From intern to perm: The start of my rewarding career in financial services

Meet Triumph Awa-Arua, one of our 71 interns who joined back in July as part of our partnership with the 10,000 Black Interns Programme.

Since her internship, Triumph has secured a permanent role as a Product Executive here at Nationwide. We had the chance to speak with her and learn more about her experience.

What did you learn about Nationwide over the course of the internship?

I learnt a great deal about the Society; however, I’d highlight two key learnings. I developed a better understanding of Nationwide's commitment to improving the lives of people and our society. How emphasis is placed on being a beacon of mutual good while providing exceptional financial products and services to members at very high standards. Prior to starting the internship, I was aware of what Nationwide did, but not on the scale I experienced during my internship; a combination of excellence and impact. Another aspect of Nationwide that stood out to me was its appreciation for its employees. I spoke with colleagues, most of whom have been a part of the society for many years, and the recurring theme was: “Nationwide, an employer that truly cares.”

How did the internship support your development?

It provided exposure to intelligent and experienced colleagues and leaders from whom I have been able to gain not only professional but also personal life skills. I got the opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams while also honing my analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills in the context of financial services. It gave me a community of fellow interns and amazing people whom I have gone on to build valuable relationships with.

What did you learn about yourself during the internship?

I discovered that workplace culture and an organisation’s alignment with its vision and purpose are crucial elements for me when deciding where to develop a career. The last eight weeks have also strengthened my interest in financial services and facilitated an openness to experience, one I have been keen on cultivating.

What's next for you?

It indeed is an exciting time, as having completed the internship, I am much more confident that the world is my oyster. Building on the experiences gained and my time on the internship, I've been given the opportunity to continue working at Nationwide in a permanent role. As I pursue what I believe will be a rewarding career in financial services, my focus will be on continuous growth and value creation; and I am excited for the adventure ahead!

Find out more about our early career opportunities here.