Reading time: 5 minsJoining our Early Talent Community means gaining insider access to life at NatWest Group. Recently, members had the opportunity to put their questions directly to Ashley Clifford, our Head of Early Talent. Ashley joined NatWest Group through the graduate programme in 2013. Since then, she’s worked across several areas of HR, including Reward and Employee Onboarding. And in 2025, she became our Head of Early Talent.
Below is a snapshot from the Q&A, where Ashley shares her thoughts on early careers, growth, and what graduates can expect when starting their journey with us.
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for doing a Q&A! I wonder, what does a day in the life of a successful graduate at NatWest look like? What support/mentorship is available? After graduate programmes end, do you take on graduates as full-timers?
Thanks so much!
Yasemin
Hi Yasemin,
Thank you for the question! I’d say the day of a life of a successful graduate combines a mix of connecting with their team and peers to build relationships and progress work, time working on core deliverables and then time building their skills as part of the graduate learning journey. Each day is likely to be varied and that’s what keeps it interesting. There’s lots of support available, as a graduate you have a placement manager, a mentor, a buddy and a graduate manager that stays with you throughout your programme. As a graduate you join as a permanent colleague and after finishing your programme you then have the opportunity to move to a full-time permanent position.
Ashley
Hi Ankita,
I was drawn to the Banking and Finance sector because I had a family member who had previously worked for NatWest and spoke really highly of it (sheer luck). They were an inspiration to me and so that sparked my interest, and the more I learned, the more passionate I became about the impact the Bank has on people’s everyday lives.
The achievement I’m most proud of from my graduate days is the relationships I built and how they still support me most days now. I found some of my best friends through my programme and that is very special to me.
The legacy I’d like to leave is that the possibilities for your career are endless. There’s no one “right” path, and as long as you’re motivated, learn and show up as the best version of you determined to do the best possible work then you should never underestimate the difference you can make.
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
Many first-year students are keen to explore careers in banking early but don’t always come from traditional finance or economics degree backgrounds. What advice would you give to students studying other subjects who are interested in banking and want to stand out alongside more academically traditional candidates?
Additionally, when do NatWest’s first-year or Women’s Insight programmes typically open, and how can students best prepare to make the most of these early opportunities?
Thank you – I’d really value your perspective.
Hayley
Hi Hayley,
I didn’t come from these degrees either and this hasn’t been a barrier at all. My top tip would be to research the purpose and culture of the organisation, so you can show you know your stuff and why it’s a great fit for you.
One of the things I love about working here is that attracting and developing talent from diverse backgrounds is central to our purpose and culture. We’re always looking for great candidates to join our Insight Experiences for Women and students of Black Heritage, and you can learn more about the programmes and register your interest.
I have to say, I have found it incredibly inclusive at NatWest, so I don’t feel that I’m anything other than another person looking to make an impact here.
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
I wanted to ask about the culture and working atmosphere at NatWest. From your experience, what key attributes or personality traits do you think enable people to excel and thrive at the firm?
Thank you very much for your time.
Alister
Hi Alister,
This is a great question, as culture is so important. I’d say the key traits that support people in their journey are curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to ask questions. You’re not expected to know everything when you’re starting out. What matters is having the curiosity to learn and being open to sharing your own fresh perspective.
Ashley
Good afternoon,
Congratulations on your journey from graduate to Head of Early Talent. As someone preparing for an internship in audit, I’d love to hear your advice on how to best prepare for the experience. What key skills or knowledge do you think are most valuable for someone entering audit, and how can I make the most of my experience in terms of learning and networking?
Yours faithfully,
Alex
Hi Alex,
So, I’d say familiarise yourself with the bank’s purpose, behaviours, and strategy to understand how your work fits into the broader organisation. When you’re here, proactively ask questions, be curious, and invest in relationships with the people that you’re on the experience with. I’d also say, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just be you and open to any opportunities that are available. Learn more about our internships and open roles.
Ashley
Hello Ashley and the Early Talent Team,
Before asking my question, I want to say thank you for this unique opportunity, the Q&A is sure to offer a lot of insight. With that said, my question for Ashley is: Which book has had the greatest impact on you and your career (and why)?
Thanks again, I hope to hear back soon,
Conrad
Hi Conrad,
One of the books that was recommended to me and sticks with me is ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho. Without ruining the plot, it’s a reminder that sometimes you need to go on the journey to get to the destination you’re looking for even when the journey isn’t clear. I’m also a huge fan of podcasts! I love listening to experts in their field talk about lots of different topics and hearing their wisdom while I’m out for a walk.
Ashley