CMB Intern Review

I really enjoyed my placement and felt as though I learnt a lot - both in terms of analytical skills as well as soft skills. The only thing I wish I could have done more was get more involved in client meetings as the few that I went on I really enjoyed.

Everyone in my team was very supportive. I really felt valued when they'd tke the time to give me feedback on my work or to sit down and teach me certain things. For example, a couple people in my team took time out of their busy days to walk me through credit papers, annual accounts, etc... which was very much appreciated.

I was very well supported by my supervisors throughout my internship. Within my team I had weekly one to ones with my placement manager to make sure I was on track and to check if I needed any additional support. Further, the my 'Grad Coach' was very friendly and made me feel comfortable asking him about any issues I had no matter how small they were.

I found as though most days I would have quite a bit of free time to relax. I would always get my work done and make sure it was of a high standard but I feel as though I could have been pushed more and given more work to do.

As the internship progressed, naturally I got more responsibility. I particularly enjoyed when I was given the responsibility of doing things like helping write credit papers or writing the meeting minutes after client meetings as it made me feel as though I was actually contributing to the team and their success.

Personally, I will find the analytical skills (especially on the financial side of things) useful when I go back to university given that I will have a module in finance/investment next year. Additionally, all the soft skills I learnt (especially the development of my interpersonal skills) will aid me not only in my studies but also in my everyday life.

I really liked my office - I found it to be lively. I think having a lot of other interns that I had met on induction days really contributed to this atmosphere given that it meant I'd always have people to go to lunch with etc. Additionally, despite not necessarily having aligning interests, my team always made an effort to be lively.

I think my team was well organised in that my line manager had projects lined up for me. However, I have heard from a few other interns that their team didn't want an intern and therefore didn't prepare much for them. Also, I found for my intern project presentation, it was unnecessary for me to take a 2 hour train journey to give a 10 minute group presentation only to then take another 2 hour train back to my office. I say that it was unnecessary as I feel as though it could've easily been done via video conference.

HSBC did invest a lot in me. You can tell by all the events they run on the development days that they do care about you as an individual which meant a lot to me. Further, my team were very generous with their time and would invested a lot of their time in teaching me what they knew.

I think the organisation is very appealing - II don't have any criticisms here.

There was a good social scene although I wish more of the larger socials which included everyone had been organised.

It was in London so naturally everything was relatively expensive!

The pubs were always very lively after work regardless of the day of the week!

There were a lot of opportunities but they mainly revolved around getting drinks in the pub. I was very keen to get involved with this although I wish there was more in way of sporting socials offered to all interns.