CMB Summer Intern Review

The experience overall was thoroughly enjoyable. The intern team did an amazing job organising the whole thing virtually, ensuring the onboarding and induction process was informative and interactive, whilst also ensuring we were able to interact with other interns despite the virtual nature. The internship itself was challenging and the different projects we were given ensured we had plenty to do the whole way through. There was a good mix of placement work as well as charity and community projects that made the virtual experience really exciting.

Throughout my time with HSBC I felt extremely valued. From the application process, to onboarding and the actual internship all of us interns were given so many opportunities and reminded that HSBC were extremely glad to have us as employees and wanted to highlight that it was an environment we would want to work in, in the future. All of the staff were happy to give us their time and it never felt like I was an inconvenience at any point.

Throughout the internship and before it started I felt completely supported. The intern programme team kept us informed regarding the change to a virtual programme and the onboarding process ensured we were well prepared for when we officially began the internship. We also received a lot of guidance from the graduate cohort, specifically from our assigned grad coaches and on programme managers, meaning we had people to reach out to both before and during the internship.

The internship gave an insight into what it is like to work for a global company. It helped develop communication and networking skills that will definitely be useful through the remainder of my degree and beyond. The information we received was informative and gave a good insight into the placement area we were working in. Overall the information wasn't necessarily relevant to my degree but was still helpful, plus the emphasis on soft skills and our own personal development were extremely useful and will 100% be helpful to my degree studies and beyond.

The onboarding process was extremely well structured, as well as our two virtual induction days. These experiences provided a lot of guidance into what to expect from the internship and how to make the most of it. The internship itself was also well structured, with clear distinctions between our placement work and the community/intern projects we were set. Overall we were given a lot of support, although perhaps more structure could have been given to the placement itself in terms of the way things were structured with our line manager. I think everyone had different experiences which was good, but maybe more structure could be given to ensure the same opportunities are provided to all.

The atmosphere throughout the internship was an extremely positive and enjoyable one. We were encouraged to ask as many questions as we wanted and to not be afraid to reach out to anyone or anything we were interested in, even if this was not within our direct placement team. The social aspect of the internship was also encouraged, despite the virtual nature, meaning it also felt very friendly and meant we all felt more comfortable. Overall it was a very positive working environment.

I think it gave clarity over what it would be like to have a full time role with the firm, despite the internships virtual nature. We were given full access to the teams we worked in and were encouraged to engage in as much as possible meaning we could see what it was like working at various levels within the company. We were also given a lot of insight into the grad scheme which was also extremely useful to see what it would be like to work full time as a grad.

A lot of focus was put on understanding HSBC as a company and what their values are. The internship enabled you to see these values in real life and to gain an insight into what type of people work there and how it is definitely a company that wants people to feel comfortable no matter who they are or where they come from. The virtual nature meant we missed out on experiencing the office culture, although they definitely tries to make up for this as best they could.

There was a lot of opportunity for meeting other employees, with a significant emphasis on networking. We were both provided with networking events by HSBC but we were also encouraged to reach out to as many people we wanted to, no matter what team they were in. HSBC seems like a company where everyone is happy to give you their time and answer any questions you have, making it far easier to network and build long lasting connections.

Yes we were given lots of information about this, even as interns there were things we could get involved with. This extra curricular involvement was encouraged and was especially clear when speaking to graduates on the grad scheme and even employees higher up. There were a range of employee groups so no matter what your interest there would definitely be something to get involved with. Also employees were happy to share their experiences with these groups.

Yes I would 100% recommend this internship to a friend. It was a highly educational and enjoyable experience. It allowed me to gain an insight into banking and what it is like working for a global company with a very strong reputation. Even if you are not sure banking is for you, it focusses so much on your wider development that it provides you an opportunity to improve a range of skills that will be extremely useful no matter what career you choose to go into.