We’ve all heard the rumours about banks… but here, we do culture differently. Our people say that difference is our greatest strength, and our culture is unlike anything they’ve experienced in banking before. Read on to hear from our Program Manager, Ann Nguyen, about how a transition to regional Victoria didn’t mean she had to sacrifice career growth or impact.
Making the move
Ann’s story at Bendigo Bank is one of seeking balance, embracing change and finding fulfilment. In a career spanning over 25 years in financial services and technology, there isn’t much Ann hasn’t seen. So, when she decided to move to Bendigo Bank, it was as much for the lifestyle shift as it was to advance her career.
“At the start of the pandemic, my husband and I moved to Gippsland in regional Victoria,” says Ann. “One day, I came across an opportunity at Bendigo Bank in Information Security - a field I hadn’t worked in before. The role offered great flexibility and I saw it as a way to use my skills in project delivery.”
For Ann, the role was a perfect fit. Not only did it match her previous experience in digital and cloud platforms, but it also offered her the flexibility she needed to work remotely.
As a Program Manager at Bendigo Bank, Ann oversees delivery of the Information Security (InfoSec) program of initiatives across the organisation.. Her role comprises of two primary functions: managing the Infosec program and supporting service teams.
Through leading teams of project managers and business analysts, Ann ensures projects are on schedule, within budget and enhance the bank’s security. While the role is busy and comprehensive, Ann’s holistic approach enables her to maintain an overall view of the program’s deliverables and remain aligned with the strategic objectives of the practice and bank.
Want to grow your career without sacrificing what's important to you?
It Begins at Bendigo Bank.
Finding balance
As a self-described “city girl”, Ann’s leap into rural life wasn’t just about a change of scenery - it was a full-blown adventure. Activities Ann once thought unlikely, such as home renovations and tending to her veggie patch, now form an integral part of her routine.
Despite this welcome change in pace and lifestyle, Ann’s career growth and development have stayed on track.
“At Bendigo Bank, they embrace you no matter what stage you’re at in your life and career. If you want to be career focused, they will support you in that. Likewise, if you just want to do your job to the best of your ability and switch off at the end of the day, that’s possible, too. The culture is great here.”
Since Ann first joined us in 2022, her impact across the organisation has been significant. One of her proudest achievements has been introducing structured quarterly planning within the InfoSec teams - an effective way to bring teams together to set realistic goals, plan steps to achieve them and track progress along the way.
“Rather than fire fighting all the time, I’d like to think I’ve instilled some practices for our teams to achieve long-term goals outside day-to-day operations.”
We’re making better, bigger. And we’ll get there with you.
Find your career opportunity at Bendigo Bank.
A better big bank
When she’s not walking her dog, Freya, or engaging in hobbies like aerial silks and gardening, Ann is content with her current role and the balance it provides. For now, she is focused on leveraging her wealth of experience to drive meaningful change in how we operate and deliver projects.
While maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important to her, Ann is looking forward to opportunities to learn, grow and explore different areas of the bank.
“I think I’ll always be a project delivery person - that’s just my bread and butter. But one thing I love about Bendigo Bank is there’s an opportunity to grow vertically and laterally.”
Looking to the future, Ann is excited about Bendigo Bank’s unique position in the industry. With a strong presence in regional areas and a community-focused model, Ann believes this understanding of local needs solidifies Bendigo Bank’s reputation as the better big bank.
“I’ve worked in banking for most of my career, and there was a time in the industry when everybody hated banks. Bendigo Bank is a nice alternative because they have a different working model and a strong customer-centric approach.
“For me, I’m really happy where I’m at. I’ve got a good level of responsibility, I have opportunities to enable people to grow and I can use my skills to influence positive outcomes. I’d like to think I’ll be at Bendigo Bank for a long time.”
