HSBC virtual work experience programme Review

Virtual event delivered by graduates, people already working at the company for students with an interest to get into finance and banking. CV making workshops helping young students craft their CVs to make it sophisticated and interesting when they start applying for roles after secondary education in sixth form/college.

There were workshops in building CVs. We were led through the program by graduates already working at the bank. We were taught what they had to go through, education-wise and the path they took in life to get to where they are today and what their jobs and roles involves currently.

Since the event was virtual we were not able to participate as much as we would have liked to if it was in person. However, it did save us the time of travelling to and from for example London, at the comfort of our own homes. It was tried to be kept engaging by organisers through their use of break-out rooms.

It was well organised in the fact that we had something programmed and planned for us everyday and every hour slot had something to do. However, it felt as if the organisers and speakers of the events at times ran out of things to say and chit-chat and prolonged conversations to burn time.

I learnt a lot about the company and its work culture since I got an idea that it takes more than a degree. It takes personality, good morals and some experience to break into banking with not everything being your course and educational qualification. It was more than just that.

It helped me realise that the only career paths into finance and banking are not as narrow as doing degrees such as finance and economics, some people got in with degree apprenticeships from HSBC and others did more creative degrees such as international relations and politics and PPE and worked at HSBC afterwards.

No I was not paid or reimbursed for my experience, I was under 18 and the work experience was valued for me in the fact that there are not too many work experience opportunities available in this industry. Moreover, the experience is valued and not only helps me put potentially builds my CV

There were definitely opportunities for networking given that I was able to connect with the organisers on their linkedin and other guests. I think this was the best part of the event as I was contacted by some of these people for opportunities almost months after the work experience was completed.

Yes

I would recommend HSBC to a friend and I have done in the past as not only does it help them with interviews with other companies in the future, it also adds some experience their CV and helps them get into more work experience and opportunities with other companies/firms

I would tell them to pay attention to the event as sometimes it can get a little repititive, mundane and boring. However, listening is the smartest option as you can miss key bits of important information that can help you in your career in the future when you are not listening.