Nadya's success story: Securing an Internship at Natwest Group

Nadya is a Data Science student at University College London. She secured an Internship in Internal Audit with NatWest Group in London, through Bright Network.

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

"I'm currently studying Data Science at University College London, where I've developed a strong interest in finance, data and analytics.

Growing up, I was always curious about how things work and enjoyed solving problems, which naturally led me to a career where I can combine analytical thinking with practical impact."

What motivated you to apply for your role?

"I was motivated to apply for this role because it offers the opportunity to work on real-world projects that have a tangible impact.

I'm particularly attracted to NatWest because of its reputation for fostering learning and development, its collaborative culture and the way it combines technical expertise with strategic insight to help clients make informed decisions.

The role itself stood out to me because it allows me to apply my analytical skills, work in a fast-paced team environment and continuously develop professionally, which fits perfectly with my long-term career aspirations."

What was the application process like?

"The application process was quite structured. It started with an online application form, followed by an online test and a one-way video interview. Then there was an assessment centre, which included group exercises and an individual interview.

What I found particularly surprising was how supportive and collaborative the process felt. I expected it might be about catching you out, but actually, the assessors genuinely wanted to understand how I think and work. During the interviews and exercises, the interviewers would work with you, rather than against you. It encouraged me to show my problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills authentically."

What are you most proud of about your journey?

"The resilience I've built. When I first started applying for internships, especially in such a competitive area like banking, I faced a lot of rejections. It was discouraging at times and it made me question whether I was good enough or whether I'd ever break into the industry.

But instead of giving up, I treated each rejection as feedback. I refined my CV, improved my interview skills and kept learning."

How did Bright Network help you secure your role?

"Bright Network played a huge part in that their resources, events and guidance helped me understand where I needed to improve and how to position myself more confidently."

What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps? 

"Apply early and be authentic. As clichéd as that sounds it really matters. Prepare thoroughly by using the STAR method for interviews, and take the time to research the company's values, recent projects and initiatives. Showing genuine interest in learning and contributing makes a real difference!

If I were to do anything differently, I'd focus even more on tailoring applications and interview answers to demonstrate curiosity and commitment, rather than just ticking boxes for an internship."