Meet our People:

HSBC

Isabella Wong
Global Asset Management Graduate Programme
Hong Kong

HSBC was always going to be a natural choice for me as an employer, as I knew I wanted to start my career in an international bank. Once I did my research, though, I also found out about the rotational structure of the graduate programmes, which made me even more excited as I could experience different parts of the bank.

At university I did a degree in actuarial sciences, so I would say I’m comfortable with numbers, spreadsheets, and data handling. That certainly set me up well for starting the Global Asset Management graduate programme. However, I have also learnt a lot since starting too. Working with people from different cultures and different working styles has helped me to develop and practise my communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, which has been extremely valuable.

But it’s not just the work side of things that I am passionate about. In March, our whole team went for an annual dinner, which was so much fun. I’ve also had the chance to become the editor of our team’s newsletter, which has helped me to meet many more people.

If I could go back and give myself some advice when I was applying, I would say: don’t limit yourself to things you think you are interested in. Say yes to everything that comes your way, because until you try it, you never know. That is why the graduate programme is so great – you are given the freedom to explore and find the area of business that interests you most.

HSBC

Johnny Moon
Commercial Banking Graduate Programme
UK

I have always seen HSBC as a big global bank, but it’s only since working here that I’ve really appreciated its size and international network. There are so many teams all over the world working together to help our clients. It is great to be part of it.

I didn’t come from a finance background, having studied geography at university. But the great thing about HSBC is that they really invest time in your learning and development. If they want you to know something, they will teach it to you. Knowing that made me far more confident that I could bring my enthusiasm and diligence to the table – and learn the rest on the job.

My team are constantly busy, so it is a fast-paced and dynamic environment. That said, it is also extremely open with lots of different personalities and approaches. Because of this, I’ve learnt how to adapt to different styles and make my voice heard, so that I can be as valuable as possible to my colleagues.

My advice to anyone thinking of applying is do your research. Find out about all the different programmes HSBC offers, and don’t say no to something just because it is unexpected or you don’t quite understand it yet. My first placement was something I knew nothing about, but it was the most fun three months I have had so far!

HSBC

Dariia Karaianu
Global Private Banking Graduate Programme, Private Banking
USA

During my third year at college, HSBC gave a seminar about their values and the opportunities for interns and graduates, and I left feeling eager to discover more about the bank. I completed an internship that summer, and by the end of it I realised that HSBC was the place where I wanted to build a career.

The Private Banking graduate programme gives you a chance to work in different departments so you can get involved in a variety of projects. Each day brings new experiences with fresh challenges, which I love, because I would get bored if I was given the same tasks every day. In addition, HSBC has a close-knit team and a great environment for people who want to learn. There are many knowledgeable employees who are willing to share their expertise.

One of my favourite moments of the programme so far was the Global Graduate Induction event. It was mind-blowing! You’re in one room with hundreds of graduates from around the globe; the atmosphere is electric and the inspiration level is through the roof. It helped me to establish many great connections with the graduates I met there.
If I could go back and give myself some advice when applying, I’d tell myself to relax. I was considering a number of companies, but when I went to HSBC for an assessment centre I immediately knew that it was the company for me; it fitted my personality and aligned with my values. You can work hard anywhere but if it is somewhere that feels right for you, it will make a big difference in achieving your ultimate career goals.

Learn more about the experiences and careers of some of our other employees around the world.