From Student to Analyst: my journey from MSc to NatWest

Hi, my name is Anandu. I completed an MSc in International Banking and Finance at the University of Dundee School of Business and graduated in 2023.

I currently work as a Business and Performance Analyst at NatWest. I’ve been with NatWest for almost two years. I initially joined as a Fraud Prevention Analyst and was recently promoted to my current role with sponsorship support.

University Experience

When researching universities in the UK for my master’s, I compared various institutions and the programmes they offered. I chose the School of Business primarily because the course provided an opportunity to earn a professional certification from the Chartered Banker Institute upon completion—an added advantage in today’s competitive job market. Additionally, the scholarship options and reasonable fee structure made it a practical and appealing choice.

My role involves extensive data analysis and reporting. The course included modules on statistics and introduced me to tools and software used in data analysis. I also worked on real-world projects during the summer, which gave me hands-on experience. Furthermore, presenting papers and seminars during the course helped me develop communication and stakeholder management skills—skills I use every day in my current role. I was also honoured to be awarded the Best Student in my course by the School of Business, which reflects the dedication and effort I put into my studies and the deep understanding I developed of the subject.

Career Journey

Like many graduates, especially international students, the journey to securing a job was challenging. However, I learned that perseverance is key. After about three months post-graduation, I secured an entry-level role at NatWest. I stayed committed, proved my value to the organisation, and eventually applied internally for my current role.

The most valuable skills have been data and business analysis. In addition, the course exposed me to various systems and scenarios, and significantly improved my communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Securing a role as an international student involves meeting salary and visa sponsorship criteria, which can be daunting. My strategy was to begin with an entry-level position, which allowed me to get my foot in the door. Once inside the organisation, I focused on building relationships, making my contributions visible, and continually learning. It’s important to stay motivated, use internal job boards, and never stop upskilling. During hard times, I reminded myself of past successes for motivation, and when I succeeded, I remembered previous challenges to stay grounded.

Advice for Current Students

Enjoy your university life and take full advantage of the resources available. Use career services for help with your CV and job applications. Start applying for jobs even before you finish your course. Choose your optional subjects carefully based on your career goals. Also, make sure to optimise your LinkedIn profile and connect with alumni for guidance.

Securing a visa-sponsored job isn't easy—it requires consistent effort, determination, patience, and sometimes a bit of luck. Focus on what you can control: build your skills, network strategically, and show your value to employers. Be resilient and stay positive during setbacks. Keep learning and adapting.

Closing Thoughts

I came to the UK with the goal of building a career—and not just in a new country, but in a completely new field. My degree gave me a strong foundation and the confidence to explore new avenues. It opened doors I never imagined, particularly in the field of data analysis, which has incredible potential in today’s and tomorrow’s job market. With businesses becoming increasingly data-driven, roles in this space are not just in demand but are also key to strategic decision-making.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how easy it is to get distracted or discouraged - especially when things don’t go as planned. But you have to stay focused. 

Final thoughts

My story may not be the same as yours—everyone’s journey is unique. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay. Life doesn't follow a single path, and success certainly doesn’t come in a straight line. But one thing remains true: every step you take, every challenge you face, is part of a larger process that shapes who you become.

To anyone reading this—my best wishes for your future. A university degree may not hand you your dream job right away, but it is one of the most powerful tools you can carry with you. It equips you with knowledge, discipline, networks, and perspective. It opens doors—even if you have to knock on a few more than you expected.