Tobias Dean

What did you study & where?

Auckland University – Bachelor of Commerce (First Class Honours) – Specialization in Finance

What drew you to the NAB Graduate program? 

After completing my internship at BNZ, many of my colleagues recommended NAB as an excellent place to kickstart a career due to its comprehensive training and development opportunities. NAB provides a supportive environment where I can learn essential skills and gain valuable experience in various areas of banking and finance. The program's emphasis on mentorship and career progression makes it an ideal place for me to grow professionally.

How did you decide which stream to apply for?

During my internship in Financial Markets, I gained valuable experience and insight into the industry. However, I was eager to expand my knowledge and explore a broader range of opportunities. This led me to apply for the Corporate & Institutional Banking (C&IB) stream, as it offered exposure to various different aspects of the bank.  I believed that gaining a more comprehensive and broad understanding would help me identify the career path that aligned best with my interests and goals.

What was the highlight of your graduate experience?

Simply put, the people. As a graduate at NAB you essentially have a free pass to ask anyone anything and gain exposure to many different teams and industry leaders. Everyone at NAB has time for graduates and are always happy to invest time and resources into you. 

Can you tell us about the teams that you completed your rotations in?

Rotation 1 – Client Management and Execution – Government and Education, Institutional Banking - Focused on credit assessments for large government-based clients. Rotation 2 – Investor Sales – Markets | Corporate & Institutional Banking . Role in fixed income sales, adept at connecting clients with tailored bond and debt investment solutions.

What role are you in now? 

Senior Associate – Loan Origination & Syndication | Strategic Capital and Credit Risk Insurance; Corporate & Institutional Banking. The team provides financing solutions for our corporate and institutional Bank clients to support optimal balance sheet outcomes. Our team provides structuring, underwriting, and distribution support for syndicated loans across a broad range of sectors, including corporates, infrastructure, leveraged finance, energy & utilities, healthcare, technology, and Property.

How do you feel the graduate program has set you up for your current role / career at NAB? 

NAB Graduate Program provided me with a strong foundation for my current role and future career in several key ways:

1. Comprehensive Training and Development: The program offered a variety of targeted training sessions and workshops that equipped me with essential skills and knowledge relevant to my role and the broader banking industry. This training helped me hit the ground running and contribute effectively from the start.
2. Rotational Experience: Through rotations across different teams and departments, I gained a holistic understanding of the bank's operations and diverse business areas. This exposure enhanced my versatility and ability to adapt to different challenges and opportunities.
3. Mentorship and Networking: The program connected me with experienced mentors and peers, fostering a supportive network that continues to guide and inspire me. These relationships have been instrumental in my professional growth and have opened doors to new opportunities. 

What advice do you have for the next graduates on how to make the most of their graduate program? 

Always keep an open mind when exploring different career paths during the graduate program. Initially, I believed I wanted a career in financial markets, but experiencing other rotations at NAB allowed me to discover new areas of interest and led me to the role I am passionate about today. What you imagine a role to be based on your university experience can often differ from the reality of working in that position. Being open to new opportunities and trying out different rotations can help you gain a more accurate understanding of the various roles within the bank and find the path that best aligns with your skills and passions.

You completed the BNZ Summer Internship in the Markets stream. How did you find your internship? Do you feel that this helped you prepare for the graduate program? 

My internship was invaluable by providing me with an early opportunity to gain insights into the banking industry. This allowed me to come into the graduate program with a “head start” as I knew what to expect on day one, which helped me make the most of my time in the graduate program.

Is there anything that you would like to add? 

One thing I haven't mentioned yet is the importance of networking and making friends within your graduate cohort. Building strong relationships with your peers can greatly enhance your experience and long-term success. Your cohort is going through similar experiences and challenges, so you can share insights, offer support, and celebrate milestones together.