Commercial Banking Summer Internship Review

I've learned so much over the course of the internship and have had the chance to find out about many different areas of the bank. Every day has brought a new learning experience and I feel I've gained so many new professional skills that will stay with me.

My immediate team really looked after me and supported me, helping me whenever I was struggling and taking time to develop my learning. They got me involved in their projects and made me feel like part of the team. The work culture at HSBC is great.

I had weekly 1-1s with my placement managers and they always took time to make sure I was alright and being kept busy. When I expressed interest in other areas of the bank they put me in touch with contacts and provided support and advice on my external projects that were completed as part of the internship programme.

It varied day to day - there were some days when I had a lot to do but generally the work flow was pretty smooth. When I went on client visits etc. I had to organise my time more effectively to ensure my other work was completed, but I didn't feel particularly stressed or under pressure at any point.

My main aim was to learn as much as possible and so I tried to get involved as I could. When I attended meetings I acted as a note taker but tried to ask questions and get involved so I was still playing a role within the meeting. From this experience I was successful in writing facility renewal applications etc. for clients on behalf of my relationship directors, so felt like I played a part in continuing the relationship.

I have gained so much more confidence over the internship and learned invaluable professional skills - presentation, punctuality, meeting etiquette, time organisation and so much more. The internship gives you an insight into working life and makes you a more well-rounded individual for when you finish, with transferable skills you can take with you into everyday life.

The work culture is really good and people are genuinely friends with each other and provide support. There was always things going on and food around on the floor, which helps to ease the pressure a bit when people had a lot on.

There was a clear structure from the offset regarding days out of office for mandatory intern events - aside from the Discovery Day, which came at relatively short notice. Generally the internship was well organised.

There are so many opportunities and invitations to further develop you learning and expand your knowledge - for example I attended a cash flow course ran by one of the RD's in my office to get a better understanding of their analysis. There were also opportunities to visit other offices etc. and we had mandatory learning to understand the company risks etc.

I am hoping I have done enough to get a place on the graduate scheme as I have enjoyed my time working here and can see future development within the bank. There are a lot of perks to working with HSBC and they provide a lot of support to their staff.

I was working with four other interns and we regularly went out together for lunch and after work for drinks. I have been able to develop friendships with them that will last beyond the internship and we were also encouraged to all socialise during the development events etc.

Leeds isn''t the cheapest city but it also isn't the most expensive. Although my accommodation rent was expensive as it was short term for the most part food shopping, drinks etc. were a reasonable price. I also lived close enough to work to walk every day so I didn't have any commuting costs.

Leeds is a student city so there are so many choices for bars and clubs; there is something going on pretty much every.

The office has many external activities e.g. charity events, clubs etc. My internship was only eight weeks long and during the summer so less people were around for these events but they still happen regularly.