What a great summer, on and off work as FFPs! It could be you

Before moving on to meeting Annika and Vinski telling about their experiences as Future Finance Professionals (FFPs), and why a FFP position is worth pursuing, we're pleased to invite you to our virtual event, "Meet Nordea Markets, LC&I" on 12 October, where you'll meet the various recruiting teams and get insight to the many different FFP positions and roles in play.

You can find recordings of the various teams presentations here.

Now let's meet Annika and Vinski.   

By Annika and Vinski

Annika Mattelmäki – FFP in Debt Capital Markets

I’m finalizing my master's degree at Aalto University School of Business majoring in finance. I plan to finish my master’s thesis this fall and graduate by the end of the year.

My team and what I do?

I work in the Debt Capital Markets (DCM) team covering FIG and SSA clients, FIG meaning financial institutions and SSA meaning Sovereign, Supranational and Agency clients. DCM is responsible for originating, structuring and executing primary bond transactions and our team has both Nordic and European clients.

It has been around seven months since I joined the team and time has definitely flown. I find the work super interesting and it's nice to notice how much I've learned and also how much there is still left to gain a deeper understanding of. There is no typical workday, but I usually spend a lot of time preparing material for client meetings and following the market. During the summer I was also able to travel abroad and meet some of our clients and investors in a seminar which was very nice.

An even greater experience

Although DCM is part of the Investment Banking unit, it’s been fun to get to know the other FFPs who mainly work in Markets. We’ve had a summer full of different events and activities, and my fellow FFPs have made my time here at Nordea, an even greater experience.

I can't recommend the FFP program enough - it's been really great on all levels. 

Vinski Laaksonen – FFP in Securities Advisory Finland

I’m almost finished with my Finance studies at the University of Vaasa.

The team I work in, and what do we do

I work as an Assistant Investment Advisor in Securities Advisory Finland. To simplify, I work as a broker for Nordea’s large private and non-private clients in Finland. The main task of our team is to assist our clients with their needs across various asset classes, mainly in equities. In addition to equities, our team also covers bonds, structured products as well as derivatives.

What have I been doing during my internship?

After six months of the internship, I have learned a lot from equity markets and stock trading in practice, mostly thanks to my colleagues who have been an enormous source of knowledge and inspiration for continuous learning. However, a lot still remains to be learnt.

I have talked with our clients on a daily basis, executed their trades and shared market information as well as investment ideas based on our analysts’ views. In stock trading, I have used algorithmic trading tools to obtain a more efficient execution for the client and to utilize a wider selection of marketplaces.

In addition to the tasks above, I have carried out ad hoc tasks such as data analysis and other project-type of tasks. What has been extra rewarding during the summer, is being given a lot of responsibilities straight from the beginning.

What makes the FFP programme so treasured?

Besides the valuable work experience I’ve gained, the FFP summer has been full of off-work experiences with fellow FFPs.

As there has been a great bunch of FFPs, there has always been someone who is up for after-work activities such as grabbing food and drinks, trying inside surfing or attending a football match, not to mention the events our Fun Managers have planned for us.

The FFP programme has been a great way to start a career in finance and simultaneously make great friends.

I highly recommend the FFP program – and now is your chance to join. Just do it – check out the various positions, and apply. Go for it!

If Annika's and Vinski's blog has spiked your interest in our FFP program, we suggest you check out the site, "Meet Nordea Markets LC&I, Finland" where you find various teams presentations and job roles 2023.