Degree: Economics, University of Porto, Portugal
Programme: Internal Audit
Location: London

Being Portugese I was familiar with the Santander brand and really wanted to be part of it. Santander is a powerful organisation with plenty of career opportunity. I also thought I would feel at home with the wider European culture!

The recruitment process was brilliant. It was fast-paced and really well thought out. I enjoyed every step and the feedback was incredibly useful in helping me to prepare for each subsequent stage. The team at the assessment centres were friendly and approachable; they helped us to feel calm and confident and worked hard to get the best out of us.

The first part of our induction saw us all getting together at our Milton Keynes office. It was a great feeling to be part of a bigger whole – we all felt so proud. It was a great opportunity to meet other graduates from other parts of the business and to start creating networks. There was loads of information to absorb – the size and scale of the organisation, the challenges ahead. It was so exciting. It is clear that there is a high degree of focus on the graduate community and that there are high expectations.

There are still high levels of support and interaction, from having lunch with your manager or drinks with the team, to support from your buddy or mentor. We also meet with our Head of Audit regularly to make sure we’re progressing well.



I will be working towards the ACCA qualification. It takes three years and it’s fully supported by Santander. I really feel that there is an excellent balance of life and work and this evidences it – we’re encouraged to study but in a measured way.

The best thing for me has been the welcome we received and the ongoing support. I’ve also enjoyed the challenge, we’ve had real responsibility in an audit setting from day one.

I would absolutely recommend this programme, I feel that I am working towards achieving my personal and professional goals.

Two years on...

I have now been with the business for 2 years. Since that time, I have particularly enjoyed learning about all the different areas within the bank, as I rotate through the different types of audits, e.g. Credit, Finance, Treasury and Operational. My biggest challenge has been to balance studying and working, as during the two ACCA sittings (June and December) this can be particularly challenging. The continued support of the Internal Audit department has been crucial for my good results. In the future I hope to be ACCA qualified, specialise in one area and continue to progress in my career with Santander.

Degree: Liverpool John Moores University, Accounting and Finance
Programme: Finance
Location: London

I am sure many people will share this view - how many banks came out of the recession stronger than when they went in? There were several things that caught my eye about Santander as I researched the sector. Its reputation across the globe and the work life balance they encourage were of particular interest.

Compared to the recruitment process for other organisations, I found the Santander approach to be swift and efficient. Despite the slickness of the process, it was still a 'warm' experience and I had lots of contact with the team and they kept me posted at every stage. They were a pleasure to deal with and were happy to give some sound advice along the way.

The Assessment day was enjoyable but daunting at first. Head Office in Triton Square, where the assessment took place, can be intimidating. Saying that, it was great to meet the other graduates on the day and soon we were all relaxed in each other's company. I really enjoyed the day but it was nerve-wracking waiting to hear whether I had been successful. I took the phone call at University, during a Tutorial, and when I stepped back into the room I had a huge grin on my face. The result was obvious to all!

Lots of things were great about the Induction, but I especially enjoyed learning more detail about the other departments and taking part in some interactive challenges. We had a dinner with people from our department and current graduates. It was good getting to know people already working there. We also spent some informal time with people from other teams. This reinforced the culture for me and I can honestly say that I love working with the people I work with.

I work for the Finance team, the Income Analysis Team in particular, and we supply the information and data to managers and external shareholders so they can make informed decisions. My work is varied and changes from month to month. For example, once a week I send reports to colleagues in Spain and I am currently involved with preparing the 3 year plan. I prepare monthly inputs for the "Effective Interest Rate" process for mortgages, which must be prepared for statutory purposes. In addition, I am studying towards my CIMA qualification. Some colleagues are going down the ACCA route. There is plenty of flexibility and you decide when and where you go to college. All training is paid for and you receive generous study leave for all your exams.

I would certainly encourage others to apply to Santander and for a number of reasons. It is a very supportive environment to continue your professional development, and it is a global organisation with many opportunities. There is also a variety of cultures and languages and this gives a truly international feel to the business. The culture is unique and it really suits me.

Degree: Maths and Finance at York and a Masters in Maths and Modern Applications
Programme: Credit Risk
Location: Milton Keynes

For me, the reputation and size of Santander were compelling factors. I thought I would be proud to work for this organisation - and I am.

The job was advertised online and from then the process moved quickly. Although very professional, there was a degree of informality that put me at my ease. I enjoyed the assessment day and felt welcomed and was encouraged to be myself, which I think means that the recruiters get the best out of you. Needless to say, it was also a good opportunity to meet people from the Risk team and get a clearer sense of the role and what it entailed.

The Induction gave me a brilliant insight and reinforced the fact that I had joined an impressive organisation. I felt really pleased to be part of it and also got to spend some time with the other graduates who form my peer group. There are just four of us on the Risk graduate programme and having smaller number means more attention and focus.

I am spending time at the moment computer programming and modelling, working with maths, numbers and datasets. The most interesting thing so far has been learning a new computer language from scratch.

There are 10 or so of us in my team and we went out for lunch when I joined. It has been great to get to know my new team and I have been warmly welcomed. I feel I can go to anyone with questions and that they will support me.

I would encourage graduates to apply to Santander. Despite the fact that this is a world-wide organisation, much value is also placed on the individual.

Degree: BSc Business and Organisational Management, Nottingham Trent
Masters, Business Management, Kingston University
Programme: Corporate Banking
Location: Nottingham

I was looking for an organisation that could offer me stability and security. I have been with the business for two years now and remember when I was looking into other schemes within the industry, it was the investment into my professional development that really stood out.

