Natwest Group Commercial Banking Female Insight Week Review

Despite it being virtual, I think that it was structured very well. I found it very engaging and informative. The last session on ethical and social responsibility was the most engaging, as we were put into breakout rooms where we were able to network with around 4/5 other candidates on the insight week and were able to engage with those running the session through stamping and messaging on the Zoom chat. The graduate panel session was also very engaging as we were able to ask division specific questions and hear about their journeys.

With it being virtual, I think it's difficult to feel valued than when compared to speaking in person. However, I felt very valued as their was an insight week for each division and so you experienced division related sessions and met graduates from the division that you applied for. As well as this, there were sessions held at the end of the day by [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] to answer any questions that could not be answered during the sessions throughout the day.

Prior to the insight we were provided with emails explaining the structure of the virtual insight week. We were also provided with pdf attachments which introduced the speakers, provided a timetable with an overview about what each session would be like, and tips to make the most of the insight. We were also provided with an insight week newsletter which provided some insight into Natwest. Throughout the insight week we were able to ask questions in all sessions. The closing session also gave us another opportunity to ask any final questions.

The insight week is mainly there to provide you an insight into the company, their purpose, value and culture not necessarily there to provide you with life skills. However, the graduate panel session was very insightful and informative, tips were provided which I feel will help prepare for future applications and the next steps, i.e. assessment centre, interviews. Similarly, the last session on ethical and social responsibility did emphasise core traits and acts that are needed.

Very well structured. Despite it being their first every virtual insight week it felt as though it had been done before. I did not experience any technical issues which was very shocking considering that an specific sessions/zoom meetings were being held for several divisions. Prior to the insight we were provided with emails explaining the structure of the virtual insight week.

The general atmosphere during the insight was nice - very engaging, informative and comfortable. Never felt out of place or uncomfortable despite it being virtual; questions were always being encouraged to asked and were always answered to the very best. Each sessions promoted participation and engagement, particularly in the last session on ethical and social responsibility, where we were put into breakout rooms and networked with around 4/5 other candidates on the insight week. We were also able to engage with those running the session [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] through stamping and messaging on the Zoom chat.

The insight significantly helped me understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company. Not only was I provided insight to what it would be like to have a summer internship with them, but I was given insight into what it would be like to have a full time role with the company at different levels, i.e. graduate, DCB etc. The fact that we were able to network and ask questions during the sessions really helped to understand.

The insight helped a huge amount in understanding the company culture. Not only are you provided with a company newsletter introducing their employees and response to the pandemic, you are also provided with a pdf highlighting the company's purpose, focus and values. Additionally, throughout the insight week there is a session dedicated to Natwest's purpose, sessions from a key business speaker and graduate panel who elaborate on the company's culture and values. Finally there is a session from external speakers on ethical and social responsibility who make references to Natwest's culture, values and ethics.

The insight week was very valuable in helping me decide on my future career path. Firstly, it cemented the fact that I wanted to pursue the chosen pathway/division I applied for, particularly from speaking to a DCB and listening to the distinct journeys of the graduates. It also helped me decide on whether the company suited me and what values, culture and purposes I align with or not. Overall, the insight was incredibly valuable in helping me decide on my future career path.

There were many networking opportunities despite it being virtual. The Q&A Drop-in sessions at the end of the day meant that we were able to network with Early Careers Team. Each session was hold by a different speaker and we were given the opportunity to again ask sessions - some of these sessions included, graduates, a DCB, early careers team etc. In the final session on ethical and social responsibility, we were given the opportunity to engage and communicate with the speakers via the Zoom chat and interactive stamps.

There were many networking opportunities despite it being virtual. The Q&A Drop-in sessions at the end of the day meant that we were able to network with Early Careers Team. Each session was hold by a different speaker and we were given the opportunity to again ask sessions - some of these sessions included, graduates, a DCB, early careers team etc. In the final session on ethical and social responsibility, we were given the opportunity to network with 4/5 other candidates on the same insight week in the breakout rooms.