Anika's an Accounting and Finance student from the London School of Economics and Politcal Science. She secured a summer internship in Commercial Banking at HSBC in London, through Bright Network. 
First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I’m currently studying Accounting and Finance at the London School of Economics, where I developed a strong foundation in financial analysis, strategic decision-making and problem solving.
Growing up, I was drawn to numbers and the way they tell a story, which naturally led me to pursue a field that combines analytical thinking with real-world impact.
Initially, I dreamed of being an entrepreneur, inspired by the idea of building something meaningful and sustainable. Over time, I realised that a career in finance would not only allow me to develop essential business skills but also play a pivotal role in enabling others to achieve their ambitions.
Attending LSE was a decision fuelled by my desire to immerse myself in a globally connected academic environment that thrives on innovation and intellectual curiosity. My motivation for entering the commercial banking sector stems from its dynamic nature and the opportunity to work directly with businesses to support their growth and drive positive change.”
What motivated you to apply for your role?
“I discovered the HSBC Commercial Banking Summer Internship through Bright Network, and what immediately stood out to me was HSBC’s global presence and commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes in achieving sustainable growth.
The opportunity to work for an organization that not only provides financial solutions but also prioritizes sustainability and innovation aligns perfectly with my aspirations. I was particularly drawn to the role because it offers hands-on experience in understanding the diverse needs of clients and contributing to impactful financial strategies.
What further motivated me to apply was HSBC’s reputation for nurturing talent through structured training and development opportunities. I was inspired by the chance to learn from industry leaders and be part of a dynamic environment that values inclusivity and collaboration.
This role offers the perfect platform for me to apply my knowledge of accounting and finance while gaining a deeper understanding of commercial banking and its role in shaping global businesses.”
What was your application journey like?
“My application journey for the HSBC Commercial Banking Summer Internship was both challenging and rewarding. Preparing for the online test involved practicing numerical and situational judgment assessments to improve my speed and accuracy.
The HireVue interview was the part I was most nervous about, as it required clear and concise answers under time pressure. To prepare, I practiced common competency-based questions, using the STAR method to structure my responses and ensured I tied my answers to HSBC’s priorities, like innovation and customer focus.
The assessment centre was a great opportunity to demonstrate my teamwork and problem-solving skills. I was initially nervous about working in group settings under time constraints, but I reminded myself to stay calm, contribute meaningfully, and listen actively. The process not only strengthened my skills but also reinforced my excitement about joining the company.”
What are you most proud of about your journey?
“I’m most proud of the dedication and intentionality I demonstrated in preparing for this internship. From the outset, I immersed myself in understanding HSBC’s Commercial Banking division, its focus on sustainability, and its commitment to enabling businesses to thrive globally.
I proactively sought opportunities to develop relevant skills, such as completing financial analysis projects and engaging in networking events to better understand the industry. Securing this role feels like a validation of my efforts and an exciting next step in contributing to HSBC’s mission.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating the highly competitive application process. To stand out, I knew I needed to not only refine my technical skills but also deeply understand HSBC’s culture and values. I dedicated time to building my commercial awareness by staying updated on global economic trends and HSBC’s initiatives, which required balancing this preparation with academic commitments.
While there were moments of self-doubt, particularly during assessments, I stayed focused by breaking down each step and approaching it systematically. This challenge ultimately strengthened my resilience and reinforced my ability to stay composed under pressure.”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“My biggest tip is to focus on understanding the company’s values and aligning your skills and experiences to them. Practice competency-based questions, research key trends in your chosen industry, and familiarise yourself with the company’s initiatives.
Additionally, networking with current or former interns can give you invaluable insights into the application process and what to expect. If I could go back, I would have started preparing even earlier and focused more on building a solid understanding of technical banking concepts. This experience taught me the importance of proactive preparation, and it’s something I’ll carry forward as I step into the internship and future roles.
The best advice I received was to treat every stage of the application process as an opportunity to demonstrate how I align with HSBC’s values. For example, during the interviews, instead of simply reciting my accomplishments, I connected my experiences to HSBC’s mission of empowering businesses to thrive.
The most helpful resources for me were platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn, where I could find insights from past applicants and connect with professionals in the field. I also used HSBC’s website extensively to research their values, annual reports, and case studies. For practice, I relied on online aptitude test platforms to prepare for the assessments and used YouTube tutorials to strengthen my understanding of commercial banking concepts. Finally, mock interviews with friends and mentors were instrumental in refining my responses and boosting my confidence.”
What have you learned from going through the process?
“Going through the application process for the HSBC Commercial Banking Summer Internship taught me the importance of thorough preparation, adaptability, and self-confidence.
One thing that surprised me was how structured yet dynamic the process was – it was longer than I initially expected, but each stage felt like a valuable learning experience that tested different aspects of my abilities, from technical skills to teamwork.
I wish I had known earlier how crucial it is to approach each stage as an opportunity to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm. Being authentic and connecting my responses to HSBC’s focus on sustainability and client impact was key. Overall, the process gave me a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in a globally respected organization like HSBC.”
Tell us about the future. What’s next?
“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to join HSBC for the Commercial Banking Summer Internship and immerse myself in the dynamic world of financial services. I’m looking forward to gaining hands-on experience, deepening my understanding of client needs, and contributing to impactful projects that support businesses in achieving their goals. Working alongside experienced professionals at HSBC will give me invaluable insights into the industry and help me refine my technical and interpersonal skills.
As I continue to develop my career, I’m most excited about becoming a trusted advisor to businesses, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities in a constantly evolving market.
I’m eager to grow my expertise in areas like financial analysis, credit risk, and sustainable finance while enhancing my ability to build strong client relationships. This internship is an important step in my journey, and I’m motivated to make the most of this opportunity to learn, contribute, and prepare for a successful future in commercial banking.”
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