Justyna Makuch

I’m originally from Poland, but I was raised in Scotland, so moving back to Poland for this role has been an exciting journey for me—both personally and professionally. I wanted to reconnect with my Polish roots, push myself outside of my comfort zone, and experience the culture I’ve always felt connected to but never fully lived in. Coming back has been the best decision of my life.

Protecting the bank

Working at HSBC has also been an incredible opportunity. It’s a truly global company, and in my role, I collaborate with teams across the UK, Hong Kong, and beyond. In Cybersecurity, I’m part of the Global Defence Controls team, where we focus on identifying and solving data leakage issues. It’s all about staying two steps ahead and using intuition, patterns, and algorithms to detect problems before they happen. The work is fast-paced and challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to know that I’m helping protect vital digital infrastructure.

What I love most about my job is the collaboration. My team is spread across different countries, so I’m constantly learning about various cultures and approaches. Being able to work closely with colleagues in both Poland and the UK gives me a unique perspective, and it feels like I’m giving back by helping protect the digital infrastructure in both countries. Plus, I’ve discovered skills I didn’t even know I had, like problem-solving and data analysis, which I’m continuously developing thanks to the support of my team and manager.

A flexible approach to work

At first, I was a little overwhelmed by the size of the office and the idea of working behind a computer all day. But HSBC’s flexible working environment has made the transition smooth. I can manage my own schedule, take breaks when I need to, and work remotely, which gives me a good balance between independence and social interaction. I’m in the office twice a week, which is just the right amount of time to connect with my colleagues and maintain that sense of community.

“Being part of the AI revolution is something that excites me too. I’m an AI Ambassador, and I’m passionate about showing how AI can work alongside us, especially in making reporting faster and more efficient.”

While many people are hesitant about AI, I believe it’s important to understand how to use it effectively, especially when it comes to quality assurance and getting the most out of technology.

Shaping the future of cybersecurity

For anyone considering a career at HSBC, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a global company that offers endless opportunities for growth, collaboration, and personal development. You’re constantly challenged in the best way, and the company really takes care of you. From employee resource groups (ERGs) to learning and development programmes, you’re supported every step of the way. Being part of this rapidly evolving tech world is exciting, and I’m thrilled to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of cybersecurity while ensuring people feel secure in a digital world.