Wealth and Personal Banking Summer Intern Review

As an intern we were each placed in a different department within WPB. We got to work closely on projects within the team, doing analysis and presentation pieces. Due to Covid we were able to have individual discussions with managers about how often to go into the office, and work hybrid accordingly. As interns we also had additional projects such as an ERG challenge where we were split into teams to solve a specific problem and present on it and also a GROW challenge in order to grow £10 into as much as possible within a group.

The summer internship programme allowed us to run with lots of responsibility. We were given many projects to work on, not just as a team but also on an individual basis. I had the opportunity to do my own research, findings, and analysis reports and even giving my own fresh ideas from a unique intern perspectives. It was made clear how much they valued our unique and fresh perspectives and as a result were given lots of responsibility to enjoy.

The summer internship experience developed and enhanced many skills through the many projects completed over that time period. The main skill developed was presentation skills due to the huge amount of opportunities for presenting to individuals and the wider team. Additionally there was a huge improvement in excel skills. This was achieved not just through practice and support from managers, but also from excel skill workshops that were made available to us. Apart from those I was also able to hone my flexibility and adaptability skills.

Throughout the internship there was a huge amount of guidance and support. The intern programme teams sent out constant emails to support us throughout, had regular meetings, and encouraged us to seek support where necessary. Additionally we were given a GradCoach as a regular point of contact to support us and we met weekly as well as before the start of the internship. We also had a placement manager and an intern manager in order to support us through the internship. There was therefore always clear and constant support.

HSBC has a very different culture to regular banks and their reputations. Everybody was always very friendly and welcoming and we were able to reach out to nearly everybody and anybody for a chat, whether they were in our team or not, and whether they knew us or not. That was what was so unique: the opportunities available for networking. Aside from that the actual placement team were very friendly and inclusive and made you feel like part of the team, not just an intern.

I had the best time on my internship and would really recommend it to anyone with any slight interest in banking. There was so much opportunity to explore the bank and the world of banking and discover a great foundation from it. There was always support on hand and endless opportunities for growth and development. It is a great first point for a career in banking and you also have the opportunity to be offered a place on the grad programme from it which is always a bonus!

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