Financial Solutions Insight Week Participant Review

During the four day programme, there was a variety of different activities. There were skill building session every day that covered essential topics such as presentation, confidence and networking. There were sessions where we got to know more about the bank, the values driving the bank and some of its internal groups such as the ELNs. We also had the opportunity to meet different business leaders of the line of business we applied to. On top of that, we spent an hour a day completing an Insight Week Challenge with a team.

In terms of new things that I gained, I have learnt a lot more about NatWest as a bank and the different lines of business within corporate banking. Through connecting with business leaders and other analysts, I have understood more about the products provided by NatWest to its clients. I have been able to develop my teamwork and communication skills through completing the Insight Week challenge and networking skills when communicating with different people in the bank.

It was quite easy to understand the possible pathways the Insight Week could lead to, as we were told that we would be prioritised to the Assessment Centre for the 2023 summer internship, which then would be linked to the 2024 Graduate Programme. We were given a brief overview of what both programmes looked like during the Insight Week. However, it was slightly unclear with the teams available as there were a lot and we were not given an overview for each team.

The company culture was extremely friendly and welcoming. The members from the early careers team facilitated all the sessions at a very high energy level, which kept the 4 days engaging and interesting. Other analysts were also very nice and generous in sharing their own experience doing the Grad Scheme or just talking about their past work experience. The senior business leaders were quite approachable and accepted a lot of questions from us to help us understand the banking industry.

I enjoyed the insight week greatly as I had the opportunity to learn more about NatWest and what a role in Corporate Banking Financing Solutions would entail through talking to different people at the bank from senior business leaders to participants of the graduate scheme. However, I felt like the insight week could have been better if there were more sessions for us to get to know the business, be it more time spent with business leaders (not necessarily MDs) or grads who have gone through the same path as us instead of so many skill building sessions.

Yes

I think it is very important to make good use of all the connections that you have formed during the programme and to maintain them afterwards. All the people at NatWest are extremely nice and approachable and it is only up to you to be active to reach out and learn from them. Make the most out of meeting all the people and be inquisitive and genuinely curious so you can learn the most from the programme.