Digital Transformation Graduate Review

Largely positive, lots of opportunities to try different roles and grow a network.

Responsibilities varied across roles, but were largely focussed around development to prepare to apply for a permanent job at the end of the graduate scheme.
I enjoyed the challenge of moving between teams and meeting new stakeholders, whilst learning to adapt quickly to change.

Once again, this varied by placement but most teams were very open to graduates shaping their own experience and getting involved in areas of interest and development. I was able to work on projects that weren't just 'grad tasks' and I felt were both meaningful and impactful.

Starting out on a salary of £35k (then increasing to £37.5k after a year) felt very fair coming straight out of university. There are a wide range of benefits but most have to be paid for after tax so I haven't massively engaged with them over the course of the programme.

I recently was able to secure a permanent role within the Bank thanks to the experiences I built up over the 2 years on the graduate programme. The range of placements and support throughout meant that I was well set up to apply and interview for roles.

I had loads of support, a graduate manager who supported me for the whole 2 years I was on programme, placement managers for each of my 4 rotations, a buddy in the cohort above, and numerous mentors I found through placements and a formal programme set up by the Early Talent team.
Everyone really wanted to help me to succeed and achieve what I wanted to, I think the only thing missing was the distinction between the roles and a link between all areas of support. It wasn't always clear to my graduate manager, for example, exactly what my day-to-day work looked like and therefore what support could be given in that area.

Bank-wide, but especially as a graduate, there are very few instances where people are expected to work beyond their hours and if they are it's always encouraged that time should be 'taken back' at another point that suits the team.

When I first joined the culture was very strong and positive but it has dipped in the last 6-12 months. I think external factors are to play; cost of living crisis, AI uncertainty, but internally there was a massive pay dispute and there have been a big round of layoffs which have had an impact. I would still say overall it's a really good place to work with good people, but I hope the Bank moves back to the values it had when I first joined.

Excellent! There are a number of ELNs who worked with leadership to ensure awareness and inclusivity across the organisation. I myself volunteer with the Gender Network and it's been a great addition to my time on the programme, both to coincide with my passion for gender equality but also to extend my network and work with people I wouldn't have otherwise encountered.

Yes

It's a company that encourages development and work-life balance whilst striving for improvement.

My experience was better than expected, I initially joined as an intern and didn't find the 8 weeks gave me enough time to fully get involved with the team I was in, so joining as a graduate and having 6 months in each area was great.