What it does: One of the ‘Big Four’ banks in Australia and one of the top 50 largest banks in the world (in terms of market capitalisation and total assets)
Staff stats: Around 35,000 staff spread across more than 900 locations in Australia, New Zealand and around the world
The good bits: Friendly co-workers, good money, ethical employer
The not so good bits: Flat structure makes it difficult to reach senior positions
Hiring grads with degrees in: Engineering, Maths, IT & Computer Sciences; Finance, Accounting, Economics & Business Administration; Health & Medical Sciences; Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences; Law & Legal Studies; Sciences
NAB resulted from the 1982 merger of the National Commercial Banking Corporation of Australia, National Bank of Australasia and Commercial Banking Company of Sydney. The company then pursued an aggressive overseas expansion strategy. However, it ended up selling or closing many of its foreign outposts and concentrating on Australia, New Zealand.
Headquartered in Melbourne, NAB has almost 13 million customers, $945 billion in assets and annual revenues in excess of $20 billion.
Like its three largest competitors, NAB offers personal, business and wholesale banking, as well as online share trading.
It aspires to a culture of inclusion and to be attractive to “people of different backgrounds, generations and cultures”. It has introduced numerous initiatives to attract and retain women, mature age workers, Indigenous Australians and people with accessibility needs. It also has flexible work practices, generous parental leave and puts a lot of effort into staff development and retention.
NAB aims to spend one per cent of its cash earnings before tax on corporate social responsibility initiatives. It’s the largest Fairtrade-accredited workplace in Australia. It’s also one of the nation’s largest carbon-neutral companies. Those in the grad program are provided with various opportunities to get involved, from paid volunteer leave to social responsibility projects.
Like most financial institutions, NAB has a rigorous application process. You’ll need to go to the grad program application page of the NAB website and fill in a detailed online application. This step is followed by several online tests and a video interview. If you make the cut, you’ll then attend an engagement centre where you will take part in a number of group and individual activities and hear from current and past grads. NAB is looking for candidates who have solid academic performance, been involved in leadership and community activities and have a strong focus on customer service.
Expect a starting salary that is “market matched, well-structured and fair”. You’ll get significant discounts on loans, credit cards and insurance policies, as well as access to good deals on everything from gym memberships to travel.
The grad program runs for 15 months and involves rotations through your selected stream. While in the program you’ll be doing meaningful work, be given personalised learning and networking opportunities and get regular exposure to senior staff. At the end of the grad program you are guaranteed a permanent role in your program stream.
Customer service is vital in banking, so it’s no surprise NAB attracts and recruits those with smooth interpersonal skills and a strong customer focus. That means you can expect a friendly, collaborative workplace environment along with plenty of opportunities to socialise with colleagues. NAB walks the walk as well as talking the talk when it comes to encouraging principled behaviour. That translates into what one grad describes as a “be authentic and respectful” code of behaviour. The culture can vary across departments but integrity, a passion for customers and behaving like a team player are expected wherever you are.
Overall satisfaction rating among grad employees: 3.8 stars
GRADUATE PROGRAM BASICS
The 2021 NAB Graduate Program is tailored to suit your skills and knowledge. It involves two rotations across our business, over a 15 month period. Rotations are designed to give you broad experience, introducing you to all aspects of life at one of Australia’s largest and most successful financial institutions. You’ll work at the operational level as well as have the opportunity to work with senior level management.
When you apply for the NAB Graduate Program, you’ll be asked to select a program stream taking into consideration your desired location, the discipline you’ve studied and the business area you want to build your career in. You’ll have rotations within your ‘home’ stream ensuring exposure to core activities.
The 2021 Graduate Program commences in February 2021.
DURING THE PROGRAM
As part of the graduate program, we’ll provide:
AFTER THE PROGRAM
After the 15 months, if you successfully complete the graduate program, you’ll be offered a permanent role with us.