Ben Cochrane

Current Employer/Organisation Name

HSBC

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since leaving Exeter, I rejoined HSBC on their graduate training programme. I spent two years rotating across diverse teams in London, working on projects that gave me a real insight into how the bank supports fast-growing businesses. I’ve now completed the scheme and moved into a full-time role in Treasury Sales within HSBC Innovation Banking, where I manage a dynamic fintech portfolio, from early-stage start-ups to companies preparing for IPO, which means I’m working closely with founders, market specialists and innovators shaping the future of tech.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose this career because I’ve always been motivated by the intersection of finance and innovation, and the graduate programme at HSBC helped me see where I could have the most impact. What I enjoy most is the day-to-day variety, speaking with founders and teams across the fintech ecosystem, hosting events, and helping create practical treasury solutions that support their growth. It’s fast-paced, relationship-driven, and genuinely rewarding to work with companies shaping the future of financial services.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

University of Exeter Business and Finance Society. University of Exeter Mens Cricket Club.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I really enjoyed the variety within the Business Management programme at Exeter, the range of modules meant I could explore everything from finance and strategy to marketing and entrepreneurship, and shape the degree in the direction that suited me. The biggest highlight was how practical and applied the course felt; working on real business cases and group projects gave me a chance to test what we were learning and figure out what I wanted to do next. It was that combination of breadth, flexibility and real-world exposure that made the programme stand out for me.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

What I enjoyed most about studying at Exeter was the sense of community. The people, both classmates and lecturers, created an environment that felt collaborative, supportive and genuinely enjoyable to be part of. It made studying more than just attending lectures; it felt like being part of a close-knit, motivated group where everyone pushed each other to do well.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I chose to study at Exeter because of its strong reputation and the quality of the Business School, which really stood out to me when I was applying. The campus also played a big part in my decision, it has an excellent setting and atmosphere, and felt like somewhere I could really see myself studying and getting involved in university life.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

My degree has been really valuable in developing both technical knowledge and, importantly, people skills. Studying Business Management involved a lot of group projects, presentations, and case studies, which helped me become confident in communicating ideas, working collaboratively, and building relationships, skills I use every day in my role. Being able to understand different perspectives, explain solutions clearly, and work effectively with others has been just as important as the business knowledge I gained from the degree.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

The biggest piece of advice I’d give is to follow your curiosity and explore as much as you can, try different experiences, ask questions, and see what excites you. Equally, be a strong self-advocate: don’t be afraid to speak up about your interests and ambitions, because letting people know what you want to do can open doors you might not expect. These two things have been key in shaping my career so far.

What are your plans for the future?

For now, I plan to continue developing my career in banking and aim for my first senior promotion, building on the experience I’ve gained so far. Further down the line, I’m keeping an open mind; I may stay in finance or explore other opportunities that align with my interests and skills. I want to continue challenging myself and finding roles where I can have an impact and keep learning.