Published: 17 February 2025
In January 2025, our students joined a webinar hosted by NatWest Group. Featuring a panel of professionals from diverse backgrounds, the session explored various pathways into banking and highlighted the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity. Speakers shared their career journeys, demonstrating how different academic disciplines can lead to successful roles within the sector. Our student Raksha Amaranath, MSc Public Health explores the key insights from the webinar, offering a closer look at NatWest’s graduate opportunities and workplace culture.
I recently attended an enlightening webinar hosted by NatWest Group, the UK’s largest business and commercial bank. The session featured a diverse panel of speakers, including:
- Rachael Mansfield - Early Talent Attraction Consultant
- Dan Wilcox – Programme Manager, Change Management.
- Priya Shah – Tax Manager, Front Office Support, Projects & Advisory.
- Cameron Baxter – Graduate Trainee in Planning, Performance & Finance.
The speakers provided valuable insights into their graduate opportunities and workplace culture, particularly highlighting how diverse academic backgrounds can lead to successful banking careers. Here are my key takeaways:
1. Pathways into NatWest:
NatWest Group offers multiple entry routes for students and graduates. Their programs span across various business areas, and importantly, they’re not restricted to finance graduates. Dan Wilcox’s journey from studying Modern Languages to having a successful banking career exemplifies this inclusive approach. The bank welcomes applications from all degree disciplines, recognising that diverse academic backgrounds bring valuable perspectives to the organisation.
They also offer internship opportunities, providing industry exposure while studying. Importantly, sponsorship opportunities are available and assessed on an individual basis.
2. Before you apply:
Success in the application process begins well before submitting your CV. Applicants can prepare by using platforms like BrightNetwork to research graduate schemes. Maintaining a detailed personal tracker of all applications is crucial, this includes recording application deadlines, status updates, login credentials, and follow-up requirements for each position. Engaging with NatWest at career fairs provides opportunities to network with current employees and gain firsthand insights.
Additionally, developing your LinkedIn presence was highlighted as essential for modern networking - it’s a platform where you can connect with NatWest employees and stay updated on company developments.
3. Mastering the STAR Technique:
During the webinar, particular emphasis was placed on using the STAR methodology (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in applications and interviews. When answering questions, candidates should structure their responses to clearly demonstrate their impact. For example, when describing university group projects or part-time work experiences, explain the specific situation you faced, the task you were given, the actions you took, and the measurable results you achieved. This approach helps assessors understand not just what you did, but how you think and solve problems.
4. Essential Skills Development:
Beyond academic achievements, NatWest values candidates who demonstrate strong soft skills. The webinar highlighted key areas for development: written and verbal communication, proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, public speaking abilities, creativity, and idea generation.
Students were encouraged to seek opportunities to develop these skills through their time at university. For example, volunteering as a course rep with the Students’ Union, or working a part-time job such as a Digital Coach or Student Ambassador.
5. Get Application Support:
The speakers outlined the application journey, starting with CV submission, progressing through online assessments (including work scenarios and numerical reasoning), followed by video interviews, and culminating in a virtual assessment day. Each stage is designed to evaluate different competencies, from technical skills to teamwork abilities.
The university’s Careers and Enterprise Team offers specialised support for each stage, including AI-powered tools for CV optimisation and interview practice platforms.
6. Being Yourself:
The speakers noted that authenticity is another way to standout throughout this process - being professional while remaining true to yourself. When preparing applications, focus on examples where you’ve shown initiative, and don’t hesitate to discuss challenges you’ve faced; what matters is demonstrating how you overcame obstacles and what you learned from the experience.
Attending this webinar has transformed my perspective on career planning. Learning that success in banking isn't solely determined by having a finance degree was particularly enlightening. The practical advice about tracking applications and using the STAR technique has already helped me improve my approach to job applications. Most importantly, the session reinforced that being authentic while remaining professional and not being afraid to face challenges are essential qualities for any career path. The insights gained from this session will undoubtedly influence my professional journey, regardless of which industry I ultimately choose to work in.