Valuable learning by doing, great networking and game changing experience – see why WFIP exceeded expectations
07-05-2024 12:20
(WFIP #3) It’s been a huge pleasure to meet another group of talented students attending our pan-Nordic Women’s Finance Insight Programme (WFIP), and hear they found the programme to be a “great learning and networking opportunity”, that it “exceeded expectations” and comes highly recommended. Read the final blog in this year’s WFIP 2024 series by some of the students, and hear about their learnings and what makes the programme a valuable experience and career related game changer.
Aleksandra Fedotova, Finland
What has been your greatest learning?
The programme helped me to connect the dots between the various departments in Large Corporates & Institutions (LC&I) and understand their functions on a deeper level. I found it particularly enlightening to explore real-life cases from the Finnish markets, as they provided tangible examples that strengthened my understanding. This not only enhanced my knowledge but also enriched the learning experience by bridging theory with real-world scenarios
Did the programme meet your expectations?
It exceeded my expectations! Other than the sessions being captivating and informative, I enjoyed the environment. The inclusivity and openness to questions made it a safe space for everyone to engage with the topics. To add, the programme was a great networking opportunity with like-minded people. Also, navigating the hiring processes within this competitive industry can often feel overwhelming. However, the programme offered invaluable insights and tips on how to successfully navigate interviews, which has significantly boosted my confidence in approaching future hiring processes.
The inclusivity and openness to questions made it a safe space for everyone to engage with the topics.
What advice would you give students considering to apply to our programme?
I would encourage anyone slightly interested in exploring working in Investment Banking and Markets to apply for the programme. I think that the programme is suitable for students with different backgrounds, whether you are new to the field (or are studying something completely unrelated) or if you already have some experience and just want to learn more about Nordea. I would also encourage anyone to be curious during the programme, ask many questions - and take the opportunity to talk to the experienced professionals that are there for you.
Could you see yourself working at Nordea – in finance?
Absolutely! I am convinced I will be working in finance in the future, and participating in this programme has solidified my interest in pursuing a career in Investment Banking. It reassured me that I am on the right career path while also exposing me to the diverse divisions within finance that I find interesting. It also seems that given Nordea's position in the industry, joining them would provide invaluable learning experiences and growth opportunities.
Julia Sosinska, Denmark
What has been your greatest learning?
I consider the whole experience to have been a great learning opportunity, so it is difficult to choose just one. The session with the Markets division was surely one of the highlights of the programme. They provided us with a trading simulation, where we got to experience how trading of bonds works in real life. We needed to decide what to buy, how much to buy, and at what price. However, we also had to keep in mind the risk associated with our positions, as no one wanted to be the next Nick Leeson and bankrupt the bank in the simulation. Overall, it is certainly a fast-paced and constantly changing environment, which requires quick decision-making. The adrenaline rush that comes with it is indescribable.
Did the programme meet your expectations?
The programme has met my expectations 100%. Even though it was a rather quick overview of the departments, it enlarged my knowledge about investment banking in Denmark. What I find important is also the connections I have made. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to meet some of the senior professionals within the organization despite their busy schedules. Additionally, hearing directly from analysts about their day-to-day experiences was invaluable.
I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to meet some of the senior professionals within the organization despite their busy schedules.
Introduction in Copenhagen to Debt Capital Markets (DCM) and Syndicate in Investment Banking, LC&I..
What advice would you give students considering to apply to our programme?
I would tell them to just apply. I stand by this belief that, if you don’t try, then you don’t know. Personally, I will spend some time now, during my studies, to figure out what I am truly interested in and what my options are after I graduate rather than postpone this decision. So, embrace the uncertainty and let curiosity guide you toward your path!
Could you see yourself working at Nordea – in finance?
I would consider Nordea as one of the possible workplaces after I graduate. It is the biggest investment bank in the Nordics, therefore it gives a lot of exposure to the Scandinavian markets. Additionally, there is a commitment to knowledge sharing and expertise exchange which resonates with my values, as I believe in the power of continuous learning and collaboration to drive professional growth.
Alva Allard, Sweden
What has been your greatest learning?
My biggest takeaway from the programme is that not only are there a lot more career options in the finance industry than I had first thought, but there are also numerous routes to pursue those opportunities. It became clear from listening to the representatives of the different divisions that there is no one right way to discover your dream job or niche. Nearly everyone we met had their own story of how they ended up in their roles. In the end, what I've learned is the importance of exploring different paths and opportunities until you discover what resonates best with you.
Did the programme meet your expectations?
Absolutely. I entered the programme with limited knowledge of just a few divisions and their day-to-day operations. However, the programme greatly expanded my understanding of many more divisions and their roles within the bank. What truly exceeded my expectations was the warmth with which the representatives from each division discussed their work and teams. This has provided an insight into the culture of the organization and the teamwork within it. During the programme, I was also able to ask questions and get honest answers, which I really appreciated. Overall, it was a great experience.
Introduction to Corporate Finance Sweden.
What truly exceeded my expectations was the warmth with which the representatives from each division discussed their work and teams.
What advice would you give students considering to apply to our programme?
I'd recommend all students who are curious about a career in finance to apply for the programme, even if they're not sure which aspects they're interested in. This programme was a great way to explore and figure it out. I would also advise them not to hesitate to ask questions during the sessions; they were always very welcomed and encouraged.
Could you see yourself working at Nordea – in finance?
Yes, several of the teams that we were able to meet during the programme caught my interest, and I can definitely see myself at Nordea in the future. My impression of a career at Nordea following the programme is that it is an environment in which you are encouraged to participate and make an impact from the start, which I really appreciate.
Olivia Jørgensen, Norway
What has been your greatest learning?
My most significant learning from the programme is the great number of opportunities available in the financial sector. When I hear about working in finance, I mostly hear about investment banking or equity research. This programme has revealed numerous other paths, and many also share similarities in their operations and interactions with clients and colleagues. I also have learned a lot about debt as a financing alternative, which I didn’t know much about before the programme.
Did the programme meet your expectations?
Yes, my expectations were met and highly exceeded. The session topics were easy to understand, the cases enabled deeper understanding, and it was a great opportunity to ask employees in each division questions about their roles. It was a good balance between physical and digital sessions, starting and ending with in-person sessions. This also allowed me to network with the professionals and the other students. I have also gained great insight into how to prepare for internship interviews, a learning that also exceeded my expectations.
My expectations were met and highly exceeded.
What advice would you give students considering to apply to our programme?
If you're curious about the financial sector, go for it and apply. Don't worry if you don't know much about finance. It's a great opportunity to learn more, and all you need is to show your motivation in your application. Should you get accepted, take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and show interest during the programme. Prepare for the case studies beforehand, even if they seem difficult, as this will enable you to participate actively in sessions and deepen your understanding during case reviews.
Could you see yourself working at Nordea – in finance?
Yes, I could definitely see myself pursuing a career in finance in the future, and also in Nordea. It was very inspiring to discover how diverse and interesting the work is in all the various Nordea teams.
Snapshots from various sessions and dinner event in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.
If you missed out on the previous blogs in the WFIP 2024 series click here, and gain more insight to the work life and career opportunities within Large Corporates & Institutions (LC&I) in our Career blog, featuring interns, graduates and senior professionals working in LC&I, which among others includes Markets and Investment Banking.
Interested in a career at Nordea LC&I?
Nordea Large Corporates & Institutions (LC&I) is the leading international capital operator and investment banking partner in the Nordic region. Let some of our student interns, graduates as well as experienced professionals explain it to you; how it works, what we do, and about the many career opportunities we can offer you.
