Work Support Programme with HSBC by Ben Hick

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Ben Hick

Ben Hick is in his first year of the BSc (Hons) International Financial Services Degree at the Jersey International Business School University Centre. He also applied for the work support programme with HSBC in support of the degree, and was successful in passing their rigorous interview process in order to be one of the two students invited to take their first step in a career in finance with structured, paid work experience.

As soon as the opportunity came up through JIBS to gain two years’ worth of work experience with one of the world’s largest banks, I saw it as too good an opportunity to ignore. The application process was conducted as though I was applying for a full-time role in the bank and involved a formal interview, which gave me real experience of what the interview process is like with a bank. Not everyone who applied for a place got one, but thankfully I got the job.

There was a well-structured introduction process and the first couple of weeks involved getting to know the bank itself. I had a tour of the building and sorted out all the logistics such as PC logins and security passes. I also met with lots of people and found out about their roles in the business in order to gain a clear idea of how HSBC Expat works as a whole.

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Jersey International Business School Introduces New E-Book Format for 2013 Prospectus

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Sara Clews

Time is of the essence and from amidst shifting patterns in recruitment and investment across the globe it is a constant challenge to develop skills, achieve crucial CPD (Continued Professional Development), and to create a competitive advantage for both individuals and organisations.

To help students access their training options in a quick and efficient way the Jersey International Business School has produced an e-book format for their new 2013 prospectus, which offers a wide range of qualifications and training solutions for competing in a global market place. The new e-book, along with a downloadable PDF, can be accessed at www.jerseyibs.com

From amongst the 31 qualifications* available at the school, a number are specifically tailored to the needs of investment business professionals. As time runs out for retail investment advisers to achieve RFA/RDR compliance [the JFSC’s Review of Financial Advice stipulates a deadline of 1 January 2014] there are a number of routes that can be taken to achieve compliance and these will be outlined at a free RFA/RDR Briefing Session on Tuesday 8 January from 12pm-1pm.

Chris Usher, Senior Lecturer adds,

“This major change in regulation means that advisers can no longer ignore the fact that they need to hold a Level 4 qualification by the end of next year. For those who sat their PCIAM exam recently this will mean simply following a structured CPD gap fill, which can be completed online; for others this will involve a professional qualification that could take up to 12months. If anyone is in doubt about their position then I am offering individual consultation sessions on 10 and 30 January 2013. Time really is running out.”

As industry regulations evolve and the recession continues, training needs and budgets have also gone through a change. At a minimum, professional know how and expertise needs to be maintained and so in response to client needs the Business School has developed two new seminar series to help professionals achieve their Continued Professional Development (CPD):

The Anti-Money Laundering CPD Series covers practical and relevant topics such as FATCA, CDD (Customer Due Diligence), E-Discovery, Data Protection and JFSC Updates. As a flexible option for students, each seminar will run three times a day from 08.00-09.00, 13.00-14.00 and 16.00-17.00 and starts on 28 February 2013. Sold as a series at £395 or as individual sessions at £45. Discount available for JCOA members.

The Investment Business CPD Series is designed for holders of the Statement of Professional Standing (SPS) who must complete 35hours of structured CPD each year. It consists of 10 two hour sessions and one bonus session, featuring leading industry practitioners who will offer invaluable insight. Sold as a series at £595 and starts 7 February 2013.

Chris Elliott, Operations Director, comments,

“2012 has been an exceptional year of change and we are delighted to have been able to help student’s achieve their goals throughout that period. Achievements extend from students sitting their PCIAM exams in July and achieving a 100% pass rate, to welcoming the first intake of undergraduates on to the BSc (Hons) International Financial Services degree launched earlier this year in collaboration with The University of Buckingham.”

Chris continues,

“I hope that the new format 2013 Prospectus being offered as an e-book will help our students to easily access the information they need in what is going to continue to be a very busy time for everyone. ”

If you would like to book a place on courses, or at the briefing session or consultation sessions then contact gemmarenfrey@jerseyibs.com or call 816338.

* The Business School offers a broad range of globally recognised professional qualifications, exclusively from the ICA and CLT, and including CISI, IMC and the CMI amongst others. The 2013 prospectus offers:

3 degree programmes, including a new 2-year undergraduate full degree awarded by The University of Buckingham in BSc (Hons) International Financial Services, two part-time degrees awarded in association with The University of Manchester Business School
31 professional qualifications
6 certificated awareness programmes
3 CPD seminar series
e-Learning in AML for Trust and Corporate Service Providers
29 short courses
The Annual Compliance & Economic Crime Symposium

Ahead of the Game. First Students Embark on New Two-Year Degree

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Sara Clews

Ten students will be embarking on a life changing experience as they start on the new degree in BSc (Hons) International Financial Services at the Jersey International Business School University Centre this Wednesday [10 October].

