HSBC EXPLORE virtual attendee Review

The HSBC- Skills of the Future was a set of virtual events to help school leavers and graduates find out more about what it’s like to work HSBC, meet HSBC experts, hiring managers, gain hands on experiences that reflect career paths at HSBC and custom professional development options via the Virtual Experience and Engagement Platform.

HSBC was the first bank launching VEE (virtual experience and engagement platform) to support every candidate with holistic career readiness that includes strength identification, upskilling and job simulations to provide you with realistic insight into future careers at HSBC and beyond. Also gained a deeper insight into the many careers available.

Thoroughly enjoyed the experience because there were many opportunities to speak to different graduates/ apprentices who work at HSBC, from Cyber Security, to Banking apprentices, and ask them about how HSBC has helped shape their career. The technology HSBC had used to build the experience was substantial, many quizzes, virtual games, and tests was very modern.

The virtual experience was very well organised. It was hosted by HSBC employees from USA via email links, and an itinerary (as well as several reminder emails) were sent out in advance. There were plenty of breaks and enough time for Q and A at the end of each session.

Everyone we had the opportunity to speak to were very friendly, company culture seemed good, but a few people were from locations abroad. I learned a lot, especially what HSBC had done to promote equality in the workplace, and how HSBC aimed to improve diversity and inclusion through a variety of outreach projects and accessibility programmes.

Absolutely fabulous- definitely considering a career in either Finance or Banking. However it must be considered that most banks employ people with degrees equivalent to 2:1, very few Degree Apprenticeships available. We also spoke to different employees and listened to their perspectives in how completing various qualifications had benefited them in their role.

No, I was not paid or reimbursed for the HSBC skills for the future Virtual Work experience (insight event), as it was not a paid placement. Instead it was an insight into the roles within business. There were no travel costs, or meal costs, or social costs. The location was online.

Several, as stated previously. There were definitely opportunities for networking, because there were several separate sessions. Firstly, to meet the Senior Panel, and also, to meet current Apprentices and Graduates. In each session we were introduced to different employees from various sectors. We were able to ask questions regarding their roles and we could also connect with them via LinkedIn.

Yes

When working with HSBC, it means there are many different subjects or career paths to choose, from banking and finance, to cyber security or software engineering. I also learned about soft skills (teamwork, communication skills) that are needed to be a knowledgeable member of any organization. Although working in banks can be competitive and busy, there are lots of opportunities abroad or to try secondments.

Practice mock interview questions! You have to be prepared to talk about yourself and your interests, because future employers want to see the real you. Have a look at HSBC website and register for job alerts for when roles open because they usually recruit on a rolling basis. HSBC has a huge range of resources that can be used in order to decide which roles to apply for.