Finance Intern

Suzanne Brown

Economics

Internship (1 Month+)

NatWest Group

What was the application process like?

The application process was straightforward yet rigorous. Once my online application was approved, three online tests followed which led to the telephone interview. I was lucky to be a successful candidate and invited to an assessment centre. This tested my capabilities through a group discussion, preparing and delivering a presentation and finally a one-to-one interview. Everyone was extremely welcoming and made the experience as pleasant as possible. Throughout this process I was constantly supported by the Early Career Team.

What made you apply to Natwest?

Natwest offers a very structured internship programme which was highly valued by previous interns. I have always been interested in finance and my economics degree has encouraged me to look for opportunities to pursue this interest. I considered the Natwest internship programme to be a welcome challenge that could also lend credibility to my degree. I was impressed and intrigued by the Natwest stand at my university internship fair and sent in my application a few weeks later.

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the GCA Consolidation Unit. The first couple of weeks were demanding due to the vast amount of information I received each day. After settling in and understanding the role of this division, I felt like I was able to contribute positively, and then was assigned some challenging projects. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of responsibility given and there were always plenty of colleagues to ask for help if I was ever stuck.

What advice would you give to someone planning their placement / internship?

I previously thought that I didn’t have enough understanding of finance to apply for the finance internship programmes. However, I quickly realised that I would receive the specific training I needed on the job. This is especially encouraging if you are from a different university course background, yet are still interested in stepping into such a career. Plan to meet as many people as possible to recognise the different divisions. This will help you understand the role and responsibilities of your team.

How has this placement / internship affected your career prospects?

I was very inspired by my experience at Natwest. In particular, this internship has shown me the vast diversity and opportunities in finance. It has further stimulated me to successfully complete my degree and I do intend to return into this sector after graduating. Natwest also offers a unique graduate scheme which I hope to qualify for. Therefore, this internship has certainly opened a window of opportunities.