Sofea's success story: Securing a graduate role at HSBC

Sofea is an Actuarial Science and Mathematics student from the University of Manchester. She secured a role as an LAF Analyst at HSBC in London, through Bright Network. 

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.  

"Coming from an actuarial background, I’ve always enjoyed the analytical side of the work. However, I wanted to be closer to the deal-making process, which is why LAF has been the right choice for me."

What motivated you to apply for your role?  

"I was drawn to the role because of the broad exposure it offers and the opportunity to work with people across different teams. I wanted a position where I could use my analytical background while also gaining a better understanding of the wider business and being closer to the deal-making process. The variety and collaborative nature of the role really appealed to me."

What was your application journey like?  

"I prepared by researching common investment banking questions online like 101 IB questions and working through mock interviews with friends. I also made sure to plan my time carefully on the day, as being late would only add unnecessary stress and affect my momentum."

What have you learned from going through the process?  

"The process was more straightforward than I expected. I was surprised that the assessment centre was made up of one-to-one interviews rather than group exercises or presentations. This made it feel more personal and gave me the chance to talk openly about my experience and motivation. I learned that preparation is important, but it’s just as important to stay flexible and be yourself."

What are you most proud of about your journey?  

"Overcoming the feeling that I didn’t belong and learning to manage imposter syndrome. At times, stepping into new environments and opportunities felt intimidating, and I questioned whether I was good enough to be there. I’m proud that I kept going, trusted my abilities and realised that being here is proof that I do belong."

What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?  

"My advice would be to prepare well, make the most of the support available and not let self-doubt hold you back. It’s normal to feel out of place at first, but preparation and persistence really do help. I’d recommend researching the organisation and the role, tailoring your application and practising competency-based questions using examples from your experience.

Bright Network’s resources and employer events were especially useful for helping me understand the process and build my confidence. Looking back, I would’ve started preparing earlier and trusted myself more instead of worrying about whether I was good enough. The best advice I received was that you don’t have to meet every requirement perfectly. Focus on your strengths, show that you’re willing to learn and, most importantly, be yourself."

Tell us about the future. What’s next?  

"I’m looking forward to getting more client-facing experience and building a better understanding of how deals come together. In the longer term, I’d like to take on more responsibility, including the opportunity to lead a team. I’m excited to keep learning from those around me, develop my technical and communication skills, and grow into a role where I can make a bigger contribution."