How our Women’s Finance Insight Programme can kick-start your career – do like Julie, apply

Have a look at Julie’s blog where she tells her story, and gives pointers to what to focus on in an application, and more. Check it out - and perhaps you’ll get inspired to apply for our 2023 programme. Deadline to apply is 30^th November for Norway, while it’s the 4^th December for Denmark, Finland and Sweden. Why wait – do like Julie, apply.

Hi! My name is Julie Rieland Hansen. I am a 25-year-old student living in Copenhagen, Denmark. I am currently in the last year of my master's degree in Economic and Business Administration – Applied Economics and Finance at Copenhagen Business School. 

Excellent opportunity to gain unique insight

I read about the WFIP programme at Nordea Markets, LC&I LinkedIn page last winter. As the programme was offered in all the Nordic headquarters, it suited me well to participate at the Danish Copenhagen office. I just knew this was an excellent opportunity to gain unique insight into Nordea Investment Banking & Equities. I fell for the variety of information and the network opportunities. I knew that people who work at Nordea are genuinely inspiring, and getting the chance to have a glimpse of their daily tasks on a deeper and personal level was something I couldn't forego. 

I’m glad I went for it and applied, as the programme exceeded my expectations and gave me more valuable insight than I could have wished for – let alone a desire to work at Nordea. So, I am very thrilled to say that shortly after the programme ended, I got a job as Assistant Analyst in Debt Solutions & Loans at Nordea Investment Banking & Equities where I’ve worked for six months now. I have a 3.5-year background in banking prior within international mortgage finance and risk management investments for personal banking.

What I like the most about my job is tricky – it’s fantastic

Working as Assistant Analyst in Debt Solutions & Loans is fantastic. So, choosing what I like the most is tricky. Overall, I enjoy working on deals and solving any request a company has concerning their debt transactions, capital structure, corporate acquisition financing (M&A), credit rating, and ESG implementation in their financing.

I broadly assist companies in their refinancing process, new business engagements and credit rating assessments by conducting financial and credit rating analysis and modelling. I also spend much time doing peer analysis to understand the company's financials, market/industry and strategies, as well as its peers.

What's currently on top of everybody’s mind is ESG implementation, and I see a lot of opportunities to contribute within this field as ESG linked funding solutions help motivate companies to take sustainable actions. Moreover, I enjoy assisting with ad hoc presentations for conferences. For example, Debt Solutions & Loans presented “Sustainability in Finance” at the Cash & Treasury conference in Copenhagen late summer 2022.

Excellent working environment – fun and super skilled colleagues

The working environment in Debt Solutions & Loans is excellent. We are a small team of five people in Denmark, but we work and collaborate with the entire Nordic team. We all came together this summer at a team offsite, and everyone are extremely friendly and super skilled. My closest colleagues are a lot of fun to work with. I look forward to going to work, and I have a great time every day.

I appreciate all the learning opportunities my colleagues offer. For example, I get 1:1 masterclasses on different topics from knowledgeable colleagues, which is quite unique. In addition, I work closely with other departments in Nordea Investment Banking, for instance, Debt Capital Markets, Securitisation, Syndication and Sustainable Financial Advisory. You feel a good team spirit through the halls of Nordea Investment Banking.

The working culture is brilliant. We accept differences and see diversity as an opportunity to get a variety of perspectives on cases which ultimately lead to great results for the companies we service and work with. Even though we run on a busy schedule, we still take time to have some fun at work. For example, we often play a dice game called "Meier" in a simpler format, where we roll a big foam die in the office. The one with the lowest score has to buy ginger shots for the rest. Spoiler, I tend to win more than I lose, so I’m always up for the challenge. 

Positive surprises and valuable challenges

It didn’t come as a surprise that I’d be surrounded by inspiring and talented people committed to their work. What has surprised me, though, is my colleague's willingness and ability to take the time to teach me valuable insights into the financial world – learnings which I won't be able to get at university. It exceeded my expectations, as my colleagues are quite busy - something I am incredibly grateful for.

The challenges have probably been learning all the elements of advice on debt transactions. However, I see it as a steep learning opportunity, and I am grateful to be learning from the best.

My best advice and tips to get a foot in the door

I participated in the programme with an open mind and felt drawn to the Debt Solutions & Loans department. At the time, they were looking for a new Assistant Analyst. I engaged in the case-solving exercise that Debt Solutions & Loans presented at the workshop and took all learnings with me. I believe that it was an advantage to have met some of the team members and having gained insight from the programme before applying. With my educational background and genuine interest in the financial sector, I believe they saw me as a suited candidate. I went through the interview process and was lucky to get an offer. I focused on showing who I am, my interests and my knowledge within the field.

If you are considering applying for the Women in Finance Insights Programme 2023, I would recommend including your background, your interests and what you think and hope to achieve from the programme. It is okay to be broad in your curiosity within Investment Banking as the programme offers you different perspectives and insights into the various fields of Investment Banking. Be true to yourself and express your aspirations – that is my most helpful tip. Just apply.

Get started - find programme and application details here.

Application deadline for Norway is 30^th Nov. 2022, and 4^th Dec.2022 for Denmark, Finland and Sweden.

Meanwhile, check out the blog by Maya, who like Julie attended the 2022 programme, and got employed with us afterwards. Have a look at the blog, featuring both Julie and Maya, telling about their WFIP 2022 experience and share tips on how to land a position at Nordea. It could be you!

We hope to hear from you.