policies, procedures, and standards. My responsibilities include assisting in risk reviews, assessing risk appetite and ensuring appropriate controls are in place to mitigate potential threats.

What I value most is the strong sense of teamwork and support within SMBC. The collaborative environment makes me feel like an integral part of the team and keeps me motivated. On top of that, the friendships I have built with my fellow interns have made the experience more enjoyable and memorable.

Be curious and open-minded, use every opportunity to ask questions and learn from colleagues across the team. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone as the rotational structure is designed to help you explore and grow. Lastly, focus on building your network. Attending events and engaging with others can help you build valuable relationships that can support your career journey going forward.