Insight Week Review

I found the insight week fantastic. I enjoyed the range of employees that I was able to engage with- NatWest graduates, to employees who hold senior positions. I'm glad that every virtual day finished with a questions and answer session as it allowed me to ask questions that occurred to me throughout this insight week and ensured I never missed out on the opportunity to find the answer. I can confidently say that at the end of the insight week, I feel informed and inspired.

During the entire virtual zoom call, there was always the opportunity to ask questions and actively engage. Many of the employees that took part also offered their emails for us to get in contact with them or linkedin. The active encouragement for us to get in contact certainly made me feel valued by the firm. Additionally, the initial insight week was meant to be in Spring, and face-to-face, but instead had to take place virtually in Autumn. We were sufficiently updated throughout the rescheduling period with emails of how the insight week would be changing. This communication was very helpful, and made me feel valued by NatWest as they showed appreciation for our time and recognised the disruption that affected all of us.

NatWest sent out a pdf explaining how to set up Zoom and take part in meetings. They also sent pdfs with timetables of the insight week, with each meeting code clearly paired with each event. This ensured we were all comfortable with the software we had to use, and knew how to connect with each event. Contacting the recruitment team was also an option always available to us in case of need, and I trusted that I could approach them if needs be.

The virtual insight week has informed my plans for my career, and of the culture of the bank. Talking to professionals about their employment experiences has provided me with a point of reference to begin considering what I would like of my future career. I do aspire to secure another opportunity with NatWest in the future, and I believe the information given by NatWest of their culture and expectations will be useful as I pursue future opportunities with them

Each day of the virtual insight week lasted for long enough that I was pleased with all the information that I was able to acquire, and do not feel as though I missed out on discovering more due to being short of time. I never had any problems knowing which Zoom call I had to be on at which time, this is due to the clear and detailed timetable that was emailed out before hand. There were also breaks in between the insight week which were useful.

The atmosphere was friendly and I felt comfortable talking to all employees over Zoom. NatWest recognised the laid-back aspect of engaging in the insight week from home, so maintained a casual aspect of the Zoom call to reflect that, yet encouraged professional behaviors that I believe were appropriate- for example the dress code was smart but casual, and we were able to talk casually during Zoom calls, but instructed to mute our mics when a presentation was being shown or when an employee was talking.

I found that the virtual insight week was more of an informative experience than a development experience. In this way I believe that in place of opportunities to be trained and develop ourselves, instead what was offered where insights into employment in the industry, and with NatWest in particular. They invested in our curiosities, and provided an expectation of what the application process would be like, as well as employment. They also invested in our ability to have a successful future application with them as they informed us of what they sought of candidiates.

During the virtual insight week, we were able to engage with many employees at different stages of their careers- graduates and senior member. They were all willing to discuss how they arrived at their current roles with NatWest, as well as the responsibilities they have had in their current and in past roles. This provided insight of who an employee engage with during the day and how much time would be dedicated to different responsibilities.

The insight week was very helpful for understanding the culture at NatWest. This was achieved by conversating with employees and discussing their understanding of how they perceived the culture of the bank as a whole and of their divisions. Furthermore, a presentation was held on the activities of the bank, and their focuses for the present times and future. This aided with understanding the culture of the bank by knowing what they were proud of, and their future expectations of business.

The experience was extremely valuable for supporting my decisions for my future career path. I have been able to project how I can see myself working with the company in the future, and decide whether it would suit my individual ambitions. The insight into NatWest's culture also supported my decisions on whether I could see my self feeling proud to work for the bank and enjoying my employment. Generally, I could decided if my values aligned with those of the bank.

The insight week took place online, so after all there was not a need to be reimbursed however initially, NatWest were willing to reimburse my travel and provide accommodation when the insight week was intended to be held at their head offices.

There were many opportunities for networking. We were asked to join the Zoom calls with our full name which enabled employees to learn some of our names as we asked questions and engaged. Additionally, employees and other participants were able to connect with each other via Linkedin. Finding the employees on Linkedin or sending them emails with questions was also encouraged. This promotion of social media has given me the opportunity to stay connected with many of those I met during the insight week.

They were very easy to be involved in as it was as simply as being present at the Zoom calls, and engaging in discussions wherever possible. They were informal and available to everyone at different stages of the insight week. Moreover, each event did not have the same number of people, so there was also the opportunities to take part in small group sessions that made networking easier because it was easier to stand out.

Yes. New graduates shared their experiences of being involved in councils. What was also useful was being able to enquire about balancing work responsibilities with external activities and how that is managed. We also learnt of activities which more senior employees had taken part in, and the process that one goes through to engage the bank in supporting them to carry out charity work and fundraising. Furthermore, we also learnt of the variety of non-work related opportunities were available.

Yes. The insight week was very informative about the bank, and more generally what a career in industry was like. It also provided the opportunity to network and get to know some of the staff already employed with NatWest. A thorough and comprehensive insight into what the bank values in candidates was offered, as well as what to expect from a full time role. The insight week has made progression with the bank more accessible.