English provides you with the skills to lead, motivate and influence

A photo of Liam Hulmes
Liam Hulmes
Product Owner, NatWest Group
BA English Language and Literature
2017
Liam works at NatWest as a Product Owner.
A photo of Liam Hulmes

What are your main responsibilities?

I work on the NatWest Group's mobile banking apps, collaborating with technology and business leads to prioritise updates to the app in monthly release cycles. Product owners are responsible for communicating with stakeholders, including customers, business managers, and the development team to make sure the goals are clear and the vision is aligned with business objectives.

What other jobs have you had since graduating?

I started the NatWest Group graduate programme in 2018, after completing a masters degree in Marketing also from the University of Sheffield. Following completion of the grad programme, I secured a permanent role in the Digital Banking department where I'm still based. 

How has your degree from the School of English and your time at the University of Sheffield helped you in your career?

My degree has made me a strong communicator- and has given me the ability to translate complex and often technical language into business-friendly updates and decision making, which has been essential in my role in digital banking. Studying my degree also developed my emotional intelligence, which is an essential skill in leadership and influencing others. 

What is your greatest achievement to date?

Securing a place on the NatWest graduate programme felt like a huge achievement for me, as it has been the spring board for my next career steps within the organisation. 

What career advice would you give to a student interested in studying English?

I would recommend studying English as it provides you with skills that can be applied in any industry; skills that in my experience, so many people lack! Clear communication, confidence, the ability to understand others' point of view and the ability to lead, motivate and influence. 

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