work experience Review

The work experience included an insight into the world of banking and finance. We engaged in group work and projects, for example investigating into a bank statement and being able to highlight anything unusual about the spending. We got to listen to head of departments talking about what they do and what challenges they had to face to get where they are today.

I used a variety of skills throughout the work experience varying from listening skills, group skills, interview practice and the ability to engage with the sessions. One thing we did during the work experience was practice interviews. This gave us a chance to break up into chat rooms and practice doing interviews on each other. I found this really helpful.

I really enjoyed the work experience. One thing that would have made it better would be if it were longer. I think because banking and finance is such a broad industry a week was not long enough to learn all there was to HSBC. I would definitely recommend this work experience and i would love to be involved with another one.

The work experience was extremely organised. Considering there were over 100 attendee’s the whole week went as smooth as it could have been. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] who was one of the people in charge did an amazing job. There was not one moment when there were problems or that we had ran out of activities to do.

Prior to doing the work experience i did research into the company culture and the background of HSBC. I found it all very interesting. I learnt that HSBC is a very diverse company and everyone who spoke to us really enjoyed working there and can definitely see themselves still there in the future.

The work experience did help me decide my future path. I would really like to go into the banking and finance industry and maybe even be apart if HSBC in the future. By doing the work experience it showed me first hand how interesting the world of banking and finance is and it’s something that has always interested me and it’s something i would really like to peruse as a career in the future.

No, we were not paid because it was a work experience programme. Originally when i first applied it was supposed to be down in Cardiff and it would involve going down there and staying there for the week. But unfortunately covid-19 hit and sadly we had to do the work experience online, it was a shame but i was still happy to be taking part.

Yes there were many opportunities to meet and network with other employees. I’ve managed to connect with a few employees and even connect with a few of the other people on the work experience. All the employees were very helpful and even responded to a few of my messages about pursuing a similar career in the future.

Yes

I would recommend HSBC to a friend because i think it’s a very diverse and ethical company, all employees i met were very kind, very helpful. Anyone who has an interest in banking and finance should apply for one of these work experiences as it’s a real eye opener.

Make sure to research into the company before partaking in an interview. Make sure you have a little background history, what HSBC’s values are, previous experience and why it’s relevant, times where you’ve had to adapt to solve a problem for example. Make sure to read what the description is.