HSBC
The UK Work Experience Programme is for students looking for a work experience placement with a leading global bank. The programme provides opportunities to gain some hands-on experience, develop your knowledge of banking and financial services, and explore the careers available at HSBC in the UK.
Please note that this is an unpaid placement.
Who can apply?
This programme is aimed at those in the later years of full-time secondary, sixth form or college education who are keen to get an introduction to what a career in financial services may be like.
The Work Experience programme is delivered each Summer. Specific details regarding each opportunity are available when you apply.
To be considered for the programme, you will:
- Be in full-time education either at secondary school, sixth form or college at the time of the work experience commencing
- Be keen and motivated to find out more about HSBC and to be prepared to complete the application process, which will include an online assessment and if successful, a telephone interview
What to expect
Supported by experienced managers, you will be shadowing colleagues and encouraged to ask questions to help you understand more about HSBC. During the work experience, you will learn what it is like to work in one of our retail, commercial, operational or head office areas (subject to availability).
You will get to know HSBC – our values, our history and exactly what we do – and gain an insight into actual jobs that you would be doing if you came to work for us full-time. There will be an opportunity to develop your skills and grow your confidence.
Whether you decide to start an apprenticeship or go to university in the future, the work experience programme is a great early insight into a potential career choice.
Our top tips for landing a work experience placement
Getting work experience with a well known company can be quite competitive. Here’s four top tips that will help give you an edge during your application.
- Tailor your communication. If you are applying for more than one work experience position, ensure that each of your applications is unique. Bonus points if you also shuffle your CV and experience to best suit the role.
- Make the most of limited experience. Nobody has lots of skills or experience at the beginning of their career, so make the most of what you have done, and look for innovative ways to show learnings from any outside-of-school activities or work.
- Be proactive and reach out to companies directly. If you are unsure about a specific requirement, then ask a question.
- You could look to do some volunteer work, or a virtual work experience, to help boost your skills and make your application look even stronger.
