Beyond Graduate Programme : Raphaël Larue's first steps into banking

When Raphaël Larue joined the Beyond Graduate Programme in November 2024, he wasn’t stepping into familiar territory. With a background in management and marketing, he knew banking would be a different landscape: more structured, more specialised, faster-paced. That’s what drew him in.

“I wanted to challenge myself,” he says. “To grow in an environment I didn’t know, and to learn from people who are actually shaping the industry.”

The programme offered exactly that: a practical, hands-on introduction to banking, grounded in real exposure to teams, systems, and strategy. But before all that came the selection process, and it left a mark.

More than a process

From the start, Raphaël was struck by how different the recruitment felt. “It wasn’t about ticking boxes. It tested how we think, how we communicate, how we collaborate. All things that actually matter when you work here.”

One moment, in particular, stayed with him: meeting senior managers from across the bank. “They didn’t just observe. They talked to us, gave advice, shared their own journeys. It made the process feel personal.”

That openness carried into the induction. The new graduates found common ground early, supporting each other before interviews, sharing tips, and forming the first threads of a support network that lasted.

Learning by doing

Rotations soon began, taking Raphaël across the bank’s credit value chain. Each placement came with its own systems, expectations, and team culture. Some felt intuitive, others required more adjustment.

Rather than carry over assumptions, he treated each one as a fresh start. “I’d introduce myself, talk a bit about my background, and take time to understand how the team worked before jumping in. That helped me build trust and adapt with more confidence.”

This mindset made space for real learning, both technical and human. “People here are open. Whether it was over tea breaks or during team-building moments, colleagues made an effort to include us, not just as trainees, but as part of the team.”

That same spirit carried through the Beyond group. When one graduate moved into a department another had just left, there was always a heads-up. “We were each other’s point of contact,” he explains. “It made transitions smoother and kept us connected.”

Finding his voice

With each rotation, he grew more confident. He managed time better, presented ideas more clearly, and stepped into leadership roles. He contributed fresh perspectives and started trusting his voice.

“At first, I wasn’t sure if I had something valuable to add. Now I know I do, and I speak up.”

Some lessons came in surprising ways. During a French-language workshop, he found himself acting out words in a round of charades.

“We played games like Pictionary too,” he says, smiling. “It sounds silly, but it helped. Later on, I delivered a full presentation in French. Since it’s not my first language, that felt like a real win.”

Where to next?

As his Beyond journey nears its end, Raphaël remains open but focused. He’s still exploring where he can bring the most value, but his goal is clear.

“I want to settle in a team where I can contribute meaningfully, whether through new ideas or strong delivery. I’m looking to create impact, not just fill a role.”

His advice to future applicants: lean in. “Trust the process. Make the most of the people around you. Speak up. Take initiative. This programme is what you make of it.”

When asked to sum it all up, he doesn’t hesitate.

“Growth, adaptability, connection. That’s what it’s been about for me.”

And in many ways, that’s what the Beyond Graduate Programme is all about. A platform where technical growth meets human connection.


Learn more about the Beyond Graduate Programme

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