HSBC Work Experience 2021 Review

This work experience involved working on various projects and tasks in groups or alone, to gain more understanding of the finance sector. We began with introductions, but it was not long before we were heavily involved in workshops, including Growth Mindset and Financial Wellbeing. There was also a very important session within which we took part in mock interviews, having learned all about them in another session. It was all very informative.

From the growth mindset workshop, I not only learned the reasons why a growth mindset can help you but also lots of practical examples on how to implement a growth mindset. Furthermore, the financial wellbeing workshop introduced me to a plethora of avenues to manage my finances. I also got some valid experience in interviews and interviewing. Another key skill I gained was collaboration, as there was lots of discussion with people you have not met.

To a large extent I enjoyed my work experience. Compared to other financial institutions, the HSBC work experience definitely stood out. It met my expectations to the T and there was so much to do and learn. The team worked so hard to ensure that we were all comfortable and were working well.

The work experience was very well organised, in my opinion. Prior to the work experience, we were to sign a consent form, which was sent to us in sensible time. A timetable was also sent in sufficient time prior to the sessions, with an hour by hour breakdown, which I appreciated a lot. There was daily communication from the team surrounding our needs, our queries and more - they worked so hard to ensure everything was running smoothly. Although there were technical issues at times, they always had an alternative ready!

The first few sessions were geared towards the company and an introduction to the bank itself. I would definitely see myself fitting in. Not only did they get online testimonials, but current workers were in attendance, telling us about their careers. Obviously I could not experience the office atmosphere, but I feel as though the online experience gave some insight as to the company culture. There were sessions and activities entirely geared around their values which I really found interesting.

This work experience opportunity definitely gave me an insight into the industry. We learned lots about all the different sectors of the company, which was very helpful. Because we were exposed to so many higher figures within the company, this meant that we could direct career specific questions. Furthermore, there were many opportunities to get the employees’ perspective. I would say that it aided my choice of career path, as I was already sure on what I wanted to do, so it solidified my choice.

As it was all online, I was not paid or reimbursed for the HSBC work experience. Travel, meal and social costs were not present therefore, nobody was reimbursed. However, it can be argued that the valuable experience and opportunities I was presented as a result count as reimbursement, to an extent.

Every session was guided by networking and meeting employees. Each session, e.g compliance, investment banking, was led by current employees, within which there was time to network. As well as this, there was a Q&A panel event at the end of the week, which allowed us to talk to current employees, managers and people doing apprenticeships.

Yes

HSBC is a highly reputable company, there are so many avenues within which one can discover where they’d flourish, something I learned during the work experience. There is such a supportive environment surrounding the company, which is so evident in all areas of the company. HSBC offers so many opportunities for growth and for personal development, as well as charitable opportunities, which take place all the time, according to employees. It is overall such a supportive firm with so many opportunities.

The application process for the work experience programme begins with a basic online application. However, the main element is the online interview. This interview is quite short, but definitely requires you to know what you are talking about. They don’t expect you to know everything about HSBC, but it is important that you are aware of the values and who HSBC actually are. The work experience is great, there are so many tasks and activities that you should fully immerse yourself in, but also the most important thing is that you get what you want out of it, whether it is information, practical experience, or networking, you can put in the work and ensure that it was worthwhile.