In addition to being offered a place on the degree, students also had the opportunity to apply for paid part-time work placements with HSBC and RBS International and four out of the seven candidates who applied were delighted to accept offers. They will be commencing with their respective placements from mid-November.

The Business School’s collaboration with The University of Buckingham has led to the first two-year degree being offered on Island and awarded by a top ranked university (rated 16^th out of 120 institutions in The Guardian’s 2013 league table). Buckingham was the first UK University to condense the academic content of a standard 3-year degree into a 2-year programme.

A degree of this structure, which allows students to start working and earning one year earlier, has proved to have broad appeal in Jersey. The first intake, starting their induction this Wednesday, comprises of three female and seven male students of which six are school leavers, two are changing careers and two are mature students. With entry requirements set at 260 UCAS points the standard of the candidates is high.

Chris Elliott, Operations Director, comments,

“The degree is highly focussed and will intellectually stretch and challenge the students in ways they hadn’t expected. With additional endorsement from two world-renowned banks [HSBC and RBS International] this is a fantastic opportunity for taking that first crucial step towards a career in finance.”

The Induction week will be led by Emma Boustouler, who has recently been appointed Programme Director on the degree. As a senior lecturer at the Business School Emma has a broad range of teaching experience and will also be teaching on the degree in the first term.

Emma comments, “Induction week is a valuable time for students to get to know each other and to start to understand the value of team work. In addition to having some fun, this will be a chance to meet the faculty, and be introduced to valuable information skills and the study support available”.

Applications are already being received for the 2013 intake and to find out more about the degree contact the Admissions Officer on 816333 or email info@jerseyibs.com

HSBC joins forces with Jersey International Business School to offer programme for ‘Future Leaders’

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Sara Clews

We are delighted that the new degree in BSc (Hons) International Financial Services has been so well received by the local community. Not only have we seen a very keen interest in pursuing this line of study for October 2012 but much support has been received to ensure that it is well placed for a sustainable growth.

In the current climate, where the opportunity of employment for young people is limited, the Jersey International Business School would like to share with you some exceptional news from HSBC and the press release that was issued yesterday:

HSBC is to launch a brand new scheme to give young people in Jersey the opportunity to study for a professional qualification while gaining industry experience.

The ‘HSBC Future Leaders Programme’ will see the Bank form a partnership with the Jersey International Business School, giving A-Level school leavers in Jersey the chance to combine paid work at HSBC with studying for a specialist degree in financial services.

Selected A-Level students over 18 years old will undertake structured work placements at HSBC while completing the two-year local BSc in International Financial Services, being launched by the Jersey International Business School in October, in partnership with The University of Buckingham. The ‘Future Leaders’ will be paid, with means-tested funding being available through the States of Jersey to assist with the costs of the degree tuition fees.

It is anticipated that up to five students will be accepted onto the scheme in its first year, with applicants undergoing a rigorous recruitment process to ensure that the most capable candidates are chosen. Applicants for the Programme will need to obtain at least three full A-Levels with a minimum of two C grades and one B grade. Applications for the scheme are now open, with further information available by contacting Lazara Canton on (01534) 606431 or at lazara.canton@hsbc.com.

It is expected that graduates will progress into full time employment with HSBC following the completion of their degree. The Future Leaders Programme will complement HSBC’s existing work experience and graduate recruitment programmes and its support of the States of Jersey’s Advance to Work programme.

Nick Winsor, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man, said:

“We are delighted to partner with the University of Buckingham and the Jersey International Business School to launch the HSBC Future Leaders Programme. Successful applicants will combine a career in international finance with HSBC and a professional qualification from one of the top 20 universities in the UK. We hope that will provide an attractive alternative to the rising costs of studying in the UK and develop young talent on the island.”

Chris Usher, Director of Client Relations at the Jersey International Business School, added:

“We are delighted with this partnership. For the first time students have the opportunity to study for a high quality two year full time degree in International Financial Services awarded by a top 20 ranked university whilst being supported by HSBC, one of the world’s leading financial institutions. It’s a great news story that demonstrates once again the value added to our community by the financial services sector.”

Click here for more details on the BSC (Hons) International Financial Services degree