The summer of 2024 brought me the incredible opportunity to intern at Nordea Bank’s New York office within the Corporate Banking division. It was an exceptional experience that blended professional growth with the excitement of living in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. From crafting credit memorandums to collaborating with the ESG team in the Nordics, every moment of my internship was filled with learning, challenge, and inspiration.
This experience motivated me to continue my journey with Nordea, leading me to join the ESG Insights team in Stockholm the following summer. As a senior from Finland at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing a B.S. in Economics with concentrations in Finance and AI for Business, and a minor in Sustainability and Environmental Management, I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to return to Nordea.
Exploring ESG in Action
Working with Nordea’s ESG Insights team gave me an invaluable look into how sustainability is embedded across financial decision-making. My responsibilities ranged from analyzing clients’ greenhouse gas emissions and net-zero pathways to conducting industry research and reviewing ESG standards. Each project added new depth to my understanding of how finance can drive environmental and social impact.
Life in Stockholm
Living in Stockholm, closer to home in Finland, was a meaningful experience in itself. It was fascinating to observe both the similarities and differences between Nordic countries in daily life and work culture. From morning coffee runs to my favorite neighborhood café in Mariatorget, to quiet evenings spent in the park nearby, my time in Stockholm reminded me of the calmness and balance I often miss while studying in the U.S., where life tends to move twice as fast. The slower rhythm gave me the space to reflect on my experiences, and future aspirations.
Reflections
Looking back, this summer was more than just a professional milestone, it was a period of personal growth and rediscovery. It reaffirmed my passion for creating meaningful change through finance and sustainability. As I enter my final year at Wharton, I’m excited to bring these lessons into the classroom and beyond.
This summer in Stockholm is one I’ll always cherish. I’m deeply thankful to Nordea Bank and the inspiring people I met for making it such a memorable experience. As part of my Fulbright Finland Renewal Grant, I’ve had the chance to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world sustainability challenges. I now look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact in the world of finance.
Read Malin's previous blog post about her 2024 summer job: A Summer in The City: Internship at Nordea Bank.