- So, Oleg, tell us where and how your Canadian internship went.
- I knew back in Kiev that I would be interning at a Canadian bank. The other three interns also knew their place of work. In Edmonton, we were met by coordinators, and the orientation week began: during the week at the college, we were told about Canadian culture, the specifics of Canadian business, and internship placements. Three of my fellow students came to Canada for permanent residence, so this information was especially important for them. At the end of the week, in the college's large hall, in the presence of all the management, we were introduced to the employers. By the way, I would like to especially thank Earl Andrusiak, the vice-president of HSBC Bank of Canada, who, being a third-generation descendant of immigrants from Ukraine, treats our interns very well, helping them in almost everything.
- Tell us a little about your bank and how your colleagues received you.
- I interned at HSBC Bank. It is one of the largest international banks, second after City Bank Group, with its headquarters in London. I didn't have any particular problems, but I often had to clarify some terminology. Of course, it should be noted that a good knowledge of English is necessary; this is one of the components of success when getting a job in Canada.
I would like to draw attention right away to such a concept as corporate culture. It is a whole set of components, starting with the attitude toward the client (all business in Canada is customer oriented, and this is truly so!) and ending with requirements for business attire. This also includes a whole technology for adapting a new employee in the company. On the very first day of work, you are shown around all the premises, introduced to employees, taught how to use office equipment, given access cards for computers, and much more. HSBC Bank of Canada has a specially equipped room where you can study independently without leaving work. There are two computers and many educational CDs there. If you feel that some area of work is unclear to you, you come in, put in a disc, and study the issue. In addition, a bank employee is assigned to the intern, who supervises him or her at first, explaining unclear points.
- And what did you do at the bank?
- A rank-and-file clerk. Every new employee goes through the entire "ladder" during the probationary period up to the position they can expect, taking into account their education and work experience. A person holding a managerial position in a bank must clearly understand how the entire banking system works. Along with me, a young Canadian specialist who graduated from the University of Alberta came to HSBC Bank of Canada for a permanent job. So, during the year he had to work in every department in order to understand the entire structure and methods of the bank's operations. And only after that will he be entrusted with a department.