Commercial Banking Graduate Trainee Review
at NatWest Group
Graduate Scheme
Commercial Banking
London
Review Submitted: October 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
-
Overview of the Role
5/5
-
Experience & Company Culture
4/5
-
Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at NatWest Group?
My experience as a Graduate Trainee at NatWest Group has been great. I like the company's culture - colleagues are understanding, respectful and care for each other. Colleagues are generally approachable.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
I really enjoy the rotational placements on the graduate scheme, it has given me great exposure to the breadth of banking - from high level overview of risk and strategy management, lending to transaction banking work.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
I always receive warm welcome from teams I've been allocated for placements. I've been given responsibilities and work closely with the teams on live work. Some of my suggestions have also been taken on board.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
The company has nice perks including shopping discounts for a lot of retailers. Although the remuneration could be lower than competitors, the company's culture and good work life balance make it up.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
The graduate scheme offers good learning and development opportunities - there's structured learning / workshops, professional qualification, networking events, etc. I believe these are beneficial for any role in banking.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
The placements aim to be very varied for the purpose of developing a wide range of skills. I have benefited from it and develop a lot of skills beyond my educational background / degree. Majority of skills are learned on the job, with some skills through facilitated training / learning
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
I received great support as I've been allocated a line manager for the duration on the graduate scheme, a graduate buddy who is in the year above, a placement manager who assigns me the day to day tasks.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
Work life balance is good, although there are peak times where work gets really busy, NatWest encourages physical and mental wellbeing with different initiatives and events in the workplace.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
The culture is great as most colleagues try to be understanding of each other and my role allows me to work hybrid (2 days per week in the office). The company purpose / values also get refreshed to stay up to date and relevant.
How would you rate NatWest Group initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
There are different employee-led networks focus on initiatives that foster EDI and accessibility. There often are good allyship in such initiatives.
How would you rate NatWest Group CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
It's great that NatWest offers 3 volunteering days a year for colleagues to take part in work of their choice, which often makes a positive impact to the environment, the community including those come from a disadvantaged background. NatWest has official partnerships with some charities too.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It's a company with good culture and learning opportunities especially as a first job straight out of university.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
4/5
It was not completely clear that what graduate responsibilities and career progression would look like from the recruitment process. However, this is also understandable as the bank is massive and each area is so different, it would be difficult to conclude and provide an actual picture.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to NatWest Group?
Be yourself.
