Why did you choose to apply for the Nordea Graduate Programme? 

 

Bartosz: As a fresh graduate back in 2022, I thought joining the Graduate Programme would be the easiest way to enter the banking sector as I have a background in data science and not a formal education in economics. Moreover, I was attracted by the opportunity to rotate across various departments and the vast networking opportunities with other graduates as well as more senior colleagues.

Jussa: I already had experience in working at Nordea before applying to the programme – as a student analyst in the financial planning & analysis unit and as a full-time specialist in operations. Thus, it was a natural choice to look for opportunities at Nordea after my graduation, and the Graduate Programme was an attractive option to keep growing within the bank.

Jurij: Upon finishing my double Master’s degree in 2023, the Graduate Programme seemed like a logical next step to me. With a versatile academic background in quantitative finance, actuarial science and banking, I saw the Graduate Programme as a perfect pathway to utilise my prior knowledge and gain invaluable industry exposure.

 

What has been the best thing about being a graduate so far? 

 

Jussa: So far the best thing has been that I have been able to leverage experience previously gained at Nordea, while experiencing exponential development and building a broad skillset in finance. 

Bartosz: The element of the programme that I perceived to be the most attractive and motivating is the ability to shape the journey at Nordea yourself. With the support of my manager, I was able to rotate to the areas of the bank I would otherwise have had a hard time joining if I wasn’t a graduate.

Jurij:  I agree with Bartosz, the best thing about the Graduate Programme is the rotation structure. For me personally the option to rotate across different departments within the bank offered me the opportunity to explore and develop interdisciplinary expertise and skills. 

 

What would be your advice for others who would like to start as a graduate at Nordea? 

 

Jurij: Take proactive steps to familiarise yourself with different opportunities and departments within Nordea and try to narrow down the banking areas you find interesting. This will help you make meaningful rotations and give you a chance to build the desired knowledge for your future career. Moreover, make sure you take every chance to network as these opportunities can prove valuable in future. 

Jussa: Nordea is a huge organisation with endless opportunities to develop and learn. No matter what you are interested in within finance, you can find opportunities to work with it at Nordea. My advice would be to thoroughly explore what banking can offer you and where your interests lie. You will get the most out of the programme when you have high expectations and create your own chances to lead your career path.

Bartosz: Make sure you identify the place you want to be after the 2-year period and come up with a plan for rotations with your manager. You can also research the courses you would like to take and certificates to be made over your graduate programme, so that once you have finished you will be fully equipped to deliver value from day one in your home team.

 

Do you have any fun facts or words of wisdom you would like to share? 

 

Bartosz: Try attending as many social events as you can to build a strong network with people you might be working with for years in the future. Don't burn bridges as it is a small world!

Jurij: Join the chess club! 

Jussa: Don’t limit yourself! 

Bartosz, Jussa and Jurij in our offices.

Interested in a career at Nordea?

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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