Change and Business Solutions Intern Review

Completing general tasks set by manager; use of Excel and data analysis tools; various self-led learning opportunities using free online courses

I've used the self-led learning time allocated to Interns to develop my skills in Python - not necessary for my role, but available within the online courses offered by NatWest

A fair amount of responsibility. Given that my placement was within Financial Crime, there was a limit to what I could work on (sensitive information, etc). My manager was very good at giving me tasks which would enable my learning and development within the area, and also keep me busy for the duration of the internship. The amount of work one gets is highly variable, though, and quite dependent on your manager.

There's a strong baseline level of support and guidance - onboarding was very engaging and comprehensive. Once you actually get to your day-to-day placement work, however, the support you get is highly dependent on your manager. I had some friends on the internship who had hardly anything to do, and some who were given loads of responsibility, really meaningful work, and plenty of opportunities to develop.

The company culture is one of the best things about NatWest. I'd say the majority of support, guidance and information came from the people on the graduate scheme, which was really nice to see. One drawback, though, especially from an intern perspective, is that about 75% of employees work from home most days. The interns and grads make more of an effort to come in, but there were a fair number of days where there was hardly anyone in the office.

I enjoyed the internship - but, again, I'd say the experience is highly variable, dependent on which part of the Bank you are placed in. I had some friends whose whole job was basically to organise goody bags for NatWest events, and some who were working on really cool DigitalX stuff and gaining loads of transferrable skills. There didn't seem to be much rhyme and reason as to why certain people were placed in particular areas, either.

Yes

If you can, try and make it as clear as possible in your application the kind of work you'd like to be doing. During the Assessment Centre, just relax and be yourself - and make sure to research the CPCs and plan your interview answers accordingly!