NatWest Group |

Its been great to broaden my skills and knowledge of NatWest, and prior to the Graduate scheme I had no idea there were so many different areas to the bank.

Also, being a graduate comes with so many opportunities aside from just your day job! There are various graduate councils or employee led networks which allow you to expand your network. I did International Business with Marketing at University, and I was gutted that I wouldn’t be able to do any marketing-focused work due to my graduate scheme being Digital Transformation. However, I am now part of Marketing and Communications graduate council in the Social Media Team which allows me to focus on the Social Media Strategy and create content for the Instagram!

What advice do you have for anyone considering applying?

Spend some time researching NatWest particularly their purpose and their values to see that the company is a right fit for you. You want to work somewhere that will fulfil your personal aspirations and passions rather than it being just a job! I’d also say to spend a lot of time looking into the different Graduate Schemes NatWest offer and make sure you are choosing the right one for you.

As cliché as it is – stay true to yourself!

I am aware that many fear by taking a role within a large employer they will not be provided with the 1-2-1 support they need, this could not be further from the truth at NatWest. We are provided with an extensive support network of graduates, management, and senior management. Not only have I been able to develop skills and knowledge related to my role but I have also completed additional learnings that will aid me with my future career.

What advice do you have for anyone considering applying?

Whilst its nothing new, I would really encourage everyone applying to be themselves during the application process. It is about you finding an employer that fits you as much as you being the right fit with the employer. I would encourage you to look into roles that are a bit different from what you think is a more traditional post-university route, now is the start of your career and the best time to try something new. I would also encourage you to make up your own opinion about areas of interest. Just because one person found an area interesting doesn’t mean you have too as well.

I’ve had the opportunity to complete placements in Colleague Services and Talent Acquisition, and I’m currently on my third rotation in the HR Consultancy Practice. I’m one of the leads for our Graduate Engagement Council, I’m an active member of the bank’s LGBT+ employee-led network, the Rainbow Network, and I’m also an Inclusion Champion, helping to advance our work around diversity, equity and inclusion.

Why would you recommend applying for a NatWest graduate scheme?

The graduate programme is an excellent way to build your knowledge and develop your skills in a supportive and welcoming environment. There’s a real sense of community at the bank, and once you start, you’ll have a myriad of opportunities to challenge yourself, network with others, and learn about things you didn’t even know existed. There’s a big focus on work-life balance and wellbeing, and the inclusive and collaborative culture encourages you to bring your best self to work every day. As a graduate, there are always things to get involved in – whether that’s social events, volunteering, or learning opportunities – and you’ll make really good friends with other graduates, both on your programme and on others, as you navigate the scheme together.

What advice do you have for anyone considering applying?

Firstly, don’t worry if you don’t feel like your degree matches up to the programme you want to apply for. My degree was in Sport and Recreation Management, and I had no background in HR. I focussed on my transferable skills and qualities, and considered what I liked most about the workplace – such as working closely with others, diversity and inclusion, supporting myself and others in their personal development, and working to build a great team culture – and this led me to realise that HR would be a great fit for my personal passions and interests. Secondly, pay attention to NatWest Group’s values. They guide us in our day-to-day work, and are the foundation of what makes the organisation such a great place to work. Consider how your personal values align with the values of the bank, and don’t be afraid to show this off as your progress through your application. Finally, and most importantly, be yourself. Skills and knowledge can be taught and developed, but the type of person you are and how well you work with others will go a long way towards helping to decide if you’re a great fit for the graduate programme.