ESG internship: “Exciting blend of learning, collaboration, and fun” – this is why

Motivation - Nordea's reputation

My decision to apply to this ESG internship is rooted in my long-standing belief that the financial sector plays a powerful role in shaping environmental investments and positive global sustainability. Nordea's reputation for integrating sustainability into its core operations and investment decisions was a significant draw for me. Through this internship, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of ESG processes and to play a role in enacting Nordea's sustainability goals and responsibilities. This internship will equip me with knowledge and experience within banking, and I look forward to developing the practical skills that will enable me to drive positive change within the industry. 

Warm welcomes and rewarding work

The first weeks of my ESG internship have been an exciting blend of learning, collaboration, and fun. Joining the Nordea Markets team felt seamless, thanks to the warm welcomes and support from my teammates and fellow interns. The 7:30 morning meetings, listening to experienced analysts, showed me the company's range of skills and depth of knowledge and fostered my excitement to learn more. The comradeship within the team has played a pivotal role in helping me feel at home. 

My primary task has involved collecting ESG data on various companies. This work, though challenging, has been rewarding. It has allowed me to delve into the sustainability practices of different organisations, enhancing my understanding of how sustainability reporting is conducted and its impact on investment strategies. The opportunity to explore a wide range of companies has broadened my perspective on the ESG landscape, highlighting the diverse approaches to sustainability across sectors.

One big takeaway from these first few weeks is the complexity and significance of accurate ESG data in informing investment decisions. 

All in all, the start of my internship has been one of meaningful tasks, a supportive team dynamic and personal growth. The experiences I've had so far have not only been professionally enriching but have also solidified my interest in the field of sustainable finance. I look forward to the continued growth and challenges that lie ahead in my internship journey at Nordea.

Motivation – ESG interest 

I applied to the internship as I was curious to discover the inner workings of a bank and a larger firm. However, I struggled to resonate with the traditional core operations of a bank, which is why the area of ESG interested me. I find it easy to understand the importance of growth in the area and it is particularly interesting to be working within the area in Sweden, a country at the forefront of such questions. I look forward to learning a much as possible in all the domains I come across during my time at Nordea.

Introduction and learnings

The first two days we were eased into our new work environment with a tour around the office, attended compliance workshops, met our new colleagues and so on. We were also familiarised with the way our internships is set up. That is, us being part of the Equities team with a focus on ESG for 8 weeks, thereafter, we will be returning to our core team in the LC&I division where we will be until the end of the summer. Our current work has been gathering data from Annual and Sustainability reports and adding it to excel. The data is then to be used to input in our model that gives an ESG rating. I have learnt a lot about data gathering in an efficient manner and gained a greater understanding of interpreting sustainability reports and why each data point is relevant.

Helping hands from senior colleagues

Despite being a huge office with many employees, it has still felt like a welcoming space, open to sharing and learning. Several senior colleagues take time from their day to ask us if we need help and gladly extend a helping hand when needed – and allowed us to shadow them in their work. We have even been invited to join colleagues for lunch. There is also a great understanding in us being students. There is flexibility in when we can work and when we have the freedom to plan our schedules in the way that works best for us, as long as we complete our tasks. It allows us to work in ways that ensure we can learn as much as possible.

Motivation – hands-on experience

I applied for the ESG internship as I sought a summer internship where I could merge my enthusiasm for sustainability alongside exploring the financial industry’s capacity to drive transformative change. This decision stemmed from my desire, not only to deepen my understanding of the relationship between finance and sustainable development, but also to gain hands-on experience regarding understanding more about the bank’s operations and the various strategies companies implement to meet their sustainability targets. 

Positive and incredibly rewarding experience

The initial weeks of the internship have been very positive. Together with my two fellow interns, we have been introduced to our roles within the Equity Research team, where we’re dedicating the first eight weeks. The experience of starting here, with the prospect of rotating through multiple departments before settling into the LC&I team, has been incredibly rewarding. 

A highlight of each day has been the opportunity to participate in the equity team’s morning meetings. These sessions, focused on market trends and case studies, have offered insights, and learning experiences I am grateful to take part in. 

Feeling integrated and valued

My experience with the equity team has been nothing but great. In a large organisation like Nordea, it’s easy for interns to feel a bit lost. However, our colleagues have been keen on ensuring that we feel integrated and valued. Whether it’s inviting us for a quick chat or helping when we have questions. Their efforts have made us feel at home from the start. 

Moreover, being surrounded by such knowledgeable individuals is a great opportunity to soak up as much wisdom as you possibly can.