Cyber - Internship

About the business area

Our technology teams sit within our Group Chief Information Office (GCIO), building the digital platforms, systems, and products our customers and colleagues use every day, keeping assets and data secure, and delivering exceptional digital experiences.

Our cybersecurity team designs, implements and operates control to manage risk. It defines our group cyber security standards, oversees the security of our network, applications and infrastructure, provides round-the-clock monitoring and security incident response services.

Who you are

You don’t need to be a cyber expert already. What matters most is how you think. We’re looking for people who are curious, analytical and ready to keep learning in a space that never stands still. You could be a great fit if you enjoy breaking down complex problems, spotting patterns and making sense of data. You stay calm under pressure, keep going when things get challenging and bring a focused, resilient mindset to your work. You’re motivated to learn new tools, explore emerging technology and understand how cyber protects customers and businesses at scale. If you like solving real problems, want to build future-ready skills and are excited by the idea of helping protect a global organisation, you’ll fit right in.

What you'll do

You’ll work with cyber specialists in a team that helps protect HSBC and its customers around the clock. Depending on your placement, you could support teams in Offensive Security, Vulnerability Management, Cryptography or Data Security. Your work might include helping identify vulnerabilities, supporting threat simulations, assessing cyber risks, protecting data and secure communications, or contributing to risk reviews and consultancy activity. You’ll work with experienced specialists and get exposure to how emerging technologies, including AI and quantum computing, are shaping cybersecurity. It’s practical, high-impact work where you’ll learn how cyber teams respond to real threats and help keep a global organisation secure. The internship also includes structured assessments aligned to securing a graduate role, giving you chances to demonstrate how you think, collaborate and deliver, through tasks such as project work, presentations, interviews or skills-based evaluations.

What you'll learn

This 8-week programme gives you a strong introduction to cybersecurity through real-world learning, live projects and job shadowing. You’ll build technical confidence using cyber labs and platforms, while also having access to industry-recognised certifications that help you develop credible skills for the future. Alongside the technical side, you’ll strengthen your communication, collaboration and networking skills—because cyber work is as much about working with people as it is about solving technical problems. The internship is designed to help you understand how cybersecurity works in a global bank without expecting you to know everything upfront. By the end, you’ll have stronger foundations, more confidence and a clearer sense of how you could keep growing in cyber.

Where you'll work

You’ll work in HSBC’s global cyber function within the Global Chief Information Office, alongside specialist teams helping protect the bank and its customers around the clock. It’s a collaborative environment spanning areas like Offensive Security, Vulnerability Management, Cryptography and Data Security. You’ll be part of a modern technology culture that values curiosity, teamwork and staying ahead of change. Expect a connected, international setting where specialists share expertise and work together to strengthen resilience.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take your next step – and if you perform well, you could secure your place on our graduate programme to continue your career in technology at HSBC. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must:

• Be available to work full time for 8 weeks commencing June 2027
• Be expected to achieve a 2:1 degree classification or higher (or an overseas equivalent).
• Will have completed studies by 2028
• Be fluent in English
• Be able to work from the Sheffield office at least 3 days per week
• Be in the penultimate year of your undergraduate studies 
• Legally permitted to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme and beyond the end date, without requiring HSBC visa sponsorship 

Please provide your achieved or expected final undergraduate degree result using the grading system used by your university (e.g. 2:1, First Class, GPA 3.5/4.0, 75% or local equivalent).

We only accept one application per recruitment cycle so please take time to explore our opportunities before applying as we may not be able to transfer your application to other vacancies.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. 

Additional information

This particular program does not satisfy the Home Office eligibility criteria for visa sponsorship. We therefore can only progress applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they are eligible to work in the UK without HSBC sponsorship for the full duration of, and beyond, the programme end date. We cannot progress applications from candidates who apply with a graduate visa as you would not be eligible for sponsorship by HSBC when your current visa expires. You will need to confirm what visa you hold, if any, and its expiry date when you apply for us to verify your eligibility when you apply.