Software Engineer Intern Review

Worked on many different projects from a business project, placement project and a volunteering project. Day-to-day worked on the placement project and business project two days a week. Placement project involved more software engineering where I was to redesign a page in an old system using React and Spring Boot to modernise the look and feel. Networked with many people and learnt about different sectors namely the markets and how they operate. Self directed study sessions helped me learn about other things during my internship.

Learnt new frameworks like Spring and React. Developed my existing programming skills and was required to have a rehearsal of the interview every two weeks which helped with my presentation skills. Learnt a lot about the financial markets and the role of a big bank in our society and their importance. I saw my work affecting others directly when volunteering for a nature reserve, and the importance of the software development lifecycle to keep everything running efficiently.

A lot of responsibility was given as I was given a choice between projects and made the most out of my internship by pursuing extra work for my project. Actively seeking out to present my project to our customers meant that there was more responsibility placed on my work to deliver something meaningful and impactful for the company as a whole. The internship gives you a chance to make something out of it and I believe I tried my best to achieve this.

A lot of support and guidance was given by the team I was placed in. Many of the team members had dedicated their time to help me as an intern to progress the project and to learn about how the banking industry works. If there was something that my team did not know, I could reach out to anyone from the bank to receive the help I needed so there was always someone in the company that was willing to help.

The company culture was excellent with colleagues being very nice to talk to and work with. The company really enjoys championing potential and helping new employees to fit in which makes it a great place to work, especially in office. The internship programme is very relaxed with many people not expecting anything from the interns but a willingness to learn. This makes it feel very rewarding to work and produce something of value that you want to present to the team.

Having been my first internship, I very much enjoyed the programme. It was very well organised with a timetable given out to all interns to make sure that there is always something to do during your time there. I learnt so much during my time at NatWest that I have discovered new interests and a drive to continuously develop myself as a person. Feeling like my work has an impact in the company made it very enjoyable.

Yes

Have a good understanding of NatWest's ethical banking values and their Critical People's Capabilities. Practice general interview questions and come into them feeling confident. The people working at NatWest really like people that are enthusiastic about learning and having a drive to change the world. Come up with scenarios where you have demonstrated the skills that NatWest looks for and always be able to describe what you have learnt from these experiences that links them back to the values.