Financial Crime Graduate Trainee Review

From the moment I applied to the NatWest graduate scheme, I felt genuinely supported and valued, a near mythical experience in today’s graduate job market.
During my application process for the graduate scheme, I was able to communicate with real people throughout the process. The main distinguishing factor for my positive experience at that point was the feedback that was provided for each stage, meaning if you did not make it through, you were given solid feedback on what to improve.
After accepting the offer, I received consistent support from both my manager and the Graduate Buddy programme, which helped me feel welcomed throughout the onboarding process.
Upon working in role for over a year now, I can attest to friendliness, professionalism and an inclusive culture. I was strongly supported in pursuing goals and interests within my programme and beyond. With this support for goals, I was encouraged in engaging in cross-function projects which would have been beyond the remit of a typical graduate.
As a graduate, you will be treated with respect and an appreciation for a work-life balance that I was not expecting coming into the finance industry. I feel the biggest indicator that this is a great place to work is the retention rate for graduates within the Bank. Many of the senior leaders I have interacted with either joined NatWest as a graduate, or have been with the Bank for over a decade. I have loved my time here and look forward to future opportunities.

As a graduate on this unique programme, my journey began with a strong focus on tailored training and upskilling, essential for success in our specialised placements. This was provided and supported by the Bank, and still is on a continuous basis.
My first placement was in a function team. My colleagues and managers were incredibly supportive and understanding with this being my first placement. They were happy to answer any questions I had, and explain any process or acronym. During the placement, I was upskilled in key skills like time management, stakeholder management, process optimisation and prioritisation of workload.
My second placement was in a Technology team. I was nervous going into this placement, as traditionally it was reserved for a later placement due to its difficulty for a non-technical specialist. Despite being new to Technology teams, I was given time to upskill. This support came through both structured training and regular engagement with colleagues and managers. I was supported when I had a difficult discussion with my manager surrounding how I could contribute. I was able to pivot the role into a more business-focussed direction, helping them build a prioritisation logic for their workflows.
I have just entered my third placement in the Learning & Capabilities Team. I am currently working on projects that are developing my web design and user experience skills. I also engage frequently with external stakeholders when working on role-related projects.
What I’ve enjoyed most is the continuous learning, the freedom to pursue ambitious goals, and the opportunity to build strong relationships through stakeholder engagement.

Through the use of stretch goals to measure performance, we are very strongly encouraged to contribute meaningfully and ambitiously.

Whilst the pension scheme, and BAYE scheme are very strong, overall compensation for the role is suboptimal. It makes living in the city that the placement is based financially difficult at times.

The development within role is very strong. We are upskilled in professional skills and knowledge frequently. The main improvement in this regard would be to give us strong leadership training.

NatWest provides great support within roles, between placement managers, who manage the day-to-day, and graduate managers, who take a more pastoral and support role. Through the company, we can also access a range of mental health supporters which I find especially valuable.

Through the Graduate Councils, NatWest strongly supports socialisation between graduates both during and outside of work hours.
NatWest strongly encourages work/life balance with the hybrid working structure, and the encouragement of working within the standards 9-5 structure.

NatWest presents it's values very strongly both within the organisation and to our customers. Colleagues are supported through a variety of avenues, with Employee Led Networks and Graduate Councils being key to this.
NatWest generally allows for a hybrid working environment. Typically 2/3 days in office per week.

There is an ELN dedicated towards this agenda, as well as resources provided for colleagues with disabilities and learning difficulties.

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The Early Talent Team does an excellent job of marketing the programme. After a year in role, I can say that my programme exceeds the expectations I had coming into it.