Clerk Review

This insight was useful in a sense that it helped me adjust quickly in a short amount of time. However, with that came lots of pressure to not only learn the skills needed for the job as fast as possible but to also apply them correctly and efficiently. Fortunately, I had great guidance throughout my insight and sought help when needed.

I felt valued and respected as I shined in comparison to other interns for my eagerness to learn. However, since I was there for such a short amount of time sometimes I was seen as temporary and therefor I was only trained for the needed tasks and not seen as a long term asset to the firm.

Guidance was available when needed. I was never hesitant to seek guidance if I was unsure about something. At HSBC it is very stressed that workers should help each other and work towards creating synergy in the workplace. It is emphasized that if one fails there will be a chain effect. More experienced employees never failed to help someone who was clearly struggling in a task.

My skills developed tremendously even in the short amount of time I was there for. Applying my skills in real life situations helped me realize the value of what I learn in classrooms. It also helped me relate what we as students learn from textbooks in practical situations.Ever since, I have seen a clear improvement in my studies as it is easier to relate theoretical things I learn to things I have done during the insight.

My insight was very structured in a sense that everyone had a clear understanding of the tasks they were assigned to, This made it easy to perform efficiently as more experienced employees were there to mentor us in the specific tasks we have been assigned to. However, I would have preferred to be assigned to alternating tasks, but it is understandable why that is not efficient due to the short amount of time that I was there for.

The general atmosphere at HSBC was very positive. I felt comfortable at the workplace which helped me perform efficiently. There also a lot of extra curricular activities throughout the month to help coworkers get to know each other and bond. Middle management has worked to create an atmosphere were everyone felt welcomed and valued. Work-life balance was also very crucial at HSBC as they believe that employees that are well rested and not stressed clearly perform better. Over all, my professional as well as my personal skills improved tremendously during such a short amount of time.

I found the content of the day was very valuable in helping me decide my future career path. I learnt that I put a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Moreover, I perform best in a competitive work office atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to push themselves to excel. The insight re-confirmed my strong interest in jobs in the financial industry and helped me in my journey to landing a longer placement by improving my skills and helping me network with other professionals.

This insight was not paid and I was not reimbursed expenses. However, I value what I learnt during my time there more than just money. The intrinsic value is much higher and emphasized. However, if I was seeking a full time job or a longer placement I would place more value on pay and benefits.

There were many opportunities for networking and meeting other employees at HSBC. There were weekly as well as monthly meeting. First there were internal networking opportunities were different departments from HSBC networked and discusses the overall goals. As well as external network opportunities were professionals from different industries were invited to share their experiences and discuss relevant trends in the marketplace. I found this very helpful because of the diversity of networking opportunities.

Networking and social events were inclusive of all employees and interns even though some were only there for a short amount of time at HSBC. However, HSBC's culture is all about including and welcoming everyone. During these networking events I met some professionals in the financial industries who answered a lot of my questions and gave me information to build on what I learnt at HSBC.

I would recommend this insight to a friend in a heartbeat. I would clearly outline that leadership has really done a great job of building a fun, competitive, hard working office culture where everyone typically likes each other, If you are looking for an opportunity to work in a positive environment where you are supported and helped reach your full potential then HSBC if for you.