Summer Relationship Management Intern Review

I work in the structured finance in relationship management. Day-to-day i am trying to learn new skills and experiences whether that is writing a credit paper, investment forum paper or using financial risk models. I have also learnt how to originate and look for new potential clients. I have attended many online meetings with clients , to discuss financing options and general calls to keep in contact (maintaining relationships). I have also been completing my intern project providing a solution of turning customer possibilities into progress. Working within the UKSF team you are in regular contact with customers, but also with the team, who are very supportive in your learning and development.

I was given a strong level of responsibility during my internship, which really helped me grow both professionally and personally.
I contributed to real projects such as the Insider North-West Dealmakers Awards submission, where I helped shape the final presentation. I also took ownership of writing the marketing section for an Investment Forum for an existing customer-something that challenged me to apply my academic knowledge in a professional setting.
Beyond that, I was trusted to engage with different departments, ask questions, and gather insights for my internship project. While I always had support when I needed it, I was encouraged to be proactive, take initiative, and manage my own time and priorities. That level of trust really boosted my confidence and made me feel like a valued part of the team.

Over the course of my internship so far, I’ve built significantly on my communication and interpersonal skills-from developing relationships with interns, graduates, and team members to engaging with clients and colleagues across departments. These interactions have helped me feel more confident and connected within the bank.
I’ve also strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively, particularly with the structured finance team and my peers. I’ve come to really value the inclusive and supportive culture at NatWest, and I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration drives shared success.
My curiosity and proactive approach to learning have been key to my development. I’ve taken the initiative to understand structured finance terminology and concepts through self-study, training sessions, and by asking questions-something I’ve learned is a strength, not a weakness.
In terms of new skills, I’ve developed a much stronger sense of commercial awareness. I now have a clearer understanding of how different teams contribute to deal-making and relationship management, and I’ve gained insight into NatWest’s structure and strategic goals.
One of the biggest areas of growth for me has been my confidence. Before the internship, I often felt unsure of myself, especially when it came to public speaking or stepping into new situations. But this experience has pushed me out of my comfort zone-I’ve said yes to opportunities, spoken up more, and taken pride in how far I’ve come.
I’ve also gained legal awareness through training on project finance with AG, which gave me a broader understanding of how legal frameworks support deal structuring and due diligence.
Finally, I’ve developed technical and analytical skills by working with financial risk models. These have helped me to understand how to assess risk, loss, and return in a structured finance context. I’ve also improved my data interpretation skills, learning how these models inform credit decisions and client risk profiles, and how to think more critically and analytically as a result.

I received a really strong level of support and guidance throughout my internship, which made a huge difference to my experience and development.
From day one, my line manager, buddy, and wider team were incredibly approachable and willing to help. Whether it was explaining technical concepts, reviewing my work, or simply answering questions, they always made time for me. I never felt like I was asking too much-even when I needed clarification on things that were completely new to me.
I also had access to training sessions, workshops, and informal learning opportunities, like shadowing colleagues and attending meetings. These helped me build confidence and understand the bank’s operations more deeply.
The culture at NatWest is very inclusive and collaborative, which meant I felt comfortable speaking up, asking for feedback, and learning from others. That support really helped me push myself and grow in areas like communication, technical understanding, and commercial awareness.

The company culture at NatWest has been incredibly supportive, inclusive, and collaborative. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and encouraged to get involved, ask questions, and contribute meaningfully to the team.
One of the highlights was a team social, which was not only really good fun but also a great opportunity to bond with the team outside of the office. It helped me feel more connected and comfortable, and it was lovely to see everyone in a more relaxed setting.
The graduates and my buddy have also played a big part in shaping my experience-they’ve been consistently friendly, inclusive, and approachable, always happy to answer questions or offer guidance. Their support made it much easier to settle in and feel like a valued part of the team. Whilst also, having people to go out with after work
There’s a strong emphasis on learning and development, and people genuinely want to help you grow. Whether it was through formal training sessions, informal chats, or shadowing opportunities, I always felt like I was in an environment where curiosity was encouraged and support was readily available.
Overall, the atmosphere has been professional yet approachable, with a real sense of team spirit and a culture that values collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement. It’s made my internship experience both enjoyable and inspiring.

I’ve really enjoyed my internship-it’s been a genuinely rewarding and eye-opening experience.
From the start, I felt welcomed and supported by my team, especially the graduates and my buddy, who were incredibly friendly and inclusive. The culture at NatWest made it easy to settle in and feel like I could contribute meaningfully and actually feel involved
I’ve had the chance to work on real projects, like the Insider Awards submission and writing the marketing section for an Investment Forum, which gave me a sense of purpose and helped me apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting. I also really enjoyed the team social, which was great fun and helped me bond with the team outside of a formal environment.
What made the experience even more enjoyable was the opportunity to learn and grow-whether through training sessions, shadowing colleagues, or simply asking questions. I’ve built confidence, developed new skills, and gained a much clearer understanding of how the bank operates.
Overall, I’d say I’ve enjoyed my internship to a great extent-it’s been both professionally enriching and personally fulfilling.

Yes