See what makes Women’s Finance Insight Programme “fascinating and eye-opening”

Hanna Pikkarainen (Finland)

In the last sessions, we gained valuable insight to the various business areas in Investment Banking. The DCM session highlighted the importance of bond markets, credit spreads, and how macroeconomic trends influence debt financing. In Corporate Finance and ECM, we explored mergers and acquisitions, and how companies raise capital through rights issues and share placements. We also had the opportunity to engage in discussions with peers and Nordea experts broadening the perspectives of the financial sector and future career opportunities.

In addition, we worked on various case assignments, and got a sense of what working in the finance industry can be like at its best. We have also worked on calculations for key stock figures and learned about the process of producing equity research analysis.

Isabella Bildsøe (Denmark)

The recent session focused on Debt Solutions & Loans and Leveraged Finance. Both senior and junior professionals introduced us to their work, followed by interactive case-solving exercises. The cases sparked engaging discussions among participants, making the experience both insightful and fun.

Interesting case highlighting the crucial role banks play

I found it very interesting how companies must carefully weigh the benefits of increasing leverage, against the potential downsides, like a lower credit rating or higher borrowing costs. Our case highlighted the crucial role banks play in advising clients on structuring debt in a way that aligns with their financial goals while managing risk effectively.

Leah Norheim (Norway)

In the last sessions, we have explored various areas within Investment Banking, and in each session the respective professionals – within Corporate Finance, ECM, DCM, DSL (Debt Solutions & Loans), and Leveraged Finance – have provided valuable insights into their daily work and guided us through case studies. 

Particularly interesting and insightful

If I should pick a few highlights – out of many from the recent sessions – I would highlight two key moments that I found particularly interesting and insightful. When we explored Corporate Finance and Equity Capital Markets, I found it especially engaging to learn more about the daily responsibilities within these areas and the diverse tasks involved. It was fascinating to see how professionals work across different projects and at various stages of the deal process, gaining exposure to a wide range of financial transactions.

Another highlight was the session about Leveraged Finance. We went through a simplified LBO (leveraged buyout) case, and I really appreciated how the representative from the Leveraged Finance team guided us through the case with patience and clarity. The clear and structured approach made the case easier to follow and simplified complex concepts, making them more accessible and understandable.

Passion and willingness to share experiences and insights

I find it really interesting to gain insight into the different departments from professionals at various stages of their careers. Their passion and willingness to share their experiences and insights has made the sessions even more engaging. I also appreciate how open and approachable they are, encouraging us to ask questions. Additionally, it is fascinating to see the high level of collaboration across departments, with teams leveraging each other´s expertise to achieve the best outcomes.

Strengthened motivation for a career in finance

WFIP has definitely strengthened my motivation for a career in finance. I find it exciting how dynamic and diverse the work is – being involved in different projects, at various stages, and collaborating with a wide range of professionals. It is exciting that a career in finance provides the opportunity to work on large-scale transactions involving major corporations and a diverse range of stakeholders. The complexity and significance of these deals make the work especially engaging.

Moreover, it's inspiring to see the level of responsibility you can take on early in your career. Gaining meaningful tasks from the start accelerates learning and fosters a strong sense of ownership and independence, making the work even more rewarding. 

We have now completed five out of the seven scheduled WFIP sessions, and I am excited for the ones ahead.

Lina Johansson (Sweden)

In our last two sessions, we have had the opportunity to listen to the Corporate Finance and Equity Research teams, gaining insights into their daily work and career journeys. During the Corporate Finance session, the team also walked us through the different stages of a transaction. 

To exemplify their work, one of the Corporate Finance team members presented an IPO (initial public offering) process he had worked on. He explained it step by step from initiation to completion. It was fascinating to gain deeper insights into how long the process takes, which aspects are the most critical, and how this particular IPO unfolded. It became evident how important and beneficiary it is to work within a collaborative team. It was exciting to get a little “behind-the-scenes” information, understanding the key challenges and opportunities involved in bringing a company to the public market.

Great practice for future interviews

To wrap up the session, we got to do a quiz consisting of possible interview questions. We discussed all of the right answers, making it a great way to practice for future interviews. 

One of the highlights from the Equity Research session was the case-solving, where we worked in groups and tried to value a tech consulting company. After analyzing the company, we presented our conclusions and debated whether the stock was overvalued or not, giving us a better understanding into how the Equity Research team operates.