Adam

Current Role: Digital Risk Manager

University & Degree: Aberystwyth University, Physical & Human Geography

Favourite Movie: Jurassic Park

Thing you are most proud of: Running the Cardiff Half Marathon for Help for Heroes

Why did you join the HSBC UK grad scheme?

I joined HSBC UK straight out of university and over a few years progressed through to Retail Branch Management. Whilst I loved supporting people and coaching my team, I craved a new challenge. I spent many hours shadowing other teams and trying to understand what would be my next best move. During this time a graduate joined my branch and said “why not the graduate programme?” – I was impressed by the commitment to development and rotation through key strategic business areas. It was at this point that I knew this was the challenge I was looking for: to expand my ability, drive my curiosity across diverse business areas and ultimately pavethe way for a great career in HSBC UK.

Briefly describe your current role.

Currently I work as a Digital Risk Manager – I am responsible for managing and implementing risk management across UK Digital. I support withprojects and Digital deliveries to ensure appropriate controls and governance are in place, to protect our customers and the overall business of HSBC UK.

What have you enjoyed the most during the graduate scheme?

I love the continual development offered through the WPB Graduate Programme. I left the comfort of the Retail Branch Network and was thrown into my first placement managing technical API’s as a Global Digital Product Manager. With no Digital experience the learning curve was very steep – but to come through 6 months and reflect on the achievement of being able to deliver Digital Products is so empowering!

How would you describe the graduate community here at HSBC?

The graduate community at HSBC is one of the most supportive, tenacious and adaptive communities I have ever met. From the initial on boarding through to the day-to-day graduate experience, the whole Graduate community is there to help you be your best.

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?

Walking into HSBC I assumed the financial services industry would be very rigorous, only focused on regulation and finance. How wrong I was! People are at the heart of HSBC. I was enthralled by the customer centricity throughout everything we do: from front-line roles through to the products we develop for our customers. Financial Services is also far more thanjust finance. When you enter a bank you start to understand the diversity of opportunities that exist: from traditional Wealth Advice and Retail Branch Management roles, you will soon explore the breadth of innovation of Customer Experience Design, Machine Learning, and many more.

What transferable skills have you takenfrom your degree course and applied toyour graduate placements?

From my University experience I have been able to utilise numerous transferrable skills within my graduate placements. Personal motivation, rapport building, critical thinking and time management skills have been invaluable to me.

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

It is never too late to try something different. As an Internal applicant I joined the WPB graduate programme later than most. I had already been with HSBC for 4 years, which is not the common route for a graduate candidate. However, I was passionate and motivated for a challenge to grow within my career. My best advice is to not compare your career path to those around you, as everyone is motivated to achieve different end goals.