Lysi

Current Role: Corporate Loan Management Unit (CLMU) Graduate Analyst

University & Degree: University of Exeter, History

Favourite Movie: A Few Good Men

Thing you are most proud of: My friends and family

Why did you join the HSBC UK grad scheme?

HSBC stood out to me, largely due to their values. After attending my internship assessment centre I felt that HSCB and myself shared the samecommunity culture and people-driven agenda.

Briefly describe your current role.

I currently work in the Corporate Loan Management Unit (CLMU), within my ‘Risk’ rotation. CLMU directly manage the Bank’s distressed relationships. The team work to a high level of integrity, actively protecting the Bank’s reputation and balance sheet, whilst supporting a ‘turnaround’ of our customers with the aim of rehabilitating them back to the frontline. 

What have you enjoyed the most during the graduate scheme?

Networking and meeting interesting, passionate people has been the most enjoyable aspect of thegrad scheme. This ranges from my fellow graduates, to my various line managers, relationship directors as well as customers.

You also had a summer internship with HSBC UK before you joined the grad scheme. What was your intern experience like?

My intern experience was invaluable in aiding my decision to join the grad scheme. I still speak with my internship line managers to this day who still offer advice and support. The internship also provided insight into the various roles available to graduates, so I had more of an understanding of what I wanted to do.Most notably, the internship offered an insight into the culture and ethos of HSBC, which confirmed my ambition to continue to work at the bank.

How would you describe the graduate community here at HSBC?

The graduate community is strong within HSBC. Having events like the Development Days and Grad Con allow the grads to get to know each other more, as well as the local and global induction weeks. Beinga part of Grad Committees also offers an opportunity to work with different grads and collaborate on ideas.

Did you have any preconceptions about HSBC and the financial services industry when you were at uni and how did these change after starting with the bank?

I studied History at university so I expected to really struggle throughout the grad scheme without a maths or finance background. However, this has not been the case. If you are willing to make the effort with your personal development and ask for help and assistance, there is no reason why a humanities student would not thrive within HSBC. Having a strong personal brand and a drive to learn is far more important, which I had not fully appreciated whilst at uni.

What transferable skills have you taken from your degree course and applied to your graduate placements?

Within my degree I had to give lots of presentations, so I have been able to apply my communication and presentation skills to my grad placements. Studying History also taught me to articulate myself clearly when writing, which is fundamental when writing applications as well as emails and internal communications.

If you could go back in time what career advice would you give yourself?

Take more risks. There are so many opportunities available to grads on the grad scheme, but it is also easy to remain in your comfort zone. In hindsight I should have asked more questions, spoken up inmore meetings, offered to complete pieces of work I thought were beyond my skillset. I should have had more confidence in myself from the start andtaken more risks.