Pros

Being that we are one of the most global companies in all of the world, there are an incredible number of opportunities both here and abroad. I personally joined not only for the program I am in, which is spectacular, but for the great possibility to take my experience to HSBC in another country, immerse myself in the culture there, learn a lot, make an impact, and achieve financial success in the meantime. This can happen anytime in my career, whether I decide to do it sooner, when I become more seasoned and can offer a greater contribution, or both. I am very pleased with the opportunities that have presented themselves to me in my somewhat short tenure at HSBC. They recognize me as a high performer, not just a younger employee.

Cons

Our national headquarters is located in Mettawa, Illinois. This is about 30 miles north of the city of Chicago. While the building itself is beautiful, I wonder about the young talent that we are alienating by being so far from the city. Understandable, the cost of real estate in the city itself is ridiculous, but somewhere closer could bring in a whole new wave of talent. Another downside is the fact that most of our business does not operate under the HSBC name, rather Beneficial and Household Financial. One of our worldwide strengths is the brand equity we have, but here in America, people hear HSBC and say "who?"

Advice to Senior Management

Reflective of the wide range of employees that you have, especially those who have families at home, always be thinking of how to offer the employees a good work/life balance. Those who are in senior management have obviously chosen to sacrifice a part of their personal/social life to be where they are, but levels lower, not to say they don't buy in to the HSBC way of life, don't always have it as their highest priority.