Overall Rating
3.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.2/5
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Overview of the Experience
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Company Culture
Overview of the Experience
Please give an overview of what your work experience involved:
3/5
Consisted of a week of talks, workshops and 'fireside' chats all entered around a banking/finance group activity which was presented back and offered feedback upon completion. There were several opportunities to learn about HSBC's apprenticeship opportunities/ talk to past and present apprentices and learn about their journey as well.
To what extent did you enjoy your work experience?
4/5
All in all, it was an enjoyable work experience, although doing it online did the tracks a little from the experience. We learnt plenty of transferable skills and the activities provided are great talking points going to future interviews. We opportunity to talk to current staff and apprentices was also invaluable.
How well organised was your work experience?
5/5
Considering it was online, the day is a well structured, and you are provided with a schedule of the week – which helped us have a broader understanding of what the work experience would consist of day to day being online. The zoom links were consistent and there was continued communication with the organisers.
How much did your work experience help you in deciding on your future career path?
3/5
HSBC online work experience provided a broad range of information with regards to banking and finance careers. Although as it did focus particularly on apprenticeships and school lever opportunities I felt it didn't provide sufficient information with regards to graduate careers and spring week/summer intern opportunities during University study.
Were you paid or reimbursed for this experience?
1/5
This was an unpaid work placement. Being online there were low to no expenses so this was not an issue.
Skills Development
What training and skills development did you learn from your work experience?
4/5
We were introduced to the most effective ways of looking through dataset and information, and extracting key points to strengthen our team presentation. The group task also facilitated an opportunity to actively practice collaboration techniques as well as take on leadership roles. The presentation itself has a great public speaking learning opportunity, with the networking sessions also being very supportive in terms of learning how to most defectively communicate.
Company Culture
How much did you learn about the company culture and what it would be like to work there?
4/5
Talking to current staff, and being able to ask direct questions about company culture provided plenty of transparency in terms of the day-to-day life of being an HSBC employer. As it was posted online in 2021, although we were not in the office environment I still felt company culture was well covered during our information sessions.
Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees?
4/5
There are plenty of opportunities to network and meet virtually with other employees during the scheduled networking sessions. Several of the staff which took part also provided personal email addresses and encouraged further questions and communication from attendees of the work experience. Although the sessions were online, there was adequate time for questions whenever keynote speaker sessions were hosted.
Recommendations and Advice
Would you recommend HSBC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Broad range of banking and finance information provided, great opportunity to talk to staff.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to HSBC?
Ensure CV is tailored to HSBC's company culture, consider lining up your past experiences/activities focusing on some of the companies values. using the star technique during the telephone interview when applying was also extremely helpful. Remember to be personable, kind and although not everything is a test, putting on your best face and a positive demeanour both during interview and work experience is important.
