Beyond the CV: Finding My Voice at the HSBC Career Workshop
- The Amber Foundation
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By Juliana Zamora
I sat across from two HSBC professionals, my CV displayed between us. The initial nerves had melted away, replaced by a surge of focused energy. This wasn't a real interview, but the feedback was real, invaluable, and delivered with a genuine desire to see me succeed. In that moment, I realized this event was about more than just formatting a document; it was about building the confidence to present my authentic self to the corporate world.
EMPOWER by The Amber Foundation, in partnership with HSBC, hosted a meticulously planned career workshop designed to bridge the gap between academia and the corporate world. We were first inspired by Zahira Yasmeen, a forerunner of the EMPOWER programme. Seeing someone who was once in our shoes, now on stage and thriving in her job at HSBC, made the journey feel tangible and within reach. She was joined by HSBC grad Yana Mukanova, and together they shared candid advice on navigating the transition from student to professional.
The structure of the night was a personalised CV and interview clinic. I, like many others, had expected one mentor per student. So, when I found myself being greeted by two HSBC professionals, Alexa Li and Chris Wildey, I was initially concerned there had been a mix-up. After quickly checking with the organisers, we discovered this was no error—HSBC had intentionally assigned two coaches to each scholar to provide richer, multi-faceted feedback. What I first thought was a logistical error turned out to be an incredible privilege.
Core Lessons That Resonate
Lesson 1: Reframing Weaknesses as Pathways to Growth
My mock interview with Alexa and Chris was challenging and insightful. Afterwards, during the feedback session, they offered a transformative piece of advice. They taught me that the goal isn't to pretend you're flawless; it's to demonstrate your commitment to growth. The key is to articulate a genuine area for development and immediately pair it with the concrete, proactive steps you're taking to improve. This shifts the narrative from admitting a shortcoming to showcasing your self-awareness and dedication.
Lesson 2: The Gift of Dual Perspectives
Having both Alexa and Chris provide feedback was the greatest gift of the evening. They offered distinct perspectives from their unique roles within HSBC, demonstrating that there isn't just one "right" way to present a CV or answer a question. Their insights complemented each other, giving me a much richer, more holistic view of what companies look for. Their commitment went above and beyond—they even showed me their own CVs as real-world examples. Chris provided a hard copy of his as a guide and offered to review my updated version. Their generosity underscored a powerful lesson: people are willing to help if you have the courage to ask and the humility to learn.
Lesson 3: Resilience is Your Greatest Career Asset
Another guest speaker, Mary Nguyen, left an indelible mark on all of us. She shared her incredible journey, from humble beginnings to building a corporate career while pursuing an MBA pregnant with her third child. Her story was a masterclass in resilience, drive, and the importance of embracing opportunity, even when it means stepping far outside your comfort zone. When she jokingly said, "Don't be like me," I thought, who else would we want to be like? Her journey taught me that while we should gather insights from mentors, we are ultimately responsible for our path. Her final advice resonated deeply: "Stay true to your core values; they are the compass throughout your career journey." No one can take those from you.
The Emotional Shift
I walked into the workshop hoping for a few tips to polish my CV. I left with a renewed sense of agency. The event demystified the corporate hiring process, replacing anxiety with a clear, actionable strategy. More importantly, it replaced the feeling of being an outsider looking in with the belief that I have a place at the table, armed with my unique story and a stronger sense of self.
Gratitude & Acknowledgment
A heartfelt thank you to the organizers at EMPOWER by The Amber Foundation, and to HSBC for hosting. My deep appreciation goes to the speakers—Zahira Yasmeen, Yana Mukanova, and the incredible Mary Nguyen—for your vulnerability and wisdom.
A massive and special thank you to my two mentors, Alexa Li and Chris Widley. Your generosity with your time and insight was the cornerstone of my experience. Your generosity with your time and the depth of your insight had a real impact. Thank you for your dedication to mentoring the next generation.
As I move forward, I'm not just tailoring my CV with a new format. I'm approaching my career journey with a new lens: one of reflective growth, open-mindedness to feedback, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing my values are my guide. I'm ready to embrace the opportunities ahead, one thoughtfully articulated strength—and weakness—at a time.
Connect with Juliana Zamora on LinkedIn