Sana Khan, technology graduate rotational program associate, at CIBC.Supplied
Sana Khan did three co-op placements at CIBC before choosing which area she wanted to go into at the Toronto-based bank, which ended up being cloud engineering. During the co-ops, part of CIBC’s Student Leadership Academy program, she was able to work on building her skills and real-world experience, and she received dedicated support to help her launch her career at CIBC post-graduation.
While working in a co-op placement in production application support, Khan heard about the bank’s Technology Graduate Rotational Program (TGRP), a full-time two-year rotational program for undergraduate students who have completed a previous co-op term at CIBC, designed to help hone their technical skills and set them up for long-term success.
“As a student, you’re still searching and learning about what you want to do, and TGRP gives you the opportunity to try a role you’re interested in and want to learn about,” says Khan, a TGRP associate.
The program offers associates the opportunity for continuous learning through rotations that align with their career development. They’re also matched with a mentor to support their career progression, leadership development, industry knowledge and introductions to a broader professional network.
“I was paired with a senior engineer as my mentor,” she says. “At first, I shadowed him, then I started being assigned tasks and he helped walk me through it, and because I was taught so well, I was able to pick things up. Now we have a weekly catchup, and he assigns me tasks that challenge me where I am, and that’s how I continue to learn.”
Chein La has been with CIBC for 16 years, starting as a junior software developer and working in the capital markets and wealth divisions before attaining her current role as vice-president, distribution technology, personal banking, Simplii and direct investing technology.
“CIBC is a huge supporter of young talent, and I’m really proud of that,” she says. “Not only when they’re getting their first job straight out of school but throughout their career. There are a lot of coaching and mentoring programs as well as early talent career and rotational programs like TGRP, which gives them real projects to work on and lets them see the broad spectrum of the organization.”
La was supported in her own chartered financial analyst certification training. “I love coding but I wanted to learn more about financial analysis,” she says. “If you’re interested in learning about the broader business, you can do that too.”
La has also participated in mentorship programs and student events, and she was executive sponsor for the annual summer student innovation challenge, which invites top students to develop new products, solutions and processes.
“Every year there’s a challenge for co-op students who show initiative,” she says. “They’re paired with an executive to come up with ideas to solve a business challenge or opportunity. They can prototype an app or an experience then present it to an executive judging panel and a winner is selected. It’s a lot of fun.”
La and Khan appreciate CIBC’s inclusive culture, which has 10 employee-led People Networks that offer opportunities for networking, learning about different business areas, attending social events and participating in a supportive environment. Through these People Networks, more than 25,000 team members across the bank are connected, fostering a sense of belonging and creating opportunities for growth.
“There’s a lot of opportunity to explore other teams and career paths and keep updated with industry standards and evolving technologies,” Khan says. “I’m so happy to be working here.”
More from Canada’s Top Young People Employers
Advertising feature produced by Canada’s Top 100 Employers, a division of Mediacorp Canada Inc. The Globe and Mail’s editorial department was not involved.