Investment Banking Summer Analyst Review

The internship was a very well organised experience from HR's perspective and their plans were well reflected to the business teams. I enjoyed the range of activities besides desk work that were available, providing an opportunity to network with other interns and people from other business areas as well.

I felt very valued by my colleagues - this was highlighted as time passed and they became more confident in my abilities. People made efforts to include me in team lunches etc. and even asked my opinion on certain things that I contributed to.

I was pretty busy from the get go, given updates to do that filled up most of my downtime and more long term projects as well as short quick-fire tasks. I compiled the daily update that went to the relevant sector teams and also worked on a marketing pitch that was eventually presented to four companies.

The atmosphere was mostly made fun by the analysts... Some of the team members were more 'formal/old school' than others. Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere. There was regular banter and people didn't take themselves too seriously, even when the office was quite busy, people made time for regular coffee breaks and good convo.

The internship was very well organised. There were events such as: - A treasure hunt in Bank, using an external organiser, which was very techy and superseded my expectations on all fronts - Lunch & Learns, where people from different departments did a presentation so that we were able to gain a holistic overview of the bank as a whole - Intern parties

This is one area that I feel could have been better organised. Our mid intern and final reviews were very comprehensive from the perspective of HR, but from the team side were often delayed. However, the mentorship programme that was established was for me very useful. I had regular catch ups with my mentor who made sure that I was very aware of my personal progress.

I think the investment banking industry in itself has obvious perks and also some downfalls. The downfalls mainly being the long hours and lack of flexibility whilst the perks are the opportunities to learn and grow, being challenged and the chance to work with pretty awesome people. I don't think this differs for HSBC but what does make them stand out is as a culture they are more welcoming and friendly whilst maintaining the tenacity to get results. I really can see myself working and growing at HSBC.

Social scene was okay - but the lack of flexiblity means that outside of HR events, there wasn't really that much opportunity for socialising.

Quite expensive.