School Leaver Insight Programme Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my School Leaver Insight Programme at HSBC. Throughout the six weeks I was given worthwhile projects that were fully integrated with my team of full-time colleagues. Lots of extra activities, both within the company and externally with the other interns, to further our development and understanding.

As I was working side-by-side with my team of full-time colleagues, I very quickly settled in and became part of the team. Everyone was extremely friendly and were always willing to ‘show me the ropes’, which meant that when my programme finished I had established very strong relationships with my colleagues.

With work of real-time importance I had regular meetings with my manager, who had a keen interest in developing me as a person and making sure that I got the most of the experience; which has continue to this day with further support and advice. Also I was assigned a mentor who I could go to at any time for a chat or to ask advice.

The workload was excellent. Some days were obviously busier than others but that is to be expected. With my projects there were always things to improve so I was never sat fiddling my thumbs. The objectives were tough but with the support of my colleagues and some hard work they were achievable.

I was pleasantly surprised how much responsibility I was given. During my first placement I was the customer advocate for the branch which involved: mystery shopping branches, presenting improvements to my managers, serving customers and improving my colleague’s knowledge through presentations and 1-1 coaching. During my second placement in HTS, I organised confidential accounting data, helped with the internal newsletter and improved account reconciliation error identification.

I developed in so many ways in such a short period of time it’s scary! With massively improved confidence, maturity and productivity, university will definitely be a lot easier. Also I now a better idea of what working life is like and have confirmed that a career in banking is for me.

Everyone was really friendly, welcoming and interested in what I was doing. With a fantastic team spirit everyone was always willing to lend a hand, not just to me, but to their peers as well.

The foundations were set up with a clear structure. Induction on the first day clearly set out the layout of the programme, so I always knew when and where I needed to be. The graduate did an excellent job organising social events, which meant that I frequently saw the other interns.

HSBC’s online learning and testing system was available for us to improve our knowledge and had some mandatory learning that everyone had to know. The first day was induction where we got to speak to people from all areas of the company and listen to presentations. The last day was a development day, with more presentations and a team building exercise run by an external company.

I don't know the rate of people that get a summer internship following the School Leaver Insight Programme, as it is a relatively new scheme. I haven’t heard from HSBC yet, but I definitely rate them highly.

There was an excellent social scene amongst the interns and graduates, with regular meet ups. At the induction and other major events I my peers were there, so everyone on the programme knew each other quite well by the end.

I lived at home and commuted in, so my cost of living my very small. The cost of socialising varied depending on whether we met at Canarf Wharf or another part of London. As you are paid, unless you are overly eccentric your salary will more than cover your costs.

Between the two three-week long placements there was a charity day in collaboration with Guide Dogs UK and culminated with a visit to a training centre. There was also an excellent social scene amongst the interns and graduates, with regular meet ups.