Spring Insight Programme Review

In short, I really enjoyed it! It was great fun and extremely interesting and informative. I learnt loads and had a really great time. We were treated incredibly well and really spoilt! ;)

Very inclusive atmosphere. I felt very comfortable to ask whatever I wanted and due to this learnt a lot about the industry and why HSBC might be the place for me. It also allowed us to make great contacts with those working at HSBC because they seemed genuinely interested in us and the possibility of us joining HSBC.

The support and guidance was more in the form of information giving and encouragement since it was only an insight programme. The support and guidance was not necessarily needed in relation to the assignments and tasks we were given. It was much more useful in relating to how we might best impress the interviewers at assessment centres for HSBC (or even other investment banks). There was also great guidance to help us best choose which department of HSBC we would like to try and persue a career in. The supervisors/management were keen to help and didn't mind explaining things several different ways and times if needed!

A really excellent programme ensured there was always something to do and keep us entertained. The timing allowed for breaks was well planned since it meant we could have some time to network with the presenters and find out a little more if we wanted. Having a "how to network" session on the first day was a genius idea. It meant we networked with all of the people who were also on the internship and it really helped us all feel much more of a tight group.

Not given a great deal of responsibility, but it was only a Spring Insight programme and not something I was expecting from it at all. There was the benefit of really awesome hotel and transport to the offices as well as an amazing meal which was really great.

They are certainly skills for life. I learnt loads about networking and most crucially, I think, about the investment banking industry. Before I attended the programme, I didn't really know much about the different departments and their roles, but I now feel much more confident and it has helped me greatly in choosing which department I want to apply for.

It was great being part of a tight group of people who were also on the programme. It meant we could have some fun together. The group exercises were fun as well as some of the presentations. There was just one presentation that was a little less interesting than the others, but I don't think it was helped by being at the end of a jam-packed day!

Very well planned and organised. The programme seemed to work like clockwork. The presenting was professional, but never awkward or too dull.

I felt I was very valued whilst at HSBC. The amount of senior management we got to meet and chat to was very impressive. I certainly did not expect to meet so many senior employees and also get the opportunity to question them! HSBC were also very happy to help pay for transport, a hotel and meals.

They are very appealing. All of us on the spring programme were given the opportunity to fast-track to the assessment centre for the 2013 Summer Analyst Programme. The assessment centres for us are to be held towards the end of April 2012.

Yes certainly! We were helped with the networking skills session on the first day which helped us to meet each other and also by the social events put on by HSBC. The first evening included a drinks reception where we could meet each other a little more and also talk again to those employees we had met that day. Those of us in the hotel got on really well and I certainly had a great time going out for meals and meeting up at the end of each day.

Quite expensive as should be expected in Canary Wharf and London generally. However nearly all expenses were covered by HSBC and impressively promptly reimbursed.

There was not much time after each day in the programme for a nightlife! However it was good to go out for meals with those us staying in the hotel. I believe most others commuted home after each day.

Not especially. It was only a spring insight programme and lasted only 3 days. There was therefore no outside activities linked with HSBC that were advertised. However there were the social events put on by HSBC and the encouragement to start trading online to get a better feel for the markets (something that can help in later interviews).