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* The interview was conducted in Mar 2004
Name:
Matt Nurse International
Exchange Student, HKU Internship
Obtained - HSBC Investment Banking and Markets, London An Internship is an excellent opportunity to gain a challenging work experience in business. An insight into business prior to graduation is excellent preparation for graduate employment. It enables a better understanding of company operations and thoroughly tests your suitability for working within that specific business. I recently applied to many companies in the UK offering internships and received an offer from HSBC, London. This article will outline from my experience what I believe candidates should focus upon and what to expect in order to be successful at every level of application.
Amassing a creditable CV takes years - Draw on all possible experiences. I included overcoming cultural differences as a key to teamwork success in Hong Kong. Successful candidates are often competent at Psychometric Testing. Good verbal and numerical skills are essential. I recommend reading:
Use these three books to warm up and keep mental arithmetic sharp. These other following resources may also help:
I also purchased the book Kaplan GMAT <http://www.kaptest.com>. GMAT is more advanced testing specific to the MBA programmes - if you master these sorts of questions you should have very few problems. Companies interview on both the phone and in the final stages face-to-face. Initial interviews I attended (on the phone) were competency based i.e. personal qualities and skills. No technical questions were asked. Questions were very similar to those asked within the application form. Show enthusiasm, speak in a positive tone and if unsure ask the interviewer to repeat the question. Click here for difficult questions which have been asked in the past. Specific to my own experience I was asked to describe myself in five words. Teams work best if each individual knows their personality and how best to utilise their skills within a teamwork situation. The bottom line is to show commercial interest in your specific business stream, be enthusiastic and express your interests with unassertive confidence. I believe it not necessary to feel obliged to ask a question at the end if asked - only ask a question if unsure or you feel it totally relevant.
The quicker your complete the process, the quicker the application will be assessed. Undertaking an international exchange I believe enhanced my chances greatly. Cross-cultural interrelationships are vital in a global business. Working with HSBC will almost certainly require international travel and working. A-Levels Gap
Year : International Travel University
: University of Nottingham, UK HKU
: International Student Exchange Programme Internship : HSBC Investment Banking and Markets, London
"Students looking for a challenging career in business should certainly apply for internships in the UK. Ten week placements in the City offer challenging, motivational opportunities for highly able candidates with the potential to gain further employment as a graduate." "Teamwork, listening, motivation and relationship building are vital qualities of a successful candidate. Additional experience and evidence of a varied and busy lifestyle emphasise a candidate's adaptability. Travelling and an international exchange are good evidences of an independent and resourceful candidate prepared to experience a different international living." "Ultimately, apply early and apply to many. Treat this application process alike you would a graduate application. Success demands dedication."
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