Graduate - Commercial Banking RM Review

The graduate programme at NatWest has been incredibly rewarding. I often say I’ve learned more during this experience than throughout my entire degree. The structure is dynamic yet supportive — with four distinct placements, we’re given the opportunity to explore different areas of the bank without feeling overwhelmed.
One of the most impactful elements is the use of a personalised skills matrix. Each graduate receives one, and it’s used to match us with placements that target our development needs — even in areas we weren’t initially aware we needed to grow in. This tailored approach ensures we’re constantly evolving both professionally and personally.
In addition, NatWest invests in our long-term growth by funding multiple professional qualifications, all overseen and supported by the bank. It’s clear that the programme is designed not just to train us, but to truly empower us.

The role varies significantly across placements, reflecting the rotational structure of the programme. At its core, it's about learning and adding value — supporting teams through financial analysis, data synthesis, stakeholder engagement, and contributing to meetings and presentations. The scope is broad and adaptable, making it difficult to define a single role, but that’s precisely what makes the experience so enriching.

A placement at NatWest is ultimately what you make of it. If you're proactive and willing to put yourself out there, you can genuinely leave a legacy in each rotation. I've found that the more you lean in, the more meaningful the experience becomes.
So far, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to real-world scenarios — from supporting debt issuance to participating in stakeholder meetings and delivering client presentations. These moments have felt impactful and authentic, giving me a real sense of purpose within the business.
Of course, there’s the occasional “grad task” to keep you grounded — but even those come with their own learning curve.

The remuneration package is fair — meeting the average UK salary straight out of university is a solid starting point. It supports a decent standard of living, especially considering the learning and development opportunities that come with the role. That said, things can get a bit tight when you're renting, particularly in certain areas, but overall it's manageable.

Yes

You learn lots, get qualifications, get fairly compensated, and get involved in meaningful work with a big banking brand to put on your CV. What's not to love!