On 9 July 2024, we welcomed enthuastic students to our 3rd annual tech careers insight day with HSBC and Microsoft. 50 students joined us for an interactive day at HSBC's global HQ in London.
The HSBC Tech team introduced 'design thinking' to young people as a tool to solve problems and create solutions. Students worked in groups to tackle a real-life time-management challenge involving juggling their studies with a part-time job. This activity revealed techniques that can be used to prioritise tasks and assess the best solutions.
Harnessing the power of AI
Microsoft showcased their Gen AI tool, Copilot, and guided students on its ethical and responsible use. A highlight of the day was students crafting original stories while incorporating Copilot into their creative process. This eye-opening exercise demonstrated how AI can boost efficiency without stifling creativity.
"What stood out to me was how creative the young people got with the stories they created using Copilot. It was great to see them incorporate design thinking into the responsible use of Gen AI." - Lara Akala, Trustee at Open Palm
They honed their presentation and public speaking skills by sharing their work with the group, transforming their output into engaging and informative sessions. For many students, this was their first time presenting ideas to a large audience, and it was inspiring to see them breaking out of their comfort zone and thriving.
Networking for the future
Our career insight days focus on providing students with workplace access and practical skills to advance their careers. As part of the day, students participated in a powerful speed networking session to connect with tech professionals from a range of backgrounds and career paths.
Frank McGrath, HSBC's Chief Technology Officer also shared his career journey and his top tips for the young people starting out. Students heard the benefit of diverse teams who can bring different perspectives to problem-solving.
"In the first 10-15 years of my career, I was intimated by people more senior than me. So how do you ask great questions of people in a hieracy? There's also hierachies in schools - headteachers, teachers and so on.
I discovered that asking 'what, which, why?' is a great basis for powerful questions, no matter the seniority of the person you're speaking to." - Frank McGrath, Chief Technology Officer at HSBC
Students learnt about the various career pathways into HSBC from Technology Global Graduate Development and Inclusion Lead, Charmaine George, covering both graduate and apprentice routes.
Equipping for success
We collaborate with our partners to offer young people essential workplace exposure, ensuring every individual gets an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their ethnic or social background.
Huge thanks to HSBC and Microsoft for the continued collaboration.
If you'd like to join us in shaping the leaders of tomorrow, please reach out to partner with us and make a lasting impact.