Commercial Banking Summer Intern Review

Day to day I would spend time acting as a support analyst for my manager (a relationship director). This would mean helping her manage her client base, reaching out to new prospective clients and attending team meetings. I was also able to work on a project for the benefit of the wider area team. Outside of my placement, I work with other interns on a separate project and a charity initiative.

I have learnt a multitude of skills. My commercial awareness has improved massively, and my knowledge of banking and finance. I have become more confident when presenting, and talking one on one with colleagues at all levels of seniority. I have improved my ability to manage time and work to deadlines. I feel far more confident asking for support and feedback form others to help my development.

I was given the opportunity to make a tangible impact, working on reports for both new clients and current clients. I was able to work on a successful client proposal, allowing me to have a direct positive impact. I am aware however that while I was clear to my placement team that I wanted to have the chance to work on the forntlines, others who were less assertive were given more general longer term projects.

Both my placement team and the intern support team made efforts to regularly provide support on both the work I was given, but also on my own personal development. There was no point at which I was unsure who to contact about any issue or query I had. Each week I was given access to a multitude of opportunities to attend events giving support and guidance.

There was a real sense of community in both the intern programme team, between the intern cohorts and my placement team. I think this is testament to the commitment HSBC make to creating a supportive culture. At no point did I feel isolated or unable to speak up about an issue I was having. My placement team especially provided the type f environment I would like to work in long term.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement, as I was able to challenge myself to get what I wanted out of the 8 weeks with the support of my placement manager and the intern programme team. I developed relationships and skills that will stay with me well past the internship. An opportunity to meet my intern cohort face to face is the only area where I feel I missed out on enjoying my internship further.

Yes

I would assure people about the supportive culture that they were applying to join, and that there are a multitude of opportunities to make mistakes, develop skills and develop as a person. I would also say that the work provided is challenging but rewarding, and there is great opportunity to go above and beyond and provide innovative ideas. There is also a great feedback culture, which helps with ensuring you are consistently improving.