graduate software engineer Review
at NatWest Group
Graduate Scheme
Software Engineering
Scotland
Review Submitted: October 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
5/5
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Overview of the Role
5/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at NatWest Group?
My time at NatWest Group has been incredibly positive. The culture here is welcoming and supportive and everyone is genuinely willing to help, whether it's answering questions, offering guidance, or sharing knowledge. As a graduate, I’ve felt encouraged to grow and explore different areas of technology, with plenty of opportunities to learn and develop my skills.
The people are definitely one of the highlights. From day one, I’ve been surrounded by colleagues who are approachable, collaborative, and passionate about what they do. There’s a strong sense of community, and it’s clear that the company values both personal and professional development.
Overall, it’s been a great environment to start my career in software engineering, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.
The people are definitely one of the highlights. From day one, I’ve been surrounded by colleagues who are approachable, collaborative, and passionate about what they do. There’s a strong sense of community, and it’s clear that the company values both personal and professional development.
Overall, it’s been a great environment to start my career in software engineering, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
As a Software Engineering Graduate at NatWest Group, my role has involved working across different teams and technologies, giving me a broad and enriching experience. My main responsibilities have included:
Automation Testing using Python
Data analysis and engineering tasks
Dashboard development for governance and reporting
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions
Rotation 1: Data & Analytics Team
In my first rotation, I worked within the Data and Analytics team where I focused on:
Automation testing using Python to streamline processes
Working on CDAL (Cross Domain Analytical Layer) and handling various tickets
Gaining hands-on experience with Snowflake and AWS
Developing a strong understanding of data pipelines and cloud-based data solutions
This rotation helped me build a solid foundation in data engineering and automation, and I particularly enjoyed the problem-solving aspect and the opportunity to work with modern data tools.
Rotation 2: Payments & Technology Team
In my second rotation, I joined the Payments and Technology team, where I:
Collaborated with a team of four to create a governance dashboard for the Finance team
Learned and applied Tableau to visualize financial data effectively
Delivered a solution that saved significant time for stakeholders by automating reporting
This experience was especially rewarding because I could see the direct impact of our work on business efficiency. I enjoyed working closely with stakeholders and learning how to present data in a meaningful way.
Automation Testing using Python
Data analysis and engineering tasks
Dashboard development for governance and reporting
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions
Rotation 1: Data & Analytics Team
In my first rotation, I worked within the Data and Analytics team where I focused on:
Automation testing using Python to streamline processes
Working on CDAL (Cross Domain Analytical Layer) and handling various tickets
Gaining hands-on experience with Snowflake and AWS
Developing a strong understanding of data pipelines and cloud-based data solutions
This rotation helped me build a solid foundation in data engineering and automation, and I particularly enjoyed the problem-solving aspect and the opportunity to work with modern data tools.
Rotation 2: Payments & Technology Team
In my second rotation, I joined the Payments and Technology team, where I:
Collaborated with a team of four to create a governance dashboard for the Finance team
Learned and applied Tableau to visualize financial data effectively
Delivered a solution that saved significant time for stakeholders by automating reporting
This experience was especially rewarding because I could see the direct impact of our work on business efficiency. I enjoyed working closely with stakeholders and learning how to present data in a meaningful way.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
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
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
How would you rate NatWest Group initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
How would you rate NatWest Group CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would absolutely recommend NatWest Group to a friend, especially someone starting out in their tech career. The company has a strong cultural foundation built on inclusivity, collaboration, and support. From day one, I’ve felt welcomed and valued, and the environment encourages continuous learning and growth.
One of the standout aspects is how supportive everyone is whether it’s your team, your manager, or colleagues from other departments, people are always willing to help and share their knowledge. There’s a genuine focus on personal development, and the graduate programme offers diverse opportunities to explore different areas of technology.
The culture here promotes wellbeing, innovation, and teamwork, making it a great place not just to work, but to thrive.
One of the standout aspects is how supportive everyone is whether it’s your team, your manager, or colleagues from other departments, people are always willing to help and share their knowledge. There’s a genuine focus on personal development, and the graduate programme offers diverse opportunities to explore different areas of technology.
The culture here promotes wellbeing, innovation, and teamwork, making it a great place not just to work, but to thrive.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to NatWest Group?
When considering applying to NatWest Group, here are some key tips based on my experience:
Apply Widely but Thoughtfully
It’s always a good idea to apply to multiple roles, but make sure each application is tailored. Don’t just submit the same CV everywhere—take time to understand what each role is asking for.
Read the Job Description Carefully
Pay close attention to the skills and qualities listed. Make sure your application clearly shows how you meet those requirements. Use examples from your experience that match the role’s expectations.
Focus on CPC in Your Application
NatWest Group uses the CPC framework (Customer, Purpose, Commerciality). It’s important to reflect these values in your answers:
Customer: Show how you’ve considered the end-user or stakeholder in your work.
Purpose: Demonstrate how your work aligns with a bigger goal or mission.
Commerciality: Highlight how your contributions add value—whether through efficiency, cost-saving, or innovation.
Be Yourself During Interviews
The culture at NatWest is very people-focused, so authenticity goes a long way. Be honest about your strengths and areas you’re developing.
Onboarding is Supportive
Once you join, the onboarding process is smooth and well-structured. You’ll be supported by your team and given time to settle in and learn.
Apply Widely but Thoughtfully
It’s always a good idea to apply to multiple roles, but make sure each application is tailored. Don’t just submit the same CV everywhere—take time to understand what each role is asking for.
Read the Job Description Carefully
Pay close attention to the skills and qualities listed. Make sure your application clearly shows how you meet those requirements. Use examples from your experience that match the role’s expectations.
Focus on CPC in Your Application
NatWest Group uses the CPC framework (Customer, Purpose, Commerciality). It’s important to reflect these values in your answers:
Customer: Show how you’ve considered the end-user or stakeholder in your work.
Purpose: Demonstrate how your work aligns with a bigger goal or mission.
Commerciality: Highlight how your contributions add value—whether through efficiency, cost-saving, or innovation.
Be Yourself During Interviews
The culture at NatWest is very people-focused, so authenticity goes a long way. Be honest about your strengths and areas you’re developing.
Onboarding is Supportive
Once you join, the onboarding process is smooth and well-structured. You’ll be supported by your team and given time to settle in and learn.