I was interested in understanding what learning and development programmes were in place and what sort of progression and ongoing support I could expect. I also wanted to understand very clearly timeframes for advancement.

Also, I didn't want to feel like a number and wanted to have my potential recognised. I certainly got the feeling that I would receive plenty of focus and support and can confirm it still feels like that today, as I progress my career with Santander.

During the time I have been here, I have been nominated for a 'Be the Best' award. This is a recognition scheme within Corporate Banking - it was brilliant to be nominated and I felt more motivated than ever!

I found the assessment process really interesting and enjoyed the assessment centre. It gave me some great exposure to senior managers and I also met some people who I am working with now.

The Induction was really thorough. We got to meet with senior people and understand first-hand the business model and strategy. We felt quite special, that these people wanted to meet with us and help us on the start of our journey.

Having worked in a variety of locations and teams, I am currently working with the Education and Healthcare team in Nottingham. It is especially interesting as you gain different sector experience. I currently report into a Relationship Director and feel that I am being constantly developed. I think I am very lucky and that my personal objectives are linked closely to the business objectives. My manager has a high level of interest in my career and I really appreciate that.

I feel incredibly proud to be part of Santander, it is such a strong brand and I feel really empowered by it. Santander is a growing organisation and I am growing with it.

Four years on...

My most memorable experience to date has been working with the Education, Healthcare & Communities Team in the East Midlands Region. My biggest challenge has been delivering the financial targets outlined within the regions flight plan at the end of each quarter and I am proud to have lived up to the challenge whilst contributing to the overall financial performance. Although at times this was challenging on many fronts the team effort and sense of achievement ensured expectations were exceeded.

In the future I hope to continue to build on my success by exploring other opportunities within Corporate Banking and am aiming to establish my own external network and portfolio of clients in the near future.

Degree: Combined Honours in Arts (Economics, History & Politics) and a Masters in Management, Durham
Programme: Marketing
Location: Milton Keynes

Whilst studying, I had researched Santander as part of a global brands project. It was clearly going through an exciting time and seemed to have emerged from the recession relatively unscathed. It was expanding and was very dynamic brand. As I read through the role description, many of the day-to-day aspects of the role appealed to me and I applied. I also liked the approach of four rotations across two years, which I felt would deliver a broad experience.

My application was turned around exceptionally quickly! The following week I had the assessment day, which went well and I really enjoyed it. Since joining I've realised how many people from the business area had attended the event, including very senior colleagues, and how important the graduate recruitment process is to them. The programme has a lot of emphasis within the business. I felt that lots of thought and planning had gone into making the process what it was.

Throughout the Induction, we got to meet people from different business areas who told us more about their individual business areas. We had a dinner in the evening and we got to meet some senior people in a more informal setting, which was very nice! It was great to meet other graduates from all over the business and others who would be based in Milton Keynes too.

Moving to Milton Keynes has been quite an easy step - there is everything you need on your doorstep and I am able to walk to work. I have also made lots of friends and enjoy the opportunity to socialise and play badminton and rugby with people I've met.

I have a 'Buddy' and this person is useful to help you navigate your way through the business. They are there for guidance and a chat and help you integrate. I also have a Mentor, who is a senior manager within the business and who's able to give you a different perspective. I think it is also helpful to have this level of exposure to senior managers and to expand your network.

The marketing cycle is really interesting. In its simplest form, we come-up with the products that we think customers will be interested in and other areas of marketing will promote and create advertising campaigns. My first placement is in the Customer Insight Team. We look at what the customers respond to best in terms of the products themselves and the advertising campaigns.

Santander is a really strong brand with equally strong prospects. The programme is set-up to give you a wide range of exposure across the whole marketing function. The fact that I work with a really great team just makes it even better.

Degree: BSc Management Science, Manchester Business School
Programme: Internal Audit
Location: London

Santander is a global leader and I knew I could progress in such a strong organisation. I had worked within financial services previously, so knew of Santander by reputation. Applying for the scheme also meant I could fulfil a personal goal of moving to London. It’s an exciting time to be part of Santander, we’re growing impressively within difficult market conditions.

I found the recruitment process very straightforward and informative. The resourcing team was quick to provide feedback and regular updates on the progress of my application. The assessment centre itself lasted a day, in which we completed group exercises, presentations and interviews with the various Heads of Audit.

Our scheme provides us with the opportunity to experience various business areas around the country. We’ve recently completed placements within Telephone distribution and Branch Network which will be invaluable as we commence audits, allowing us to add value from the outset. I’m really impressed that we have had the chance to get under the skin of each business area.

As part of Audit training, we’re required to complete the ACCA qualification. This incorporates both professional examinations and on the job experience that you develop within the department.

During the induction, what stood out for me was the pride the members of the team felt for the brand, which is reflected throughout the organisation. It was really inspiring! It was also a great opportunity to meet senior managers and other graduates. We really feel part of a community.

Two years on...

I have now been with Santander Internal Audit for 2 years. Since that time I have particularly enjoyed the number of varied audits that I have been able to work on, allowing me to gain a broad understanding of the activities of the bank. My biggest challenge has been managing work with studying for the ACCA qualification however learning on the job at the same time as studying provides a great opportunity to put into practice what you have learnt. In the future I hope to have gained my ACCA qualification and to continue to progress through the Internal Audit structure.