Robert - Retail Management Trainee
I'm currently in my second of four placements, working as a Retail Branch Manager and this is probably one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in the entirety of HSBC!
As well as being solely responsible for a fully operational part of one of the world's largest Banks, I am also looking after a team of five people. This means that I have to make sure that they are happy, developing their skills and achieving their individual targets. If my team aren't doing well, then it will affect how profitable my branch is. It is as simple as that!
We have a saying at HSBC that, "If you empower your people, you empower yourself". I have always tried to bear this in mind when managing my team. Training is of paramount importance, not only from a compliance point of view, but also because it encourages an atmosphere of learning, engagement and inquisitiveness. All of these attributes are very useful for someone who needs to understand what best meets the needs of a customer.
One of the most difficult aspects of this role is being able to stand back and see "the bigger picture". It is very easy to focus too intently on a single aspect of the business, sometimes becoming completely absorbed by it! This can however, have a detrimental effect on parts that were previously doing well. As a Graduate Trainee at HSBC, we are taught and encouraged to view things from a holistic and balanced perspective. Maintaining simultaneous control over multiple components and being able to influence and grow them in a synergistic manner.
I have been fortunate enough to lead the branch's performance growth by over 40% since I started my placement here. This was a fantastic result and I am immensely proud of my team for achieving such an ambitious target. I am looking forward to taking the skills I have learned here on to my next placement.
In addition to my role, I am given an enormous amount of time and support to work on my own development. I am currently a member of the Graduate Communities Committee, which looks to raise funds for charities. The committee have organised many fundraising events this year (including a running race up the 38 storeys of our Head Office in Canary Wharf!) and we're looking forward to a successful 2012!