I am Aarohi Garg a 23-year-old graduate of the Erasmus Mundus Double Degree Master’s programme, EDISS, with a focus on data science and software engineering. I spent one year studying in Finland and another in Italy, gaining diverse academic and cultural experience. Originally from India, I moved for my master's studies and now live in Helsinki.
The best thing about being a graduate so far has been the opportunity to meet a diverse set of colleagues and learn extensively about the banking industry and its functions. The support and guidance from team leaders and the people team have been invaluable in navigating this journey. One of the standout aspects is the openness within the organisation – when you reach out to anyone as a graduate, they’re always happy to engage, share their insights, and even address questions that might seem trivial. This culture of accessibility and encouragement has been incredibly rewarding.
One of the most unexpected skills I developed during the graduate programme was the courage to approach colleagues I had never interacted with before. I learned to step out of my comfort zone, initiate conversations, and build connections with people from various teams and departments.
As a fresher straight out of college, entering a completely new industry and role, one of the biggest challenges I faced was the hesitation to ask questions. For the first few months, I worried that my questions might seem trivial or a waste of others’ time. However, at Nordea, I’ve consistently been encouraged to ask even the simplest questions, and they’ve always been received warmly. People appreciate the fresh perspective these questions bring, and even when it’s not entirely new, they value how voicing basic or common concerns can highlight overlooked gaps. This supportive environment has helped me overcome much of my hesitation and feel more confident in engaging openly.
What I enjoy most during my workday is lunch. While everyone enjoys breaks, I particularly look forward to lunch because I usually schedule it with different colleagues when I'm working from the office. Those lunch conversations are the best part of my day. They give me a chance to get to know people on a more personal level and to discuss topics that aren't always task focused. We talk about what’s happening within Nordea as an organisation, how processes flow, what could be improved, the challenges we face, what works well, and much more! Sometimes, I even share experiences with fellow graduates and learn about their journeys in different teams.
My advice to potential applicants for the graduate programme is not to get discouraged if you're not accepted the first time. There are two application periods, one in September and one in January, and I was personally rejected when I first applied in September. However, I reapplied in January and was accepted. So, if things don't work out initially, keep trying! Also, don't limit yourself by overthinking how your background might fit in. Nordea values diverse educational backgrounds, and there’s a place for nearly everyone, no matter where you come from.
A surprising fact about the banking industry is how reliant it is on net interest income, which is the largest revenue source for many banks, including Nordea. This income is primarily generated through lending activities like mortgages, personal loans, and corporate financing. Before I didn’t realise just how integral this stream is to the financial performance of banks.
As a graduate rotating in Mortgage Architecture, working with some parts of IT and solution design – directly contributing to one of the primary sources of revenue – has been quite rewarding. Being involved in the development of mortgage solutions, which play a key role in net interest income, provides a deeper understanding of how essential these services are to the bank’s success and growth.
The first rule of my ‘survival guide’ for new grads would be to simply be yourself. While networking and interacting with colleagues are often emphasised, it can feel overwhelming at first. I would remind myself to focus on forming meaningful connections and approach every interaction with a learning mindset. Nordea offers plenty of opportunities, but instead of feeling pressured to keep up with everything, it's important to view it as a chance to learn and grow at your own pace.
Within the first month of starting as a graduate, I had the opportunity to attend the graduate summit, where graduates from Nordea offices in different countries came together for three days of learning, sharing our journeys, and participating in team-building activities. That was my first real experience of Nordea's diverse culture. Although I’m based in the Finland office, I also had the chance to visit Nordea's offices in Copenhagen and Warsaw to collaborate with my team there. With colleagues from various nationalities and major offices across four Nordic countries, the diversity and exposure I get as a graduate here is truly unmatched.
Nordea is actively involved in various country-specific communities, providing great opportunities for employees to connect and engage beyond their regular roles. For example, in Finland I am part of the FYP (Finland Young Professionals), which organises a range of events, including interesting talks, bonding activities like board games and afterworks. These events allow me to connect with colleagues, expand my network and be part of a vibrant community within Nordea, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
We offer a wealth of opportunities for students.
Learn more about the programmes in each of the countries where Nordea operates and see how you can start your career today! Let some of our graduates explain it to you; how it works, what we do, and about the many career opportunities we can offer you.
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