Graduate Trainee - RBS International Review

My experience at NatWest Group has been truly amazing. The culture and values here align closely with my own, and I’ve felt a strong sense of belonging from the start. The environment is incredibly supportive—everyone is helpful and highly knowledgeable, which makes learning and growing so much easier.
As part of the graduate programme, I’ve had the opportunity to rotate across four different teams over two years. This structure has been invaluable in helping me explore different areas of the bank and understand where I feel most at home. It’s a fantastic way to discover your strengths and interests, especially if you're unsure where you want to begin your career.

My main responsibilities include contributing to various projects across different teams, learning from experienced colleagues, and gradually taking ownership of specific pieces of work. The role offers a great balance between structured learning and hands-on experience.
What I enjoy most is the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of work and collaborate with different teams. This exposure helps me understand the broader business and develop a clearer sense of where I’d like to grow my career. I also appreciate the focus on personal development—whether it's through courses, resources, or the NatWest Academy. I'm currently working towards a professional certification supported by the bank, which is a fantastic boost for my future career.

All the time. I’m consistently given opportunities to work on projects that have real impact—whether on customers, internal teams, or broader business goals. There’s a strong culture of collaboration and networking, which means I can get involved in a variety of initiatives and learn from different areas of the business.
What stands out most is how recognition is embedded in the team culture. Colleagues and managers regularly acknowledge the effort and contributions I make, which makes me feel genuinely valued and motivated to keep growing.

The compensation package at NatWest Group is very encouraging and motivates me to work hard. It includes valuable benefits such as relocation support, a generous amount of annual leave, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a strong pension scheme. These perks not only support my wellbeing but also make me feel appreciated for the work I do. The overall package reflects the company’s commitment to rewarding its employees fairly and supporting their personal and professional growth.

The role is preparing me extremely well for my future career. The structure of the graduate programme—with four different rotations—gives me the chance to experience a variety of teams and functions across the bank. This exposure helps me gain valuable insights into how different areas operate and connect, making it easier to understand where my strengths lie and what I enjoy most.
It’s also helping me develop decision-making skills and a broader understanding of how teams collaborate, which will be incredibly useful no matter where I choose to specialise. Overall, it’s giving me a strong foundation to build a successful career within the banking industry.

The support I’ve received has been excellent. As someone with a medical condition, I’ve really appreciated the flexibility offered around working hours and days, which has made a big difference in managing my wellbeing. My buddy, managers, and HR have all been incredibly understanding and proactive in making sure I feel supported.
They’ve helped make my day-to-day work more manageable and less stressful, and they’re always available to answer questions or offer guidance. There’s a genuine culture of encouragement and care, which makes it easier to thrive both personally and professionally.

My work-life balance is great. The generous annual leave allows me to travel and enjoy life outside of work, which is really important to me. I also benefit from flexible hybrid working—some days in the office and others from home—depending on my schedule and personal needs. This flexibility makes it much easier to stay productive while maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.

The organisational culture is incredibly positive, inclusive, and values-driven. From the very beginning, I’ve felt welcomed and supported, and it’s clear that the company’s core values—inclusive, curious, robust, sustainable, and ambitious—are deeply embedded in the way people work and interact.
The atmosphere is collaborative and empowering. Teams are open and approachable, and there’s a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development. Curiosity is encouraged, and you’re given the space to explore new ideas and challenge yourself. The environment is robust in its support systems such as AI, offering resources and guidance to help you succeed.
There’s also a strong focus on sustainability—not just in terms of environmental impact, but in building long-term careers and meaningful relationships. The culture is ambitious, motivating you to grow, take ownership of your work, and contribute to impactful projects. Overall, it’s a place where you feel valued, inspired, and part of something bigger.

I would rate them very highly. As someone of Middle Eastern background and with accessibility needs, I’ve felt genuinely supported and included at NatWest Group. The organisation goes beyond just policies—it actively creates opportunities for people from all backgrounds and ensures that everyone feels valued and respected.
There’s a strong emphasis on equality, and it’s clear that the bank cares deeply about creating an inclusive environment where differences are celebrated. Whether it’s through inclusive hiring practices, accessible workspaces, or open conversations around diversity, NatWest Group demonstrates a real commitment to making sure everyone has the chance to thrive.

Yes

Absolutely. You feel truly equal and included, and the culture encourages everyone to support one another and thrive together. The environment is collaborative, and people are always willing to help.
The bank is also very supportive of individual needs, offering flexible working arrangements and resources to help you succeed both personally and professionally. There are fantastic opportunities to get involved in meaningful work and volunteering initiatives, and the company’s values—such as inclusivity, ambition, and sustainability—are genuinely reflected in everyday life. It’s a place where you can grow, feel valued, and make a real impact.

The recruitment process was smooth and straightforward. The application was easy to complete, and communication from the bank was prompt and professional throughout. However, the application itself didn’t give a full picture of what the role would actually involve.
That said, the role has far exceeded my expectations. The variety of work, the supportive culture, and the opportunities for growth and development have all been much more than I anticipated. It’s been a pleasant surprise and a great start to my career.