HSBC Spring Insight Review

I really enjoyed the insight as I learnt much about the various aspects of investment banking, which I did not know before. It was great fun and HSBC managed to make it both informative and entertaining.

We were introduced to numerous senior members of HSBC allowing us to make great contacts within the bank. They were all very helpful and were more than happy to answer any questions we had. We were encouraged to ask as many questions as we wanted. It was a very relaxed atmosphere

The insight started with an introduction to networking, which was especially useful as we had a networking event that evening. We were also given a lot of guidance in order to help us choose which department we would be joining for the Summer Internship, with senior members always on hand to answer questions. At the end of the insight, we were given much support in how to impress at assessment centres which will certainly come in handy.

Since it was only an insight, much of our time was spent listening to talks so we didn't get a chance to develop many skills. However we were given support sessions on networking and personal brand which are useful in any situation! We also learnt a lot about Investment Banking which will be extremely valuable when attempting to gain further work experience in banking.

It was extremely well structured, with a programme prepared for all three days. Every minute was planned perfectly, allowing them to fit as many talks and activities into the three days as possible. The presentations were also well organised, running smoothly and professionally while still being very interesting.

Everyone was very friendly, and it was a very relaxed atmosphere. Since everyone was fast tracked to a summer internship, there was no sense of competition and so all the interns got on really well. We were given a chance to work in groups through the group assessments which allowed us to bond and made the sessions more interactive while still being formal. There were also many chances to have fun and network, with drinks and dinner.

I felt that HSBC invested a lot in all the interns, as we were given the chance to meet and network with many senior members of the firm and ask them any questions we had. We were also given talks on improving our personal brand. However, we didn't get a chance to do any shadowing which would probably have been a bit more useful.

As we were able to talk to many employees, it gave us a good sense of the atmosphere at HSBC and what working there would be like. We were also able to ask questions to fully get an idea of what working at HSBC would be like in each department. However, shadowing would have given us a better idea of what it would be like.

Talking to all the employees, it is clear that everyone enjoys working at HSBC. Everyone was passionate and enthusiastic about working at HSBC and all raved about the inclusive culture, stressing it's difference to other banks. It is very team orientated and everyone has a lot of respect for each other.

HSBC managed to give a talk on almost every department of investment banking available, and allowed us to talk to and ask questions to employees in those sections in order to help decide which department we wanted to join. It was therefore very valuable in helping us make a decision.

I was reimbursed travel expenses, however those living outside the M25 were also given hotel accommodation and a daily food allowance, another example of the amour HSBC invested in us.

We were given numerous opportunities to network, and even had a how to network session on the first day in order to prepare us and make sure we performed our best. We had networking drinks on the first day and a networking dinner with senior members on the last day.

A good range of employees were at the events, from senior members to new graduates ensuring all our questions were answered. They also provided drinks and food. It was well organised with everyone arriving on time.

We were given a short tour of the (massive) office, where we saw the gym and the canteens. However, we did not find out much about what activities employees took part in outside of work.

I was unclear about what department I wanted to join before this insight, but HSBC successfully covered all their different departments and helped greatly in my decision. They also invested a lot in us, allowing us to make a number of contacts within the industry. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in investment banking!