Global Market Operations Review

my role was based within the equity operations department at HSBC. it was very full on, and as a result I learnt a huge amount and over the course of the 12-month programe I developed as a person and a colleague a huge amount. Day to day we assisted the trading desk on any trades that went wrong, or where there was a discrepancy ie- number of shares or pricing difference.

developed ways to study for the IOC exam whilst working 10-hour days, time management skills improved hugely. I also, most importantly, developed the skill of not taking everything at face value and assuming it is correct, or that just because you are the apprentice that you are wrong! There are some people that will be adament that they're correct just because they have experience!

i enjoyed the development side of things, i do wish there was a greater support structure for the apprentices and a more coherent plan in place, it did seem unorganised at times throughout the 12 months.

In dribs and drabs you can feel valued, unfortuantely in the line of work i was in, you only tended to hear from your superiors when you did something wrong, and never when something was done well.

Not organised, despite a very organised and regimented start, the attention to detail to us as the appretnice intake did tail off in the final half of the year. there were little discussions about career progression and alternative opportunites, which seemed ridiculous as they invest a lot of time and money to bring you into the bank!

Well supported from Capita the training provider, although you only meet once a month or so. Some of the learning was fairly dull, but thats just part and parcle of any apprenticeship!

Not a lot, fortnightly meetings with my manager soon turned into monthly, then non existent! i should've been more assertive to get time in the diary in hindsight (as they are busy people and plans can change!) but i felt like i was the least of their priorities a lot of the time.

well paid scheme for anyone i would say, especially if living in london or greater london. I travelled in from Kent everyday, and using an Apprentice Oyster card you can save a third in travel cards.

Unfortunately my team wasnt the most sociable, we did 'team nights' i think 3 times throughout the year, and a very good quiz night too!

No

Despite the great start and enthusiasm toward the new intake, my support structure just wasnt up to scratch. There were little opportunities to discuss next steps, and career ambition, which is crucial when you enter a huge organisation as a teenager. Despite this, there were of course positives, lovely location, fantastic office in Canary Wharf with a gym and canteen on-site, and some very nice people to work alongside.

Be very proactive in harrassing your manager for 1-2-1 time, it's so important to have a clear plan or it may feel like a waste of time. Be honest with the apprentice team when you have your monthly meetings, whether it be about working hours, a nasty co-worker, or worrying about studying time, it wont change unless you mention it!