WFIP: A stairway to the world of finance with a wealth of career paths – behind-the-scenes peek with Malena, Maria and Wilma
(#2 WFIP) They’ve learned about FX hedging and bonds, simulated hectic trading scenarios, got a behind-the-scenes peek of live transactions, and much more. Read all about it in this second blog of our pan-Nordic Women’s Finance Insight Programme (WFIP) 2026 series, where we’re pleased to introduce you to some new faces; Malena, Maria and Wilma. Here they share their reflections and highlights from their WFIP journey so far.
Halfway through our Women’s Finance Insight Programme, the insights from these three young talents reveal not only how much they’ve learned, but also how the programme and the passionate employees they’ve met have opened doors to a whole new world of exciting career paths, shaping their aspirations in finance.
Malena participates WFIP at the Nordea HQ in Copenhagen
Malena Marisei
I am from Norway but have lived across six countries in the past ten years. I am currently doing my Master in Accounting & Finance at Lund University.
What have you been doing during the last sessions?
We have been introduced to Markets, Equity Sales & Research and Debt Capital Markets (DCM), Debt Syndicate and Sustainable Finance Advisory. Representatives from each department held informative presentations, and we got to experience what it is like to work in each area through case-based groupwork and presentations.
What did you find the most interesting – and most challenging?
For me, the most interesting was the DCM and Debt Syndicate divisions. Whereas I feel like the equity side of finance is usually more highlighted in the media, the WFIP enabled me to deep-dive into the debt side, opening a new world into other paths like debt financing and sustainability-linked bonds and loans. This session also sparked my curiosity to discover other aspects of the debt-side of investment banking, and I am excited to learn more in the upcoming session about debt solutions and leveraged finance.
WFIP attendees presenting a business case for DCM experts.
What I found the most challenging was definitely the Markets session. Here, we completed a trading simulation where my role was within sales, and I had to be on the trading floor adjusting pricing in response to market shocks. While it was a stressful exercise, it was definitely also rewarding, strengthening my understanding and quick thinking.
Has your perception of a career in finance changed?
Yes, my perception has definitely changed. Through the WFIP, I have gained insights into divisions I didn't even know were separate career paths, and I developed an interest for new aspects I would not think to look at before.
Through interacting with the representatives from each division, it became clear that Nordea is a great place to work
Furthermore, through interacting with the representatives from each division, it became clear that Nordea is a great place to work, fostering teamwork, curiosity and courage to try new things without being scared of failing. I have learned a lot from this program, and would greatly recommend it to anyone curious about a career in finance.
Wilma participates WFIP at the Nordea HQ in Stockholm
Wilma Danell
I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Accounting, Valuation and Financial Management at the Stockholm School of Economics.
What have you been doing during the last sessions?
We have met professionals from Leveraged Finance and Markets. Through presentations, case-solving exercises and open discussions, we have learned more about why companies may choose debt as a source of financing and the covenants that often come with leveraged loans. We have also gained insights into the current macroeconomic landscape and been introduced to derivatives such as interest rate swaps and FX forwards, as well as automated FX hedging strategies.
What did you find the most interesting – and most challenging?
One highlight from the recent sessions was the opportunity to visit the trading floor during the Markets session, which was exciting to experience in person. Another interesting experience was the LBO (Leveraged Buy Out) game with the Leveraged Finance team. Here we analysed a company’s market, financials and overall position, and then determined which internal departments at Nordea we would consult when structuring the deal. With each department we selected, we received hints that guided us toward other relevant teams.
The exercise was challenging, yet it provided a valuable understanding not only of Leveraged Finance itself, but also of how deeply interconnected the different parts of the bank are.
Has your perception of a career in finance changed?
Participating in WFIP has definitely broadened my perspective on what a future career in finance could look like. Through the programme, I have gained a much deeper understanding of how many different roles and departments there are, what similarities they share, but also what makes them distinct. Networking with professionals at Nordea has been especially valuable, and it has been particularly inspiring to meet so many women working across different areas of finance.
Networking with professionals at Nordea has been especially valuable, and it has been particularly inspiring to meet so many women working across different areas of finance.
Maria participates at the Nordea HQ in Oslo
Maria Bjørnvik-López
I currently study Industrial Economics and Management at NTNU in Trondheim, Norway.
What have you been doing during the last sessions?
We have learned about hedging, bonds, debt, and the different financial markets, to mention just a few of the topics we have covered. We have also had the opportunity to apply these concepts by working on cases.
What did you find the most interesting – and most challenging?
I found the way live transactions work really interesting. Some of the presentations showed us how a deal is executed live, as well as the work that is done before and after. It has been eye-opening to see how much work goes into a transaction behind the scenes, even though the actual agreement or execution can happen within minutes over chat or on a phone call.
What I find challenging is being able to recognize theory in practice. Every company and case is different, and it is often not easy to identify positive or negative signs in the numbers. I am sure it gets easier with practice.
Has WFIP changed your perception of a career in finance?
Yes. I now see that a career in finance can cover a wide range of topics and introduce me to many different industries and markets. It is also a good way to better understand how financial systems and regulations have evolved over time, which has made me even more curious about a career in finance.
Watch this space for the third WFIP 2026 blog where we'll introduce you to some more of the 60+ participants in this year’s Women’s Finance Insight Programme. Meanwhile, check out previous WFIP blogs or other career blogs featuring interns, students and graduates.
Interested in a career at Nordea Markets LC&I?
Nordea Markets LC&I (Large Corporates & Institutions) 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.
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