Rewarding, valuable and eye-opening experiences as FFP interns in Research – See why!

By Olli, Patrick & Mikko

Olli Malinen (Research & Risk Solutions FI)

Currently, I am finishing my studies in economics at Aalto University. In my studies, I focus on macroeconomics and monetary policy. Working as a FFP trainee in Markets at Nordea Research gives me the opportunity to use the tools obtained in studies in practice.

While the knowledge of theoretical frameworks is certainly an advantage, the most important tool for me during the summer has been communication skills. My tasks include writing a morning report of macroeconomic and market developments in Finnish, so I spend a lot of time in Microsoft Word.

However, the communication skills I have got to practice and sharpen during the summer do not transpire in writing. I have had a few internal presentations about the current economic topics and participated in the Nordea Markets Insight podcast.

In addition to contributing to various reports, my tasks also include analysis of the Nordea card transaction data. It has been interesting to track private consumption during decreasing consumer purchase power and post-pandemic developments.

Overall, I have gained valuable experience of the financial markets and developed skills that will be crucial in my next endeavours.

Taking part in the FFP program has been rewarding not only professionally, but also socially. Working as a part of Nordea Markets on the trading floor means that there is always something happening and someone to talk to. Last year’s FFPs have organized events for us during the summer, and it has been really interesting to learn about my colleagues’ tasks and experiences. 

Patrick Campbell (Equity Research, Assistant Analyst)

I am currently in the early stages of pursuing a Master’s degree in Finance at Aalto University.

As FFP trainee in the Equity Research team, I work alongside our experienced analysts on various different equity related tasks. For example, every morning I, along with a fellow FFP-trainee, Mikko, ensure that before the Finnish stock market opens, our morning equity report is released with the latest equity specific news.

Apart from the daily morning report, my tasks vary a lot day-to-day – every day is truly different and challenging – in a good way. Earnings seasons are typically the busiest and most intensive for the equity research team and as a trainee, during that period of time, I get to work on various tasks such as updating numbers into our models, drafting earnings comments, following company earnings presentation and discussing the impacts of the results with colleagues.

Outside earning seasons, I might spend time keeping up to date with leading indicators and company and industry specific news or dive deeper into current market trends.

Eye-opening FFP experience

The FFP experience has truly been eye-opening, supported by a rapid learning and development phase. Specifically, I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with our experienced and knowledgeable colleagues who always tend to have an open mind and are willing to give a helping hand if needed.

Thanks to the support from my colleagues, I find that I have personally been able to develop my skills exponentially. Additionally, the amount of responsibility given to trainees like me has played an integral part of rapidly developing and improving skills, and also acted as a healthy reminder that we are trusted in our work.

Mikko Pokkinen (Equity Research, Assistant Analyst)

I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management with a major in Strategy and Technology management.

I work as Assistant Analyst in the Nordea Equity Research team, providing top notch company and sector analysis for the team and our customers. Together with my lovely colleague, Patrick, we also produce a daily Morning report, which combines a brief macro-economic outlook and a specific company related section. According to my own estimates, thousands of commendable and world renown investors get to read this report every morning.

My days also include a variety of different data-related tasks and support functions, contributing to the other team members’ research. One of the more exciting events during the internship included a business trip to Tallinn, where I got to experience practical hands-on analysis as a part of Commissioned Research with respect to a specific company.

Great learning experience and atmosphere

While I had already been previously engaged in investing and stock analysis, I was positively surprised by how deep the learning curve has been occurring during the FFP programme. The Equity Research team’s profound competences has certainly boosted my own knowledge.

Before starting at Nordea, I might’ve had some ideas about the potential atmosphere here, based on certain finance related movies. It turned out, however, that the people on the trading floor are rather warm-hearted and eager to help. We also party in a more civilized manner, I believe ;-).

On top of it all, the time with the other FFPs has made the summer even more fun. The number of times we have had great fun is so enormous that I can’t really even remember all of it. It’s been great.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Watch this space for more blogs by our talented FFPs - meanwhile, check-out the previous blog in this yera's FFP series, and surf around on our Career blog for articles by some of the great people, interns, juniors, seniors and managers working in Markets and Large Corporates & Institutions.