Graduate Program FAQs
General Information
Can I apply to more than one of HSBC's Graduate Programs?
When can I expect to hear back from you?
Do I need to have a Masters Degree or MBA?
What work authorizations do you require?
Will I receive feedback on my application?
Do you only accept applications from recent graduates?
Can I re-apply if I have applied before?
Do you pay expenses during the interview process?
What makes an attractive candidate for HSBC's Graduate Programs?
I don't have a 3.2 GPA. What do I do now?
How can I find out about the progress of my application once I have submitted it online?
Must I have a bank account with HSBC?
When do I start?
I do not have a second language, can I still apply?
What kind of training can I expect?
What kind of support will I receive throughout the program?
Can I apply to more than one of HSBC's Graduate Programs?
The programs offer very different opportunities. It is unlikely that more than one will fit your career preferences. Identify the most suitable program for you, and apply only to that program. Submitting duplicate applications will not increase your chances of being accepted to a Graduate Program with HSBC.
When can I expect to hear back from you?
Within 90 days of your application date.
Do I need to have a Masters Degree or MBA?
The program is open to undergraduates – you don't need a Masters Degree or MBA. You can apply if you have these qualifications. We assess each application on its merits.
What work authorizations do you require?
We do not sponsor work visas for these programs. Only applicants with the legal right to work in the USA and Canada are eligible.
Will I receive feedback on my application?
Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide feedback to all candidates. You will receive systems responses periodically.
Do you only accept applications from recent graduates?
All applicants are judged on their demonstrated abilities. Similarly, it doesn't matter which stage of your study or career you are currently at. We are keen to hear from anyone who could make a valuable addition to our business.
Can I re-apply if I have applied before?
Yes, unless you do not meet the job requirements.
Do you pay expenses during the interview process?
No, we do not reimburse applicant travel expenses.
What makes an attractive candidate for HSBC's Graduate Programs?
An ideal candidate is someone with some experience in finance, accounting, business, or economics, but we have accepted candidates with journalism, marketing or psychology degrees, a 3.2 GPA, prior internship experience, proven leadership, community service experience, communication skills, and interest in mobility domestically and internationally with HSBC.
I don't have a 3.2 GPA. What do I do now?
Unfortunately you are not eligible for any of our graduate training programs; however there are other options to consider. Please visit the Other Student Opportunities page for more details.
How can I find out about the progress of my application once I have submitted it online?
Once you submit your application form we'll send you details of how to log in to our application center. From there, you can view the progress of your application.
Must I have a bank account with HSBC?
You do not need a bank account to apply, although we'll expect you to open a bank account if you join us. If you're interested in our banking services, please visit http://www.us.hsbc.com/
When do I start?
Program intakes vary by program, but some are between Jan/March and others in July/September. Program specific dates will be provided in the interview process/postings.
I do not have a second language, can I still apply?
Fluency in English is a must, and fluency in at least one other language is preferred for otherwise qualified candidates.
What kind of training can I expect?
Through rotational assessments, coursework, training, and on-the-job training candidates are expected to acquire a diverse set of skills. Candidates are also expected to be proactive in their continual efforts to build a deep understanding of the business and to leverage developing capabilities into practical and strategic results.
What kind of support will I receive throughout the program?
You are never alone in your training! Candidates will be continually challenged, but have the support of colleagues, “buddies” and mentors, HSBC leadership, and a program manager.
Finance Graduate Development Program
What is the size of your program?
How many rotations do you complete in the program and how long is each rotation?
What makes an attractive candidate for the program?
What are my opportunities after the program?
What is the size of your program?
The Finance Graduate Development Program size ranges from 15 – 20 analysts. As analysts graduate, we recruit 5 to 10 new analysts per year.
How many rotations do you complete in the program and how long is each rotation?
Each analyst will complete rotations that are six months in duration. Rotations span across different business lines and finance functions within HSBC.
What makes an attractive candidate for the program?
An ideal candidate is someone with a degree in finance, accounting, business or economics, with a 3.2 GPA, prior finance internship experience, proven leadership and communication skills, and mobility to work in different cities and departments across HSBC North America.
What are my opportunities after the program?
Throughout the four rotations, you are expected to build relationships with your rotation managers and co-workers. You will leverage these relationships as you look for a position after the program. However, graduates of the program are not limited to finding a position in one of their rotations and are encouraged to look at all available positions within HSBC.
Retail Banking and Wealth Management Graduate Development Program
When can I apply for the program?
How many graduates are you recruiting this year?
Does it matter if I don't have a finance background?
What are my opportunities after the program?
When can I apply for the program?
The recruiting cycle for the 2011 class has completed. Please check back in the fall of 2011 for the next recruiting cycle and more details about applying to the program.
How many graduates are you recruiting this year?
We'll recruit around 30 graduates and positions are available in (but not restricted to) NYC, NJ, Long Island, Buffalo, Washington DC, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.
Does it matter if I don't have a finance background?
We take applicants with degrees across all subjects for our program. We'll train you in the banking skills you need.
What are my opportunities after the program?
You are expected to leverage the relationships built with managers and co-workers throughout the rotations to search for a position after the program. You will compete for roles in the organization (not limited to rotations) based on your success during the program, career path, and business needs.
