Commercial Banking Internship Review

I really enjoyed the 8 week internship. The placement was in one location and one team for the full 8 weeks which really allowed you to gain insight into what they do on the day to day. The scheme was structured well with a two day induction at the start, a two day development session mid way through and a two day farewell event. This enabled us to build a good relationship with the other interns. I really enjoyed the company ethos and working environment and was involved in some interesting projects.

My Team was very welcoming and I felt that I settled in really quickly. They were very open and wanted to get to know me. I felt comfortable to ask all the questions I needed. Many of my team were very busy but took time to help out with my intern projects which I really appreciated. In particular the two ex grads on my scheme acted as a buddy system to help me out. I hope that my colleagues valued the work I helped out on. At times I did feel slightly detached as I was working mostly on my own projects rather than helping them with day to day tasks.

The support given by my line manager was good, we met weekly to catch up. I did feel a slight lack of support day to day especially during the first few weeks when I didn't really know what I was doing. The other support network such as the Grads and the Internship Team were really great and very supportive. My Grad Mentor in particular was amazing and really helpful. The other interns also formed a good support network and we all got on really well.

This depends on the team in which you are placed in. Some interns are overworked and others didn't have enough to do. I felt that the first few weeks I lacked things to do but as time progressed I got more involved and had more to be getting on with. As I was working mainly on three projects so it was up to me to get these finished. I also had time to network and go for coffee chats with other colleagues and grads which was a great way to learn more about other business areas.

I feel as if I was given an adequate level of responsibility during my placement. Enough so that I was responsible for my own projects and tasks but not so much that I felt under pressure and taking on too much. I was responsible for my own time which I really enjoyed as I could allocate the day to different projects, tasks and meeting time. I was responsible for a group intern project where I took a leadership role, this I enjoyed. I feel as if I had a good balance.

I have developed placement skills such as Credit Analysis which would help me if I were to be offered the Grad Job. I mainly developed existing skills such as communication, team work, research and planning. The whole experience has increased my confidence going into 3rd year. I feel comfortable in a corporate setting and that I am quite prepared for working life after uni.

The London Office I was based in had a good atmosphere. Corporate as expected but friendly. The team were really welcoming and friendly. The office had many social events and organised talks/lunches etc. This was a good opportunity to meet other people in the office who did not work on your team.

The internship was set up really well. The 8 weeks were structured with an induction, a mid way through development event and a farewell event. Throughout this time there were clear goals of what we were expected to achieve in these time periods. The general organisation was good and we each had a grad mentor and a grad advisor. Within my individual team there was a clear plan in place for me when I arrived which structured the 8 weeks. This was good as I felt I knew where I was going.

HSBC invested time and money into the intern programme. We were given work phones and new tablets, alongside 6 days away and training events. They ran seminars such as Financial Wellbeing Seminars. We also had online training to complete. I felt as if they were really invested in my experience and ensuring I had a positive outcome.

At this stage I do not know if I have received a grad job offer. They have however reassured us that there are spaces for all interns and it is based purely on our performance. I would like to be offered the grad job and I think I would take it as this scheme really appeals to me. Many of the grads who have just started did internships previously with HSBC.

In London there is a great social scene with my team, interns and grads. My team has events, summer parties, drinks after work. I feel like there was a lot going on. The grads also arrange social and charity events. In addition the interns have arranged social events, evenings out, drinks etc. There has been a good social scene.

London is expensive (obviously!) As interns we chose wisely to where we drank etc. I lived at home and commuted which saved me some money, although the travel was still expensive and not subsidised. You are given a London allowance which helps with the living costs in the city. Overall not as expensive as I was anticipating.

Working in the centre of London there is so many options for nightlife.

HSBC has many committees and societies you can join and be a part of. In my team there were lots of sporting events you can get involved in at HSBC sports ground in Beckenham. These were again a great way to meet new people and get involved with your team.