Internship Review at HSBC Retail Bank

The Role

Role Description

The experience was very diverse and tasks would differ widely as I worked with a number of different colleagues. Supporting the Commercial Centre especially through targeting new clients, monitoring customer feedback and involvement in internal competitions were some of the most prominant roles.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The people were really nice and friendly and through the internship I gained a much greater understanding of how banks operate. The internship was quite flexible and the more proactive I was, the more enjoyment I got from it.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My colleagues always listened to my opinion and included me in what was going on in the office, both professionally and with regards to social events which helped me to feel very comfortable in the office.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

My supervisor gave me a lot of support in anything I wished to pursue and there was some guidance as to what this might be but the real advantage of the internship was that it wasn't too rigorously monitored so you were able to shape your own experience, to a certain extent. I also found the 'buddy' system really supportive - each intern is allocated a buddy on the graduate scheme to be an informal and confidential point of contact. Interaction with my buddy really helped me to be proactive within my internship and give me an idea of life on the graduate scheme.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

As with most internships, some days there was not that much to do but throughout the programme, each intern had a project which they could pursue on slower days. My colleagues were very keen that I did not feel I had to stay late or was overburdened with work.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The amount of responsibility I was given increased as I developed relationships with my colleagues and proved my competencies.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Although I do not necessarily intend on working in commercial banking (where my placement was), the skills of relationship building, problem-solving and analysis that I developed during my internship will be useful in the future, as will be the experience of having to adapt to new surroundings.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Everyone was really friendly and nice but it was quite a small office and often included the presence of senior management which, unsurprisingly, changed the atmosphere at times.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The intern co-ordinator did a great job in looking after all of us and there was a good guide to what to do throughout the internship but it very much depended on the local set-up of the office you were in as to how well your internship was organised.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There was training at the start of the internship and two days towards the end where the interns were introduced to life at HSBC and then a day of volunteering - all these experiences helped provide financial and personal training.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Company Parties/Events

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Over the internship I really enjoyed the atmosphere of HSBC and have been offered a job on one of their graduate schemes.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

As the interns are dispersed across the country, it would be hard to generate a great deal socially amongst the interns. There were, however, often drinks in London and a big fundraising quiz night when all the interns were brought together. Most colleagues were considerably older but there were still plenty of nice lunches to break up the day, I developed good relationships with the other interns and graduates in the area.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

In the area I worked I only really socialised for lunch out, which was just the usual price for the South East.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

The nightlife in the area was fine but I did not engage in evening activities with work colleagues as most of them had families to get home to etc.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

We all had a fundraising challenge to meet, which we could engage with in any way we liked, and were e-mailed with various other opportunities such as half-marathons, bungee jumping and quizzes.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

The overall atmosphere of HSBC was probably one of my favourite things about the internship. As a first time intern you are generally introduced to one of the 'grass roots' areas of the bank (commercial or retail) and spending time here, although not necessarily where I see myself in the future was very interesting.

Review 53/55 for HSBC Retail Bank

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