Wealth and Personal Banking Degree Apprentice Review

My first placement sits in commercial banking marketing, specifically in the events hub. My role as an event support officer involves assisting my team members (event managers) in whatever event they are planning. These events vary from having a stand in an exhibition hall, to hosting sessions and workshops at conferences where we source very high quality speakers to discuss in-depth content. The content at these events can also vary from AI to sustainable finance to supporting start-ups in the business banking sector. We deliver these events to clients from small businesses to large corporations in the aim to gain new leads and clients through advanced networking with HSBC colleagues. In my role, I assist with designing the stand, organising accommodation/attendee lists and planning event sessions.

I have learnt how to take minutes during a meeting, as well as gained new networking skills. I have developed my communication skills through zoom and email, ensuring I use appropriate detail and language depending on the audience. I have developed my excel skills and have begun putting decks together for meetings on PowerPoint. I have developed my confidence in networking too.

I enjoy the networking and attending the actual events. I enjoy working with my team members and collaborating on projects as their experience has been vital in helping me grow. I enjoy meeting new people and gaining more confidence every day to share my opinion on tasks/projects.

Fairly organised, we have a study day every Tuesday dedicated to lectures/university learning. We have four year-long placements which can be in a variety of sectors and departments. I also have fairly regular 1-1's with my manager and mentor, along with my programme specialist to keep track of my progress.

Quite a lot - they are eager to help me develop. Especially my manager and team members go out of their way to help me network and attend new events, even ones that I haven't helped plan.

We have some support from our lecturers when completing assignments but not much. We also have 6-week catch ups with our Kaplan coach to give us new tasks for our apprenticeship qualification. She provides me with examples of tasks so I have some guidance

I learn new knowledge and terminology in my lectures that I can then apply and use in my day-to-day role. This is helpful in networking as I am more able to understand and converse about current affairs, especially in finance. However, for my apprenticeship we have to do learning journal entries and other tasks to get the qualification that don't help me learn, they are basically just showing what we have learnt in day-to-day work.

Some social activities within employee resource groups and some that are facilitated by my building. I don't know of any sports teams. There are lots of networking events that I have access to through my role. I also am part of the Kings Trust Million Makers team which is a challenge we are part of to raise money for charity and gain business skills.

Yes

Good employee benefits and lots of networking opportunities. People generally want to see you succeed and want to help you reach your full potential.

Memorise the core values and make sure you circle back to these within any interview questions. Also, memorise examples of where you have displayed certain career skills e.g. good communication, teamwork, etc.