Commercial Banking Intern Review

I enjoyed the program as it offered a fantastic insight of the bank. The team members giving the presentations were incredibly passionate and engaging which helped to captivate me during the sessions. Unfortunately the given circumstances meant an online virtual experience was the only option. I believe this led to a less personalised and human experience, however the fantastic execution of the sessions meant that the key information was conveyed and discussions were allowed at the end.

I felt very valued during the program due to the fact that the bank were very encouraging about applying for the 2021 Summer Internship. It was obvious that Natwest valued our skills and the support and information provided about the internship suggested they were keen to involve us in their company. Information was also provided about the Graduate Program they run, which sounds fantastic, which also indicated a desire to get us involved in their company.

The program offered sessions which were designed to help us with the next steps of the 2021 Summer Internship. This guidance was greatly beneficial and I look forward to applying it when I sit their application process. All the team members were greatly supportive and offered time at the end of each session to answer questions. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, not all the questions got answered, however the program leaders ensured you could email them with any queries.

Unfortunately, due to the current global situation, the program took place online. The lack of human interaction made it challenging to develop many skills, such as networking and socialising. The information was very useful, with regards to Natwest, however the sessions were focused on the bank and their core values, therefore there is little that can assist me in my degree studies. It would have been good to have been able to develop skills such as teamwork.

The program was very well organised and the itinerary was sent to me days before the program even started so I was aware of what was to come. The program leaders were very well prepared with their sessions and they tried to involve the students as much as possible. The leaders also stuck religiously to the time slots, which was brilliant as all sessions started promptly and there was never a back log of people.

Unfortunately, due to the circumstances, I participated with the program from my bedroom. This atmosphere was not very motivating as I was surrounded by my things. It would have been great to have experienced the office atmosphere and to have met people working at the bank in person. However, given the circumstances I tried to create a corporate atmosphere which would mimic that of Natwest. I hope the 2021 Summer Internship will be in the office so I can experience the atmosphere of being surrounded in a busy workspace.

The bank offered numerous development sessions which each target a different area. It was a fantastic opportunity to be able to develop and grow with the fun sessions.

As the internship was online, it is difficult to know what the program would have been like in person and how office life works. I got a great insight into the world of working from home, however when I start working I intend to use the office.

I learnt a lot about the company values and engaged in many presentations focusing on the core values and purpose of the bank, therefore I got a great understanding

It was useful in helping me determine whether or not I wanted to pursue commercial banking. Unfortunately my exposure was limited to that area of the bank so there is still a vast amount of exploration that needs to take place.

Yes we were paid.

Yes, but a lot of responsibility lay on the individual (which I actually preferred).

Given they were online, the early careers team did a fantastic job with the resources available.

Yes, many presentations were given and we were fully informed.

Yes, one of the best experiences of my life