Aditi's HeadStart to success

Aditi Agrawal’s introduction to the world of banking came from the National Institute of Bank Management, Pune. During placements, she took her first steps to embark on a professional journey with NatWest’s HeadStart program. Let’s delve more into it:

New opportunities

‘The pre-placement talks gave me a clear picture of the company culture, services, and business model. It provided a comprehensive overview of the industry, giving a hint of what to expect as we are about to join workforce,’ she shares.

In 2023, Aditi joined us as a HeadStart graduate, ‘The onboarding process was meticulously planned,’ she recalls. ‘There’s always butterflies in your stomach when you’re about to start something new. But, from detailed agendas to insightful sessions, everything was seamless and informed well in advance, easing our anxieties.’

Building a strong foundation

‘The initial months were a whirlwind of learning,’ she mentions. ‘As graduates came from diverse backgrounds, the foundational banking knowledge helped all graduates with a solid base.’ These were followed by subsequent interactions with various business units that provided a comprehensive overview of the organisation. ‘Understanding different business units helped us grasp the bigger picture and identify potential collaboration opportunities,’ she adds.

On-the-job training was the next phase. ‘Small projects and knowledge transfer sessions were instrumental in gaining practical experience,’ Aditi shares. ‘It was a gradual learning curve, and the support from the team was invaluable.’

Overcoming challenges

Like any fresh graduate, Aditi faced her share of challenges. ‘Tool-related hiccups were common initially,’ she admits. ‘But the comprehensive induction sessions and constant support from managers helped me overcome these hurdles. That’s when I understood why the first few days are concentrated entirely on you getting settled at your pace.’

A key takeaway for Aditi during this time was the importance of time management. ‘Planning my day effectively was crucial,’ she emphasises. ‘Organising to-do’s daily and setting aside time for learning new things every day is something that I follow till date.’

Feeling empowered

‘NatWest’s values are more than just words; they’re deeply ingrained in the company culture,’ she explains. ‘Witnessing these values in action has truly been reflected in my everyday work.’

She also mentions how the learning and development policy stood out as a game changer. ‘It empowered me to upskill and pursue certifications aligned with my career goals’ she says. ‘The opportunity to collaborate with women leaders and learn from them and the team was equally enriching. The diversity of thought is essential for a thriving team,’ she adds.

Advice for future HeadStarters

To those who aspire to join us through HeadStart, Aditi advises to embrace a flexible mindset and be open to learning. She also suggests that crafting a well-structured resume and confidently articulating your achievements during interviews will be a plus.

HeadStart is a part of our Early Talent programme that is designed to provide a structured foundation for MBA or post graduate degree holders, offering a comprehensive development experience with tailored training.