HSBC Spring Insight Programme Review

by HSBC

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.1/5
  • The Role
    3.8
  • The Company
    4.2
  • The Culture
    4.4

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • Brilliant insight into HSBC's Global Banking & Markets, even more so as it was their first insight program. Varied activities, with insights from every department, including interactive trading game and extensive tour of the trading floor. We did spend most of the program in one room, which was a bit repetitive, but it was on the 41st floor with stunning views of London! Would thoroughly recommend.

    5/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • Although it was only 3 days, I got to know the other participants well, particularly as I was staying in the hotel with them. It had a much better & more relaxed, fun atmosphere compared with the Credit Suisse insight I completed, I suppose largely because everyone has been fast-tracked to final round interviews for their choice of department which wasn't the case at CS. Therefore, there wasn't this annoying desire to ask 'clever' but inane questions and needless competitiveness.

    5/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • Lots of support given I knew almost nothing about investment banking when I started on the Monday. They had panels from each department go round to us in small groups with a case study and the opportunity to all about what they do. This was really helpful to find out what I was most interested in.

    4/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • All fairly intense as it was 3 days long but had to be as there was a lot to pack in. Days started at 8:30 and finished quite late as one day had evening networking drinks and the other a great dinner with senior management in their hospitality suite.

    4/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • Not the point of the insight program!

    2/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • Really useful skills on networking, how to succeed at assessment centres (not just at HSBC) & great insights into the departments so I came out knowing which areas are most suited for me.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • I thoroughly enjoyed it & had a good laugh with the other people including with HSBC employees. There was far less formality compared with another spring week & importantly the employees were down to earth and approachable.

    5/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • Very good with schedule given out at the beginning so we knew what was happening. Some things overran but hardly surprising.

    4/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • They fast tracked everyone to final round interviews, employees including senior management were genuinely interested to meet us & gave us good tips on how to improve. Provided great hotel accommodation for people like me who don't live in London.

    5/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • 4/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • Very good as fast tracked to final round interview and was told loads about the AC so hopefully I will do well!

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • Went out to dinner with other participants & drinks on last night - if I was there for longer it would be great to work and socialise with them outside of work. Really good group!

    5/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • Pretty cheap as HSBC paid the cost of our dinners, accommodation & travel. If going out drinking Canary Wharf isn't the cheapest place in the world but not too bad for London (although a bit soulless.

    5/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Reasonable bars but central London has far more character so would try to go there in future.

    4/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • We did stuff in the evenings after work as mentioned in other qs & hotel was good to socialise.

    5/5
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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Investment Banking

London

April 2012

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