Commercial Banking Intern Review

On a day to day basis a usually have quite a few meetings. These may be meetings with my manager to check in on me, these may be important webinars for example an update on commercial banking or I may have intern project meetings. My dairy is my own so I could block out time to do certain tasks or I may have signed up to different events on ESG topics. My days are very varied but often include a mix of placement related tasks (which may be produced a report, analysing data or writing a newsletter) or intern projects and meetings about different initiatives in the bank.

I have definitely developed lots of my pre-existing skills such as my networking, my self-awareness, and my emotional intelligence. I also have developed new skills just as learning how to ask for feedback and how to give feedback using a useful framework.

Yes I was given more responsibility than I thought I was going to. I had to write whole newsletters, reports and support statements independently, as well as look out for company prospects. It was great to be given some responsibility and it makes you feel like you have added value to the team.

I was given loads of support. There are different layers of support at HSBC so you can go to your manager, a current graduate, you have someone overseeing your placement. I also felt like I could speak all employees as they were very helpful. I received a huge amount of support.

The company culture was great. The company values diversity and inclusion very seriously as well as matters such a gender diversity. The company culture is very encouraging regarding feedback. The company encourages continuous improvement and learning at all times. My experience of the culture is great.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement. I have learnt so much and I would definitely return to the bank after this. It was so fun, a right learning experience, a great insight into the financial services sector and I great way to meet people.

Yes

I think that you should prepare as much as you can for the assessment centres and the tests. If successful you should be engaged throughout the course of the internship, so speak to as many different stakeholders as you can. You should also get involved as as many opportunities as you can as there is loads to get involved in. Learn as much as you can and take advantage of all the resources and opportunities and ultimately just be yourself.