Blog
In the summer of 2024, I had the great opportunity to intern at Nordea Bank's New York office within the Corporate Banking division. It was an exceptional experience that combined both professional growth with the thrill of living in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. From crafting credit memorandums to collaborating with the ESG team in the Nordics, every moment of my internship was filled with great learning and inspiration.
Diving into the Corporate Banking World
As a third-year student from Finland at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania completing a Bachelor of Science in Economics with concentrations in Finance and ESG, I truly appreciated working for a Nordic Bank and the environment that it brought.
I worked closely with senior executives, including the division head and client executives, gaining invaluable exposure to the whole division. My responsibilities ranged from building Excel deal sheets and creating client presentations to corporate banking projects.
Each task, no matter how small, added a new layer to my understanding of the financial industry.
Exploring ESG in Action
As someone passionate about sustainability, collaborating with Nordea’s ESG team in the Nordics was a highlight of my internship. It was fascinating to see how Nordea integrates ESG principles into its corporate banking practices. From green financing initiatives to supporting clients in their sustainability journeys, I witnessed how financial institutions can play a pivotal role in driving positive environmental and social impact.
These experiences solidified my belief that finance can be a powerful tool for change. By embedding ESG considerations into decision-making processes, banks like Nordea are not only mitigating risks but also creating opportunities for a more sustainable future.
Life in the Big Apple
Another big theme of this summer was living in New York City for the first time and it was an adventure in itself.
The city has a vibrant energy, cultural diversity, and endless opportunities for adventures and exploration that makes every day exciting. From morning bagel runs at local shops to evenings spent enjoying rooftop views of the Manhattan skyline, I made the most of my time in the city that never sleeps. Living in Nolita, a neighborhood next to the busy streets of Soho, I found a new home that I hope to one day soon again rediscover.
I found my safe haven - Elizabeth Street Garden - simply a couple of blocks from my apartment sublet that made me appreciate the rare quiet moments surrounded by nature in this buzzing city. I also have this summer to thank for new friendships that will last a lifetime.
Reflections
Looking back, my summer was more than just a professional milestone—it was a journey of personal growth. I gained practical skills, expanded my knowledge of ESG integration, and developed a deeper understanding of the corporate banking landscape.
More importantly, this experience reaffirmed my passion for creating meaningful change through finance. As I continue my journey at Wharton, I am excited to bring the lessons I’ve learned into the classroom and beyond.
This summer in NYC was one I will remember and cherish forever, and I’m grateful to Nordea Bank and all the incredible people I met along the way. As part of my Fulbright Finland Undergraduate Program and Fulbright Finland Renewal Grant experience, I’ve had the chance to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to the real world—and beyond. Now I look forward with excitement towards more learning, growing, and making a difference in the world of finance!
Malin Kosonen
Fulbright Finland Undergraduate Grant 2022-23, Fulbright Finland Renewal Grant 2023-25; University of Pennsylvania, PA
Malin Kosonen is a candidate for a Bachelor of Science in Economics with concentrations in Finance and Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors in Business (ESG) at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. She is passionate about the intersection of Finance and Sustainability, and is an active member in the Penn community.
