Underpressure, I totally agree with you!

But, having been in CIMB for exactly a month now, I would consider CIMB's size to be not only a disadvantage but paradoxically also a crucial career advantage. True, CIMB has grown aggressively these past few years and true there is still a wide gap between the investment and commercial sides of the company...which ofcourse the top management are attempting to bridge. Studies of M&As often state that 9/10 M&As fail due to the post-acquisition integration process! However, I feel I am ideally placed to reap the rewards of being in an emerging organization by simply being of part of a success story. Fact is there aren't many organizations out there where a fresh graduate can walk in and witness some massive organizational undertakings that end up successful. I stand the chance to get some hands-on experience working on organization-wide projects that would simply not be possible in larger organizations! As I begin my career, its certainly empowering!

Additionally, its smaller size also allows for concentration on TCB management trainees (much to my surprise). While in HSBC a management trainee is part of an established network within the company, one would not be valued from the very beginning. I feel in CIMB, TCBs are regarded relatively highly...at least from my experience thus far. My superiors surprisingly constantly wanna hear what I have to say. Even as a TCB, you can find yourself directly communicating with very senior members even if you are contributing only a small part of a larger project. I previously interned at Ernst & Young where my desk was opposite the room of a senior Partner. He walked past me everyday for 2 months and not once did he acknowledge me besides responding to the good morning I occasionally wished him whenever we made eye contact. 

AND another plus point is...Nazir Razak is a real piece of work! You will realize that if you ever get the chance hear him speak. Im not saying he's god or that you'd have to bend over every time you hear his name and Im not buying into the whole HR crap bout viewing your bosses as organizational teachers or whatever. But when it comes to Nazir Razak...the man means business and he's definitely the center of inspiration in the company. This guy does believe that respect is earned not simply given by title or if you happen to have a Prime Minister bro. How many HSBC employees can say that about their CEO? Im not saying its horrible that you won't get that sorta central figure in HSBC or any other larger organization...but personally for me, in my first dip into working life, I do appreciate having such a figure head to look up to.

Oh and with regards to where you end up being part of TCB...well that is entirely dependent on your performance in the classroom training. If they think you can cut it in corporate finance, treasury or wherever in IB then thats where you will go! If you are simply suited for CB then thats where you will go...its not the end of the world just a different experience.

Besides, at this day and age....how many people spend their entire career with one firm? ppl inherently move around...but as a starting point for one to figure out what they really want in their career...CIMB is just as good as anywhere else I think!

Having said that...if you get into HSBC's international programs then bloody good on ya! you instantly get the chance to see the world which naturally CIMB cant offer! Simply can't argue against the rewards of working in a large organization that provides you with vast array of career paths and when you leave you'd still have HSBC stamped on you CV!