Digital Transformations Graduate Review

My experience at NatWest Group has been overwhelmingly positive. The culture is supportive and growth-oriented, with a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development. While some placements resonated with me more than others, I believe that often comes down to personal fit rather than the quality of the placements themselves.
One of the most inspiring aspects has been meeting senior leaders who began their careers on the graduate scheme—it’s a clear reminder of the opportunities available. The scheme offers a solid foundation and can absolutely set you up for a successful career within a large bank. However, it’s not a passive journey. While there is guidance and support, achieving the role or level you aspire to requires initiative, drive, and a willingness to go above and beyond. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources and people willing to help those who are proactive in shaping their own path.

The responsibilities of the role can vary significantly depending on the placements you’re assigned to. In my experience, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a wide range of tasks. These included:
- Data visualisation and analysis, using various software tools I upskilled on during the scheme. Much of this work focused on identifying customer trends and making data-driven recommendations.
- Webpage design, where I learned to use our internal platform to create and update customer-facing pages.
- Customer communications, including drafting mobile prompts and emails, and navigating the full governance process to ensure they met all compliance standards.
-Project work, where I contributed to larger initiatives and had the chance to present my findings to senior leaders within my area.
These experiences gave me a broad skill set, but what I enjoyed most was the variety and the ability to see the real-world impact of my work—especially when using data to influence decisions or improve customer journeys.

The extent to which you feel you’re contributing meaningfully and are valued really depends on the team and how well your skills align with their needs. By the time I reached my final placement - where I had more influence over the team I joined - I felt I was making a real impact and that my contributions were genuinely appreciated.
In contrast, during my first placement, I felt this less strongly. At that stage, I was still building foundational knowledge and skills, so it was more about learning than delivering. That said, the experience was still valuable in setting me up for future success.
As the programme progresses, you naturally gain confidence and capability, which allows you to take on more responsibility, contribute to larger pieces of work, and start owning deliverables. That’s when the sense of purpose and value really starts to grow.

I feel that my compensation package has been very fair. Compared to similar graduate schemes at other banks, the base salary is competitive, and the additional 10% flexible benefits package - covering things like pension contributions and other options - adds significant value. For example, while the base salary was £33,500, the total package felt closer to £37,000 when factoring in those benefits, especially since in previous jobs at other companies those contributions came out of my base pay.
What also stood out to me was the balance between compensation and the learning experience. I was given a lot of time and support to develop, and in the early stages, I felt I was being paid on par with peers in permanent roles at other jobs/companies, even though I was still very much in a learning phase with relatively low pressure.
On top of that, the culture around work-life balance is excellent. The 35-hour work week is respected, and there’s no expectation to work beyond that, which really enhances the overall value of the package.

I feel the graduate scheme has prepared me very well for my future career. The variety of placements has given me exposure to different parts of the business, allowing me to build a broad skill set and understand how different teams and functions operate. I’ve developed both technical and soft skills—ranging from data analysis and digital content creation to stakeholder engagement and presenting to senior leaders.
What’s been especially valuable is the balance between structured learning and hands-on experience. I’ve had the space to upskill, but also the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in meaningful ways. As I progressed through the scheme, I was trusted with more responsibility, which helped build my confidence and gave me a clearer sense of the kind of work I enjoy and want to pursue long-term.
Overall, I feel well-equipped to take the next step in my career, with a strong foundation and a clearer direction for where I want to go.

The support I’ve received has been really strong overall. There’s a good balance between guidance and autonomy—you’re not micromanaged, but there’s always someone to turn to if you need help. Line managers and placement leads have generally been approachable and willing to invest time in my development.

My work-life balance has been excellent. The culture at NatWest Group genuinely respects the 35-hour work week, and there’s no expectation to work beyond your contracted hours. This has allowed me to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, which I really value—especially while learning and developing in a new role.
There’s also a strong emphasis on wellbeing, with access to support resources and flexibility when needed. Overall, I’ve felt trusted to manage my time effectively, and that’s made a big difference to both my productivity and overall experience.

The organisational culture at NatWest Group is genuinely supportive, inclusive, and people-focused. There’s a strong emphasis on doing the right thing for customers, colleagues, and communities, and that comes through in both the day-to-day work and the wider initiatives across the business.
The atmosphere is collaborative and respectful—people are approachable at all levels, and there’s a real sense of psychological safety, which makes it easy to ask questions, share ideas, and learn. The values of integrity, inclusion, and sustainability aren’t just words on a wall—they’re reflected in the way teams operate and the priorities the business sets.
Overall, it’s a positive and empowering environment, especially for early careers. You’re encouraged to grow, take ownership, and contribute meaningfully, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

I would rate NatWest Group’s initiatives around equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility very highly. These values are clearly embedded in the culture and are not just surface-level commitments. There are regular campaigns, events, and learning opportunities that raise awareness and encourage open conversations across all levels of the organisation.
Employee-led networks play a big role in fostering inclusion, and there’s visible support from senior leadership for creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong. Accessibility is also taken seriously, with adjustments available for those who need them and a genuine willingness to listen and improve.
While there’s always more that can be done, the intent and action are definitely there, and it feels like a company that is actively working to create a fair and inclusive environment for all.

Yes

Yes, I would definitely recommend NatWest Group to a friend—especially someone looking to start their career in a supportive, values-driven organisation. The graduate scheme offers a wide range of experiences, strong development opportunities, and exposure to different areas of the business, which really helps you discover what you enjoy and where your strengths lie.
The culture is inclusive and people-focused, with a genuine emphasis on work-life balance and wellbeing. You’re given the tools and support to grow, but also the freedom to shape your own path. If you’re proactive and curious, there’s a lot of opportunity to make the most of it.

Overall, the role matched my expectations quite well. The recruitment process gave a clear picture of the structure of the graduate scheme, the variety of placements, and the emphasis on learning and development. Most of what was described was delivered, and I’ve had a valuable and well-rounded experience.
However, one key element that didn’t materialise was the opportunity to complete a professional qualification as part of the programme. This was something that was advertised when I applied and was a factor in my decision to join. Unfortunately, it was never offered and has since been removed for future cohorts. That was disappointing and is the main reason I would rate the experience 4 stars rather than 5.
That said, the scheme still provided a strong foundation, with plenty of opportunities to develop skills, explore different areas of the business, and shape my own career path.