Iina’s journey from intern to Investment Banking Analyst – Your journey could start here

An internship can surely take you places – for Iina it was a launchpad to a career in finance. After participating in Nordea's Women’s Finance Insight Programme and completing an internship in our Debt Solutions & Loans unit, Iina Mäkelä advanced to a full-time position as Investment Banking Analyst in Corporate Finance Finland in early 2026. 

In this blog, we quiz Iina about her journey and transition from student to full-time analyst. She lets us in on why Nordea appealed to her, and what it is like to work in Corporate Finance – and shares tips and tricks to students considering a career in Investment Banking.

Interested in embarking on a similar journey? This could be your opportunity. 

You can apply for various Investment Banking Internships 2027 in Finland now, and until 30^th Aug. 2026 👉 click here.

Now, let’s meet Iina Mäkelä to get her insights and advice, and find out why she “warmly recommends applying for an internship in Investment Banking at Nordea”.

How did your journey from student intern to full-time employee at Nordea come about?

I started my Investment Banking journey at Nordea through the Women’s Finance Insight Programme, followed by an internship in the Debt Solutions & Loans team in 2024. Both experiences strengthened my interest in Investment Banking, leading to a full-time Analyst position in the Corporate Finance team.

What made you pursue a full-time job at Nordea – what appealed to you?

At Nordea, I had the privilege to work with Finland’s leading companies, gaining exposure to different transactions and situations. Furthermore, I experienced great opportunities to grow and learn, not only as a professional but also as a person. I was equally drawn to the prospect of working alongside talented, driven colleagues and learning from them every day.

What does your day-to-day work in Corporate Finance look like? How does it differ from your time as an intern?

As a full-time analyst, my usual working day involves preparing presentation materials, doing financial analysis, and attending both client and internal meetings. I am now more involved in client interactions and deliverables than during my internship. Interns typically spend more time on hands-on analytical work and preparing materials, which is a great way to develop technical skills and gain a more in-depth understanding of Investment Banking

What do you like most about your role and working in Corporate Finance?

I find working in Corporate Finance very inspiring and challenging. Nordea has offered me this great opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a wide variety of projects. Our relatively small team is highly professional, motivated and supportive.

My team welcomed be warmly from the start, and I am given a great deal of responsibilities, which makes me feel trusted. Another great aspect of our team is that we spend time together through sports and other activities outside work hours.

What tips would you give to students considering an internship in Investment Banking – which attributes are important?

I can warmly recommend applying for an internship in Investment Banking at Nordea. Our internships are designed for learning, and they are a perfect way to build your skills, gain real work experience, and grow your network. However, your motivation and willingness to challenge yourself are what matter most. During the internship, I would advise you to focus on being open to new challenges, staying curious, and making the most of every learning opportunity, even if you do not have prior experience in the field.

Inspired by Iina's story - and interested in joining the leading Nordic Investment Bank? 

We offer several positions within Corporate Finance (M&A and ECM), Leveraged Finance, Debt Capital Markets and Debt Solutions & Structuring - go for it, apply for one of our Investment Banking Internships 2027 here – and no later than 30^th August 2026.

We hope to hear from you.