Building a fulfilling career

Since graduating from IIM Lucknow in 2020, Ugaram was looking for a new opportunity and he found it with us. Here is his story:

From gears to growth

Ugaram didn’t plan on working at a bank to begin with, it took a few years to find the career path that was right for him.

‘After completing my degree in mechanical engineering, I spent three years working in the automotive industry, but after a while I wanted to try something new. I decided to pursue an MBA at IIM Lucknow, specialising in Marketing, Strategy and HR.’

Whilst working on his MBA, Ugaram had the chance to do a summer internship with us. While he was familiar with NatWest as a sponsor of the England cricket team, it was during his time with us that he gained a deeper understanding of our values and what we had to offer him.

‘The thing that truly impressed me was NatWest’s focus on employee-centric policies, the leave policies, the learning opportunities, the focus on well-being, the diverse and inclusive workplace and the DEI initiatives. These are just some of the factors that help to create a supportive environment.’ says Ugaram. ‘But after working with the bank, I understood that, perhaps the most significant factor was NatWest’s unwavering dedication to learning and development. It is a company that actively invests in its employees’ growth and that’s something I truly value.’

Challenge accepted!

Right from the start, Ugaram took on many opportunities to learn and grow. One of the most memorable of these was the Challenge project. ‘With Challenge you team up with fellow graduates from diverse backgrounds to solve a specific problem. Learning was at the very centre of every stage of the challenge which really helped me build up my skills. I also got to network with so many peers, including people in the senior leadership team.’

‘From a graduate’s perspective,’ Ugaram says, ‘a nurturing company culture is crucial, and this is how NatWest stands out for me. NatWest even offers dedicated leave specifically for upskilling and professional development, reflecting the company’s commitment to lifelong learning.’

Making an impact

After actively participating and collaborating in many projects, Ugaram now works with us as a part of Retail Banking. One of the highlights of his new role is the supportive environment:

‘I was working on the transformation projects which involved identifying automation opportunities within India team. The best part of working in it was that I got to collaborate with senior leadership. I had unwavering support throughout, which I think was the most important thing that led to its success.’

The perfect balance

When he became a parent for the first time, Ugaram opted the company’s partner leave policy that enabled him to take a full 12 weeks of leave.

‘The flexibility and support I’ve received is immense. Helping me be there with my family, during this important phase of my child’s life. It really reduced all the stress and worries about balancing home and work responsibilities.’ ‘Being able to support my partner and spending time with my newborn was invaluable.’

Ugaram’s final advice

Ugaram reflects his career journey of self-discovery with us. For all aspiring graduates considering a career at NatWest, here’s what he advises:

1. Embrace curiosity: ‘Ask questions, explore new opportunities, and cultivate a growth mindset.’
2. Commit to lifelong learning: ‘NatWest provides exceptional resources – take advantage of them!’
3. Build meaningful relationships: ‘Connect with colleagues across departments and foster strong professional connections.’