Natapong Kiitipadungkul - Barclaycard
Where are they now?

• What's changed since we filmed you last?
• What's been the biggest highlight so far?
• What has been the most challenging part so far?
• What business area and type of work are you working on now?
• What have you learnt the most by being on the graduate programme?
• Are you where you thought you'd be?
• What's next?
• Is there any advice you can offer to someone thinking of joining Barclays?

What’s changed since we filmed you last?

I think I’ve become wiser. Well, I’d like to think so anyway. That’s probably through meeting new people, new colleagues who are now my friends, learning from them and obviously getting to know the banking sector a lot better. I’ve learnt all the fundamental skills in my area, which is very important. And I guess I’ve also developed as a person and become more mature. Coming from Thailand, I go back there about three times a year and my parents say they’ve really seen the difference. It feels good to take on more responsibility within the family.

What’s been the biggest highlight so far?

There have been many, but if I had to pick one it would be the fact that I have a very good mentor. He’s Credit Risk Officer in Barclaycard, so he’s someone very important within the organisation and the fact that he’s willing to spend a lot of time with me on a regular basis, talking me through things, giving me great career advice… well, it’s really good and shows that Barclays are serious about turning graduates into future business leaders.

What has been the most challenging part so far?

I guess that would be trying to identify your weaknesses, which is something that’s very difficult, because you have to face your demons. For me, when I see the weakness that I have, I like to tackle it head on. Half way through the scheme, for example I wanted to improve my ability to manage different tasks at once, so I purposely chose a role that would challenge me in that area. It was very difficult for eight months. I was always on a steep learning curve, but it was worth it in the end and now I can walk into any job and be confident of succeeding.

What business area and type of work are you working on now?

For two years, I’ve been working in Barclaycard Credit Risk function, rotating through different units and learning about the fundamental aspects of risk which are very important in banking.  I recently decided to move away from that and go into what’s called ‘marketing analytics’ which is the complete opposite of risk, but equally important. In a credit card business, it’s crucial to strike the right balance between risk and reward and this particular role will allow me to apply scientific methodologies to the way we market our products to commercial firms.  

What have you learnt the most by being on the graduate programme?

To be persistent and always continue working hard when faced with difficult challenges. On the graduate scheme, you are always faced with different tasks which is challenging in itself.  You don’t necessarily know what to do at the beginning and I guess being exposed to that for a long time helps to instil a positive, can-do attitude. It’s essential to believe whatever comes along in terms of problems, you can solve them, and that whatever you want to be in the future, you can achieve it.

Are you where you thought you’d be?

Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that before joining the scheme, I set myself the goal of joining Barclays and learning as much as I could over the course of 2 years. I definitely feel I made the most of all the learning opportunities that were given to me. No, in the sense that being a graduate you are always developing, learning more about yourself, what you’re good at, what you’re not. It certainly uncovers a lot of new chapters about you, which you may not always like. But even that’s a positive thing, I guess.

What’s next?

Well, I want to carry on learning and I think I’m in the right place.  But as well as developing my knowledge of new trades I want to grow as a person and take back what I’ve learnt to Thailand and make good use of it there.  For me, that’s very important and in the long run I want to be someone who’s influential in what I’ve chosen to do, but I realise I still have a long way to go yet.

Is there any advice you can offer to someone thinking of joining Barclays?

Ask lots of questions. The difference between knowing and not knowing is vast, so always be curious and address any concerns you have. Curiosity will always help you take the next step, learn new things, and, of course, develop into somebody different.