NatWest Summer Internship: The Complete Guide [2025]

The NatWest Summer Internship is a 10-week programme aimed at penultimate-year students looking to kickstart their careers in banking. The internship provides a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the day-to-day operations of a leading financial institution. You will gain exposure to various aspects of banking, from practical knowledge and technical market skills to business improvement projects that allows you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.

During the internship, you will not only learn about the bank's products and services but will also immerse yourself in the company culture and its values. This exposure allow you to understand how NatWest serves its diverse customer base and how it strives to innovate and lead in the financial sector.

You will enjoy a pro-rated salary of £45,000, competitive compensation reflecting the responsibility and experience you will gain. Upon completion of the internship, you may be offered a place on the NatWest Markets graduate scheme, marking the beginning of a more permanent role within the organisation.

Internship activities include:

• Learning technical market skills: You will engage in various workshops and tasks designed to boost your market knowledge, helping you understand the intricacies of the financial sector.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Working in teams, you will be involved in delivering exceptional customer service and improving business operations.
• Business improvement projects: You will participate in projects aimed at enhancing the business and finding innovative solutions to customer challenges.
• Mentorship and networking: With access to senior professionals in the industry, you will build valuable networks and gain insights into different career paths.

The NatWest Graduate Scheme is designed for people who have recently graduated or are in their final year of study. The programme offers a range of opportunities across various business sectors, including Commercial Banking, Data Analytics, Digital Transformation, Risk, and more. Unlike the summer internship, which is typically limited to penultimate-year students, the graduate scheme is open to those who have completed their studies and are looking to launch their careers in a dynamic financial services environment.

Graduates joining NatWest will experience a tailored, rotational programme, allowing them to work across different business areas. This broad exposure helps participants develop a comprehensive understanding of the bank's operations and prepares them for leadership roles. The NatWest graduate scheme is ideal for those looking to fast-track their careers while making significant contributions to a high-profile organisation.

The programme includes:

• Structured learning and development: You will have access to training and professional development that helps them build industry-specific skills.
• Networking opportunities: You will meet with colleagues across various departments and will be able to form connections with industry leaders, mentors, and peers.
• Exposure to various departments: You will rotate through different areas of the bank, gaining insights into various operations and functions.
• Leadership and career progression: As you move through the programme, you will develop leadership skills and gain a broader understanding of strategic business management.

The NatWest Application Process for both the Summer Internship and Graduate Scheme is thorough and involves several key stages designed to assess your skills, experience, and suitability for the programme. Understanding the application process and preparing in advance is crucial to maximising your chances of success.

1. Online Application: The first step is to submit an application via the NatWest website. This application will ask for basic information, including your academic background, skills, and motivations for applying. It’s essential to ensure that your application reflects both your academic achievements and your enthusiasm for working at NatWest.
2. Online Assessment Tests: If you pass the initial application stage, you will be invited to take several online assessments. These typically include situational judgment tests and reasoning skills assessments. These tests are designed to assess your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and decision-making skills in various workplace scenarios.
3. Pre-recorded Video Interview: The next stage of the application process is a pre-recorded video interview. During this stage, you will record your responses to several pre-recorded questions posed by NatWest. This gives you an opportunity to explain why you’re interested in joining NatWest, demonstrate your problem-solving skills, and showcase your experiences. The video interview is a chance for you to showcase your personality and passion for the role.
4. Assessment Centre: The final stage is typically an assessment centre, where you will participate in a series of tasks, group exercises, and interviews. This stage assesses your interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and your ability to work effectively as part of a team. It's an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills in a more interactive environment.

Throughout the application process, it's important to remain focused and authentic. Highlight your academic achievements, practical experiences, and personal qualities that align with NatWest’s values.

The NatWest Assessment Tests, provided by SHL, are an integral part of the NatWest application process and are designed to evaluate your reasoning and judgment abilities. These tests measure how well you can process information, solve problems, and make effective decisions.

 This test evaluates how well you can respond to work-related challenges. You will be given 14 scenarios based on real-world situations in the banking sector, and for each, you must assess various statements, determining their effectiveness. The goal is to demonstrate how well you align with NatWest's values and how effectively you can approach challenges.

• Presentations - You are asked to prepare a presentation ahead of the assessment centre to deliver on the day. The interviewers are looking for evidence that you have done your research on the topic and that you have made the connection between your research and the implications for Fidelity.
• Group exercises - You can expect an exercise to work through with the other candidates at the assessment centre. The aim of this exercise is to see how you work within a team, and your ability to contribute to the group effort without taking it over. Think about your approach in advance.
• Case studies - In this exercise you are given a situation similar to the one you may come across in your everyday work life at Fidelity and asked to prepare an exercise within that case study. Get ready for your case study with our practice pack.
• Interviews

This test assesses your analytical skills and numerical abilities. It includes 24 questions that require you to interpret information, analyse data, identify patterns, perform calculations, and draw conclusions. The test is interactive, allowing you to engage with the questions more dynamically, and it lasts for 36 minutes.

The pre-recorded video interview is an essential stage in the NatWest application process. During this interview, you will be asked to record your responses to 6 questions that aim to assess your motivation for joining NatWest and your potential to succeed in the programme.

Each question will be displayed on the screen, accompanied by a recording of one of NatWest's colleagues asking the question. This gives you time to read and understand the question before recording your response.

The questions typically cover topics like your personal experiences, how you handle specific situations, and your understanding of NatWest's values. You might be asked to provide examples of how you've dealt with challenges or worked as part of a team. Some questions may present hypothetical scenarios, requiring you to explain how you would approach a given situation. To succeed in this interview, it’s important to prepare well-structured answers, ideally using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to showcase your experiences in detail. This stage allows NatWest to evaluate your communication skills, enthusiasm, and cultural fit for the organisation.

Here are some additional tips for success in securing a place in the NatWest Summer Internship or Graduate Scheme:

• Understand the Bank’s Values: NatWest places a significant emphasis on its core values, such as customer commitment, innovation, and integrity. Make sure you demonstrate how you embody these values in both your application and your interview responses.
• Practice Assessment Tests: Take the time to practice the situational judgment and reasoning assessments provided by SHL. This will help you become familiar with the types of questions and reduce any potential stress on the day of the actual test.
• Prepare for the Video Interview: During the video interview, you’ll be asked about your motivations and experiences. Prepare specific examples from your life that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership potential. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
• Do Your Research: Learn as much as you can about NatWest’s products, services, culture, and strategic goals. Understanding the organisation’s objectives will allow you to tailor your responses and show your enthusiasm for working there.
• Focus on Your Soft Skills: While technical skills are essential, NatWest also values candidates who excel in communication, collaboration, and adaptability. Make sure to highlight these qualities throughout the application and interview process.

Stay Confident and Positive: Confidence is key, especially in interviews and assessment centres. Be positive, stay calm, and trust in your abilities. Your passion and enthusiasm will make a strong impression.