Why did you join the HSBC UK summer internship programme?
I knew very little about banking and honestly, got sucked into the application frenzy during my second year. The little I knew though, was that HSBC was an international bank and I wanted to learn more about how businesses relate with each other across borders. So it became clear that the HSBC Commercial Banking scheme was a right fit for me. As someone with a multicultural background, I knew this would be seen as a strength in the bank. I was also aware of the numerous personal development benefits HSBC offers and I wanted to partake in that.
Briefly describe your time on the programme?
To be online (Covid times) for 8 weeks flew by, but I still look back on my time very fondly. I made connections with other interns and participated in the various socials the internship offered. I undertook a market research project as part of the Small Business Banking team and this provided me with a great foundation of how high street and challenger banks in this country operate. I had numerous networking opportunities and maintain, that the people I met were the best part of the internship.
What has been your biggest success during your time at HSBC UK?
As an intern and a current graduate, my successes relate to the positions I held within the Early Careers Community. During the internship, I managed to secure a role as an Intern Social Lead amongst numerous applicants. Myself and four other leads were in charge of encouraging the cohesion amongst the group and organising the socials in an innovative manner, as they all had to be online! As a graduate, I am similarly proud of being the Make Me Feel At Home Co-Lead, heading up and planning the incoming graduate inductions.
What has been your biggest challenge during your time at HSBC UK?
I would say the biggest challenge has been maintaining networks. I have been fortunate to meet several interesting, brilliant stakeholders throughout my time. But it has been difficult maintaining relationships with these people as, through nobody’s fault, work and different locations keep us busy and apart. Through speaking out about this situation, I have worked my way through it by relating to others who feel the same and reaching out to people periodically, to ensure we remain connected.
How would you describe the work culture at HSBC UK?
I was pleasantly surprised when I began to work here, that I was able to share laughs and have fun moments with my colleagues. The colleagues I have interacted with have been open minded, kind, and approachable. I also enjoy the benefits of hybrid working and I am definitely not a stranger to working from home as well as the office.
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities at HSBC UK?
As an intern, I was especially involved with the Balance ERG (Employee Resource Group), being passionate about gender equality myself. I frequently attended their webinars and subscribed to their newsletters. Additionally, I undertook a fundraising challenge entitled GROW where my teammates and I collectively walked the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats during the time on the internship to raise money for charity.