Global Markets Apprentice Review

My role was within the Market Data team which looked to assist front office users which the permissioning and on-going efficiency of front office software that uses market data. I would often analyse usage of front office colleagues in order to make sure that they were using Market Data in the most efficient way possible.

I have greatly developed my excel and overall computer skills through completing daily tasks in excel as well as using email, word and PowerPoint frequently, I quickly became comfortable with these systems and feel as though I can now use them at a high level. UI also developed my interpersonal and communication skills through frequently meeting and working with new people as well as having large amount of contacts with people from other companies.

I enjoy my program a great deal. I feel as though I'm learning everyday and constantly developing myself both on a personal level and career wise. My team have been extremely supportive and helpful throughout the whole scheme and have made the transition into work easy for me. There is also a large amount of support from a wider network of people (you are given a mentor and a buddy who is often a former apprentice themselves). This gives you a strong support structure and help if any issues arise.

The program is fairly well organised. There are monthly meetings with the other apprentices in order to catch up and check that you are all progressing well as well as monthly meetings with your external Talent Coach who will ensure you are up to date with your exam study and apprenticeship coursework. You are also encourage to have regular meeting with your mentor and buddy who will be able to give advise on any problems you may face and as your buddy has already gone through the program they will be able to help additionally as they will have faced many of the same hurdles that you will.

We are given support form our line manager throughout the apprenticeship scheme as you encouraged to have weekly or fortnightly one-to-ones. However you must remember that the ownership of these meetings with you and you must organise these yourself (which can be difficult if your manager is very busy). However these meetings often proved to be very constructive and I came away from these meetings feeling much better informed about my progress.

Our trading provider supported us throughout all 3 of our Investment Operations Certificate exams, by helping us gain revision materials (textbooks and access to online resources and past paper questions). Our training provider also assisted with the organisation of courses pre each exam in order to go through the book with a qualified teacher for that subject. This also gave us the chance to ask questions and raise any doubts we had about the exam content which proved very helpful.

The Investment Operations Certificate gives you a much greater understanding of the wider financial world which helps you understand how your day-today role sits into the banks overall process. The financial regulations exam also ensures you are kept up to date on the latest rules and regulations, which makes you more vigilant in your role and allows you to protect yourself form potential rule breaking.

I didn't take part in many extra-curricular activities although there were many opportunities to get involved with after work activities. There was a 5 aside football team and there were occasionally tournaments in which there were many teams worm different departments who took part. I helped with a charity who frequently cam into the office to run fundraising events or to raise the profile of their charity. I enjoyed helping with this a great deal.

Yes

As I believe that this scheme is a great opportunity to get work experience straight after leaving college/sixth form as well as getting to be in a great environment and area from day one. This scheme at HSBC can provide you with great experience and a huge advantage to further your career with financial services. Canary wharf is an amazing place to work in with so much going on and that contributed hugely to me choosing this role over others.

Make sure you research the company and the area in which you are applying for (Market Operations was my one although this may differ for future years). This will give you a head start in knowing what the department does and where it comes within the bank. The interview process includes an assessment centre which involves a group exercise and a series of interviews so it would be good top research what questions you may be asked and prepare answers beforehand.