Join members of the NatWest Women in Tech network, as we discuss our various pathways into working in technology and the exciting career and development opportunities that are available when working for one of the largest financial services groups.

About the speakers

Michaela Malone (Host)

I studied Classical Music at university, but after spending time working in university admissions I started studying Computing and IT in my spare time.  I then joined the technology graduate programme with NatWest Group and after successfully completing the programme, I now work as a Journey Developer, making sure that we make the most of technology to make banking brilliant for our customers.

Laura Patterson

Having studied in England, my A Levels were Maths, Physics, Further Maths and Religious studies as well as German AS-Level, before I went to Lancaster University to study Maths. I joined NatWest as a graduate last year and have had placements as a Scrum master and now as an Events Manager/ Communications and Marketing, all still within Technology/ Data and analytics.

Ailsa Robertson

I grew up solving puzzles with LEGO bricks. Then I wanted to solve puzzles with numbers, so I studied a Maths degree at the University of St Andrews. Now I’m solving puzzles with people and programs in the NatWest Tech grad scheme, which isn’t as different from LEGO bricks as you might imagine.

Judith Lee

I studied German, French, Physics, Maths and English at school, went onto to do a BA(Hons) in Russian and German. After University I had a brief stint as a Pensions Administrator for Scottish Life, then joined RBS IT Graduate Scheme in 1999 and have worked here ever since. I work in a mainframe team, on an IBM product which was created initially in 1968 and is used by many of the banks applications. Ive worked in the same team since 2000 and I love it. Every day I learn new things, and every day is different.

Deborah Pitt

I failed my A levels at school, (like Highers).  The only job I could get was at Sainsburys’ where I’d had a Saturday job.  I did that for 3 years and got used to talking to lots of different people.  I then got an admin job with a government department.  I did that for a couple of years and got promoted.  They offered positions in their IT division (in Devon) to staff, and trained them in the technology.  They trained me in various technical areas, sent me on courses and offered me lots of opportunities to learn and develop.