Department Manager Review

Managing 5 Team Managers, who each have a team of 10 advisors (on average). Call centre for customers in financial difficulty. Leading in fair customer outcomes and adhering to regulations. Adaptive to change at short notice. Working collaboratively with my own team and with others across the business area and bank.

I am studying an apprenticeship degree in Management and Leadership at Masters level which the bank supports. People skills and organisational skills are really important for my role. Confidence is also important as the role involves working with colleagues outwith my immediate team and speaking up in meetings is crucial.

I have been studying the apprenticeship degree for about 5 months. The first assignment is a group report. Working with others on a single report is challenging as there are many differences in opinion. I do not enjoy the group work as I feel I am not able to influence others into my way of thinking and am often out-voted. It would be good if the group work was monitored more closely by the tutor so I could have more confidence in the group doing the right thing.

The course is structured well with the whole timetable already presented to us so we can see in advance the schedule for classes and assignment due dates. I don't agree with how the groups assignments are set - if you don't agree with your group you still have to go along with the majority.

My line manager makes time for me if I want to discuss things. He is very supportive and encourages me to set time aside for study and to implement practices within my own area. I have only had one meeting with my mentor but he is nice and said I could reach out to him if I need to. We are meant to use 20% of our working hours for uni work, however, I don't feel confident in doing this and often use my own personal time.

The tutors are very good and ask us to reach out to them if we are unsure about anything. Anytime I have emailed one of them they reply back to me promptly. I haven't reached out for any additional support but I feel confident that if I did the support would be there.

The course hasn't helped me in my role as yet. I have had classes form 2 modules so far. The first module I feel is all common sense but delivered to us in strategies/theories - I don't think I'm learning anything here that I don't already know. The second module is for the group assignment and my group picked a topic that has nothing to do with my role or workplace, so, again I haven't been able to apply any of this to my role.

Because of lockdown restrictions I haven't looked into what social activities there are for me to get involved in through my work place. There are sometimes zoom parties but they aren't as good as meeting in person. Ordinarily (pre-covid) there are lots of things going on that people can get involved in.

Yes

There are so many opportunities to progress in your career at HSBC and many different business areas that will suit all different types of people. If you work hard and have a good working relationship with your line manager so that they can support you in your development, you can have a lot of job satisfaction.

Before applying make sure you research the role and the company so that you are confident that it is the right role for you - there are many different business areas. If you are successful after the interview, keep developing your skills and gaining new ones. Once you have a job with HSBC you have a great opportunity for a great, lifelong career.