FFPs are trusted with responsibility and challenged to improve their skills – they enjoy every bit

Topi Weckström, FFP in Valuation Analytics

I started my internship at Nordea at the beginning of May in Valuation Analytics team together with Tuomas. Our team is part of the Valuation Management and Control unit which is there to ensure prudent valuations are used for Markets and Treasury. In our team, we are building common tools and infrastructure to improve the valuation processes. 

I have enjoyed the summer here a lot since my work has been both challenging and rewarding. I have had a great opportunity to improve my technical skills since Python development is a major part of my work. I like that every day is different and there are always new problems to solve. Even though some tasks are challenging, there are always skilled team members and other people who I can ask for help. This ensures I can constantly keep developing my skills in different areas.

Additionally, throughout the summer, we have joined events that former FFPs have organized for us FFPs. The events are a great way to get to know other FFPs in a relaxed environment while doing fun activities. For example, in our latest event, we went to an escape room after which we enjoyed a delicious dinner at a Korean barbeque restaurant.

Roni Karjanlahti, FFP in Quantitative Valuation Management and Control

I’m a mathematics student at the University of Turku and part of a quantitative valuation management and control (QVC) team which belongs to the same valuation management and control unit as Topi’s team. Our primary responsibilities include model risk management and valuation adjustments, ensuring the robustness and accuracy of financial models.

Working with valuation of financial derivatives in practice has been a challenging, yet intellectually rewarding experience. My first task involved analysing control on a derivative pricing model. This task required me to gather and organise data using Python, review product documentation, and interview other employees. Every task is different and has its own challenges but having a good technical knowledge and taking ownership and making independent decisions is required. Being trusted with responsibility has been a great way to grow as a professional for me.

Working at Nordea’s middle office as FFP intern is also a great step in learning how a bank's business works. In addition to the FFP programme’s training, we have also had the opportunity to learn about treasury and management of Nordea’s private investments from experienced professionals from different units. Having a better understanding of the value that Nordea creates makes daily work feel more meaningful. 

In my opinion. the best part of the FFP programme has been that you’re treated like other employees with years of experience, and at the same time you get to know other great FFPs and you are able to share the experience with each other. Special thanks to our Fun Managers for organising engaging after-work events.

Tuomas Levonen, FFP in Valuation Analytics

I started in the Valuation Analytics team with Topi in May. Our team is responsible for building tools and infrastructure to improve the valuation processes for Markets and Treasury. Given our broad mandate to develop tools and infrastructure across the unit, I’ve quickly realised just how much there is to learn and comprehend about the many processes at play. Each day brings new insights and challenges, which keeps the work very engaging. 

After completing initial trainings and access requests, I soon began working on a data governance task regarding important data assets. During the process, I honed my SQL skills and understood the importance of high-quality data in a bank as large as Nordea. Now, I have moved on to developing a Python library for valuation analytics, which is both challenging and rewarding. 

Other work related highlights, so far, has been the FFP summer academy where we had presentations from all the teams that have FFP trainees this summer, and a few more. It was very interesting to learn about all the teams and hear practical examples all the way from sales teams like FX and Fixed Income sales to Group Finance and Business Risk Controls. 

Beyond work, the FFP programme has been very enjoyable as we have had multiple events after work hosted by our Fun Managers who are previous year FFPs. A big part of the all the fun this summer has been the people – both our FFP colleagues and the senior team members. I highly recommend the FFP programme