Melis is a Computer Science with Management graduate from Kings College London. She secured an Analyst role at HSBC UK in Sheffield through Bright Network. 
First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
“My career path in technology and banking reflects my passion for problem-solving and my interest in both technical and business aspects of industries. Studying Computer Science with Management allowed me to merge my passion for tech with a deeper understanding of how businesses operate and grow.
Being an international student has also shaped my adaptability and global perspective, which is crucial in a global organisation like HSBC. I decided to go to university because I knew it would give me the foundation I needed to explore my interests further. As an international student, it was a great opportunity to gain exposure to new culture and ideas. The year in industry was a big factor too, which allowed me to gain real-world experiences, giving me a taste of what the future could hold.”
What motivated you to apply for your role?
“The role really appealed to me because it blends my technical skills with the chance to make a strategic impact. I was excited about the opportunity to work on data-driven solutions that directly support our objectives.
HSBC has its global presence and commitment to digital transformation, which also motivated me to apply. As someone with a technical background, I saw a clear opportunity to contribute to HSBC's tech-driven initiatives.
Additionally, HSBC's emphasis on diversity and inclusion resonated with me, particularly as an international student - I felt it was a place where I could thrive professionally and personally.”
What was the application process like?
The application process was efficient and rewarding. I found the later stages of the application process challenging, but it was a great opportunity for my graduate colleagues and I to show how we stand out.”
How did Bright Network help you secure your role?
“I found the role on Bright Network and applied through the platform. It was also quite helpful for me whilst tracking my application.
I also attended Internship Experience UK in 2021 as well as some of Bright Network’s in-person events in London.”
What are you most proud of about your journey?
“I’m most proud of how I leveraged the opportunities from Bright Network to secure a full-time role at HSBC. Utilising Bright Network's opportunities gave me great access to career-focused events, tailored advice and resources which helped shaped my professional journey.
As for the challenges, one of the biggest was balancing my final year studies while actively engaging in the job search process. The imposter syndrome also kicked in during the early stages.
There were moments where I doubted whether I could secure a role in such a competitive space but overcoming these hurdles, especially when I got a final offer from HSBC, felt incredibly rewarding.”
What have you learned from going through the process?
“I wish I had known to be more resilient at times, only because I hadn't realised how competitive and lengthy the application process could be.”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“For anyone looking to follow in my footsteps, I would highly recommend taking full advantage of the resources available through Bright Network. Attend as many events as possible, whether they're virtual or in person, and make sure to engage with recruiters. Networking is key - it's not just about collecting contacts but building genuine connections.
If I could have done anything differently, I would have started networking earlier and been more strategic with it. In the beginning, I focused too much on applying to jobs without building relationships with people who could offer advice.
The best advice I received was to be persistent and resilient, especially when dealing with rejection. The job search can be disheartening at times, but it is important to stay positive.
Lastly, in terms of helpful sources, Bright Network was obviously a game-changer in terms of providing access to industry insights and helping me prepare. I also found HSBC's career page and its' LinkedIn quite useful.”
Tell us about the future. What’s next?
“Looking ahead, I'm excited to continue growing in the intersection of technology and finance. I'm particularly interested in advancing my skills in data analysis and automation. I'm also eager to develop my soft skills, whether my managing projects or mentoring new team members.
The rapid pace of technological change in the financial sector means there's always something to learn and I'm happy staying on the cutting edge of that. Ultimately, I hope to move into roles that have a broader strategic impact where I can help shape technology-driven solutions at HSBC.”
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