Management Associate Program has always been a dream of every fresh graduate………. U @ UBL, is a unique Management Associate Program which allows associates to learn about the entire banking operation before entering a specific division. I as an MA learnt about the bank's core divisions with both classroom training and hands-on experience in almost every group. Leadership training, team-building exercises, various activities, projects were a part of the program. In addition, I’ve learnt a lot through exposure with members of the senior management.

Being part of one of the largest bank in Pakistan, high performers are given the opportunity to work in a wide selection of business groups and functions. For my own career track, it's good to know that there are lots of opportunities to develop and explore as my interests evolve. The culture at UBL emphasizes the individual's career development. On a day-to-day basis, this translates into an impressive degree of responsibility and a significant amount of influence on business decisions that impact both daily operations and long-term growth.

The best way to achieve all you want to is by leveraging the breadth of opportunities available. Being a Management Associate provided me to experience areas beyond my experience and expertise through interaction with relevant people. I utilized the rotation part to build relationships across UBL, this has added to my personal network— and has built through my interactions both working and social.

Teamwork has been crucial in various projects I have worked on. Sharing knowledge across functions and businesses has helped to build a varied portfolio of skills. In a team-oriented culture like that of UBL's, you can make the most of every initiative and add new thinking to the way things are done with dedicated and high performance teams.

We are well aware that we live in turbulent times. Life is much more complicated than it used to be. It has become more difficult to pursue one’ dreams. The cut-throat competition that prevails at present has made it difficult to pursue careers of one choice or earn a decent living. And the “Reference” culture, for one, being the main hurdle. But the lengthy and transparent induction and recruitment process of UBL offers hope to the young generation that they still can pursue careers of their choice on Merit.

“World Class Organization depends on World Class Human Resource “. Basing on this philosophy UBL Introduced its MA Program. I was selected amongst the other 38 MAs from different regions of Pakistan with different academic backgrounds, short listed from around 7000 candidates from across Pakistan. The Management Associates are selected through a very detailed and subjective recruitment process ensuring quality output. Entry Test, Group discussion, panel interview and final selection were all based on Merit ensuring the candidates selected are best suited for the fast paced corporate culture of Bank.

The program being distinctive and attractive in its nature from those of other Banks is very famous among the fresh graduates looking for dynamic organizations to pursue their careers. Training period at Head Office Karachi, Interaction with high Management, freedom of choice in selecting the departments, co-operative and career building behavior of HR and a solid vision is what gave the real confidence during my early days. Now even after an year of my selection I am getting the same guidance and co-operation for moving forward.

I hope it serves your purpose.

The recruitment process at UBL is a competitive one. We have to undergo a rigorous testing and interview steps before being inducted in the UBL. These steps help us to show our different skills and abilities. After being inducted we have to undergo 2 months rigorous training. We go through the class room sessions pertaining to different banking operations and then go through the practical training of branch banking operations, trade, credits, human resources etc. This helps us in understanding the processes going on in the bank.

The new vision of the bank has certainly had its grass root home work in order that reflects from the comprehensive training program put up for the Management Associates, hand picked fresh graduates from all the leading universities from various regions of the country.

The fresh graduates were contacted through mostly their respective business schools and were made to walk through a written test proceeding with group sessions and interviews.

I happen to be one of those who were considered fit for the organization and I consider the induction process to be very transparent and well thought out. The training from the enlightened visionary management which was not expected from the old drained image of the bank proved to be of immense satisfaction in ones decision of coming on board.

The rotation which no matter did seem shorter then required could not have been managed with the current dynamics of every department which is feverishly occupied in reengineering their processes and systems. To get things in order, to get things “right” at the “bottom line”.