Project Manager Review

I am a project manager in the digital portfolio, this involves the day to day running of 2 projects which includes governance, weekly reporting and risk/issue management. It also involves running weekly working groups, keeping an action log, completing minutes, managing the change and implementation work stream and schedule management.

I have learnt about cost and budget management which I had previously not been involved with, this has helped me to start get involved with conversations/meetings I may have not thought necessary to attend. I have also learnt about procurement and how this relates to some of my current projects, so can relate to the topic more.

I have enjoyed the programme because it helps you to really understand some of the project management techniques in greater detail and has shown me what value they add to the project and its lifecycle rather than just being a tick box exercise. It has also given me the opportunity to adapt they way I do things for the better in my projects.

It has been ok, it would have been much better to concentrate on the exam 1st, rather than having random workshops in between. The 2.5 day revision course was a blessing in disguise and really helped me pass the exam. More of these session would have been beneficial as the workshops haven't really taught me anything that I haven't learnt through the online learning

I have been allocated 20% of my time to work on my apprenticeship and my employer has been really supportive towards the apprenticeship and allocation of my time. On occasions I have had to swap my day around to attend courses and complete the necessary work but the flexibility has been great.

I have had quite a lot of contact from the provider and had regular meetings where we have reviewed my progress and been set objectives to work towards. This has helped provide focus and now I have completed the exam, I have been asked to start on my portfolio and they are going to read through samples of my work and provide feedback which I think will be really beneficial.

I think that it has given me more insight in to the role and a braoder perspective of what is expected and the scope which I can work to. It has enabled me to understand other ways of working which I can adopt into my role and also enabled me to see that every project is unique and that no one size fits all.

There are lots of extra curricular activities, there is a sports and social clubs with lots of different activities within the organisation and more locally we have a social team who arrange trips to the races, quizzes and all sorts of things where you can join a team to participate. This has really improved engagement at work.

Yes

It is a great place to work. It as such a diverse culture and is really customer focussed. There is currently a real drive to make it the best place to work and bank and they are very supportive of development, through coaching, courses and have their own university within the organisation. There is also a lot of support for mental well being and work/life balance.

Be open and honest and above all bring yourself to work. HSBC values integrity and standing up for what you believe. Bring strong examples of how you display these traits to an interview and show what you are passionate about. If you enjoy something you are more likely to put your all into it so make this known.