This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
Provided I ensured I had enough work to be getting on with, I thoroughly enjoyed the tasks I was set. The environment in the office was positive and I was working with people who actively wanted to help me.
My manager made me feel like I was adding real value, as did my team. They were good at guiding me to the point where I knew what I was doing but also gave me adequate independence too.
I had so much support from not only a grad coach but everyone in my team, as well as far beyond. Every meeting I had, people within the business would always offer to help and said that I should call upon them with queries in any business area.
Whilst my manager did make sure I had enough work on a weekly basis, I did sometimes have to reach out to get more work. That was fine though, because as soon as I did, I was given more tasks to get on with.
As previously mentioned, I felt like I was given a healthy amount of responsibility in the placement. I would see the results of my work when a task was completed and this was very satisfying. As an intern, my tasks where I could be responsible for the outcome were ideally suited for my beginners knowledge of the business, but enough to feel like I was making a good impact.
I had never actively pursued feedback before working at HSBC. Having learnt to ask for it now, as I was advised by intern programme managers, it has changed the way I approach tasks. I realised it is crucial in ensuring you can iron out your inefficient working methods, in the eyes of your superiors. Furthermore, it satisfies your superiors if you take good feedback onboard. All in all, I was taught valuable skills at HSBC that I will take on beyond my university degree.
The Company
I worked at two different sites in London. One of them had a very positive atmosphere which was more relaxed but productive. This suited my working style better. The other office was positive but more conventional, which was less suited to my work habits, as I consider myself extroverted.
Really seamless. The team took care of every concern and all intern events, the work itself and the advice we got along the way were seamlessly integrated. I did however feel that there were too many different platforms etc. that we were introduced to earlier on e.g. grad hub. One booklet that explained all these different resources would have been helpful.
The company absolutely invested in us. I felt valued and it felt pleasurable to try deliver the best results for the business.
National Travel
Company Parties/Events
Highly appealing, it seems like a well run organisation with good mobility to move around in areas you enjoy.
The Culture
There was. People took it upon themselves to arrange socials for the interns and the program themselves ran social events too which were conducive to a good working atmosphere.
I was working in London. It was high (obviously) though HSBC pay slightly more than the standard if you are living and working in London.
London has amazing nightlife.
There were a few. We were encouraged to, but there weren't load for everyone's taste. That said, there was nothing stopping interns from starting their own initiative/activity if they wished.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
London
September 2018