Nikee Ghandi

When did you join HSBC and on what programme?

• I joined in February on the Sheffield Digital Innovation Graduate Programme

Why did you decide to join HSBC? 

I joined HSBC because of its global presence and commitment to financial excellence. The opportunity to contribute to a renowned institution while leveraging my skills in tech, made it a compelling choice.

What is your current role?

Cloud Engineer

Please briefly describe what you do in your everyday work?

I streamline and standardise how components are developed, simplify pipeline dependencies, manage model changes globally, ensure secure pipelines for Dynamic Risk Assessment use cases, set up infrastructure, and adapt pipelines for new markets, Google AML AI versions, and Kubeflow upgrades. Additionally, I facilitate release builds and ensure compliance with operational policies and platform upgrades.

Explain how your degree helped you in your position now, how have you transferred those skills?

My degree in economics and management help me develop strategic thinking, while my Masters in applied AI has equipped me with technical skills. 

How has HSBC supported you to develop new skills? / How are you supported to grow in your career? 

HSBC helps me develop new skills through various initiatives such as training programs, workshops, and educational opportunities. This commitment to continuous learning allows all of us to stay current in our fields and contribute effectively to the organization’s success.

What do you think are the most important skills required for your role?

Key technical skills for a Cloud Engineer role encompass expertise in cloud technology (such as GCP), programming skills (Python, Bash), infrastructure as code (Terraform), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and security practices (IAM, encryption).

How would you describe the culture in your team? 

Our team thrives on collaboration, open communication, and a shared commitment to innovation. Everyone emphasizes on adaptability and continuous learning, creating a supportive environment for tackling challenges.

What has been a really exciting project that you have worked on? / What has been a highlight of your time at HSBC so far? 

One of the most thrilling projects I’ve worked on was adapting pipelines for a new market at HSBC. It involved navigating complexities, ensuring seamless integration, and optimizing our processes for the specific market dynamics. Additionally, automating aspects of the project adds an extra layer of efficiency.

What has been your biggest challenge? 

Managing the intricacies of streamlining and standardizing components globally posed a significant challenge. Dealing with model changes and setting up infrastructure demanded a nuanced approach. Overcoming these challenges has been a key aspect of my learning and growth as a graduate.

What else do you get up to at HSBC (are you part of any networks etc.)?

At HSBC, I actively participate in the Future Coders and Grad Mental Health Awareness groups, contributing to our collective growth and knowledge sharing. Additionally, I am involved in the Women in IT and Empower groups, promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization.

What has most surprised you about working at HSBC?

Working at HSBC is truly enjoyable; the inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging. Colleagues are consistently supportive and encouraging, creating a positive atmosphere that enhances collaboration and personal growth.

How do you find the Sheffield office?

I appreciate the Sheffield office, particularly the grad zone that facilitates networking among graduates. The well-designed building enhances the overall experience, making it a conducive and pleasant workspace.

How is your team’s work impacting the bank, its clients or the future of the finance industry or the wider world?

Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) transforms risk management, empowering the bank with real-time data and advanced analytics. It fosters safe growth, proactive risk mitigation, and global financial integrity. Utilizing cloud technology, it enhances efficiency, providing a nuanced view of risk for informed decision-making, with potential positive social impacts.

Moreover, the implementation of DRA not only ensures real-time risk management but also translates to significant cost and time savings. This streamlined approach enables the bank to concentrate resources on more pertinent cases, making their end-to-end processes highly efficient and contributing to overall operational effectiveness.

What would you say to any STEM students thinking about applying to an intern or graduate programme in your business area?

I would encourage STEM students to consider applying to HSBC’s intern or graduate programs as the dynamic environment, global exposure, and supportive culture offers valuable opportunities for professional and personal growth. It’s a great organization to apply and enhance STEM skills in a global setting.