“During my third summer holiday in university, I interned at HSBC under the stream of Commercial Banking. Covered a broad spectrum of clients by the bank, I was further assigned to attach with the Commercial Real Estate division of the Corporate Banking department. Throughout the 2-month internship, I shadowed relationship managers in client meetings and gained hands-on experience in relationship building. I was also responsible for assisting with the completion of Credit Approval and Risk Management proposals for internal review, and conducting research on the InnoTech sector in China’s Greater Bay Area to identify potential business opportunities for the bank, etc.

Without any solid prior experience in corporate banking, the job was undoubtedly challenging as it exposes me to different client-facing activities as well as involves an extensive amount of analysis work based on companies’ financials. Yet, it was also a rewarding journey as I had plentiful chances to touch on million-dollar loan projects, build connections with senior management of some top real estate firms, and understand complex structured products offered by the bank’s financial markets business. These are all exposures that I could not easily gain by joining internship programs elsewhere. Overall, the internship opportunity has enriched my knowledge in credit analysis, sharpened my skills in managing relationships, and broadened my horizon in the field of corporate banking.

On top of that, the internship experience also taught me how important it is to develop adequate soft skills in the workplace. In banks, communication skills and team spirit are of prime importance as there are a lot of projects which require intra- or even inter-departmental collaboration. Interpersonal skills are always essential for one to leave a good impression and thus manage a good affiliation with colleagues and outside parties. In the business of relationship management, the ability to portray your eagerness and friendliness, plus having a good sense of humor, will also win you trust and reliance from the customers.

Hereby I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the colleagues in the Commercial Real Estate division, especially my functional managers Mandy Yip and Victor Chan, who showed me unanimous support and guidance throughout the summer. I strongly believe that the insights I gained and the skills I learned during the internship will direct me to a correct path and be useful for life.”