Second Year Summer Internship Review

I was placed in a Commercial team, which was a new business area for me, and was given my own project, for which I had comeplete responsibilty. It was good to be given this as it kept me very busy for the placement, but I did a lot of work independently and, since managers in general work on their own portofolios, I missed the team element of work.

As managers are responsible for working independently on their own portfolios and targets, I felt that I was a little disengaged. When I was able to go on customer meetings, I felt more involved in the day to day business of the centre, but managers did not often involve me in the follow up work, which I would have enjoyed. That said, one manager did keep me engaged in the follow up of one customer meeting, which made me realise how much more I would have liked to have done this.

I was supported in the project, but also expected to work independently. As the managers were often working from home or out with customers, the support and guidance was not a constant presense, so I made use of my Graduate Buddy, who although places in London, was very happy to help me out with any problem. I really appreciated his support.

I was busy during my business project, which I really enjoyed, as it kept me focussed and gave me an element of pressure which I enjoy. However, once I had finished this, I wasn't given anything in paticular to do, and instead was given some applications to review, despite the fact that I had pointed out I was familiar with this process from a previous placement.

My project was entirely my responsiblity which I enjoyed. I also took a leading role in our charity project and am confident we have organised a fantastic event.

I gained some knowledge of commercial banking and business models, which is not particularly relevant to my degree, but good knowledge to have in general.

The office was friendly and fun, and I enjoyed the social opportunities available.

I felt the internship was very well organised, and I felt involved in the scheme even though I was outside of London. I enjoyed the networking events and the days organised in Leeds. The other interns were a really lovely group and I enjoyed their company a lot.

I was given regualr contact with my funtional manager, and people were happy to help me with questions when I had them, and extend their responses to help improve my knowledge. It might have been more beneficial to have a manager who was less senior, and the commercial area director already had responsiblity for a large number of staff and could not dedicate a huge amount of time to me.

I think that having completed a few placements with the bank now, I have the knowledge to take some ownership over a graduate job at HSBC, and would be able to use my own personal network to try and secure placements that would suit my personal interests and skills, and that I could excel in.

When in London/Intern experience days there was a good social atmosphere. Because I was in my home town, and one of only two interns in this area, I did not have access to the same social opportunities as in Lonond, but I wasn't bothered by this as I had my own network of family and friends.

Living at home made everything a bargain!

Norwich nightlife all depends on who you're with!!

The Graduate charity project allowed us to oragnise our own activities outside of work, and invite the other interns to come along. I went to a few social events with my team, and these were great fun!