A summer well spent: Reflections from NIB’s trainees

Each summer, NIB welcomes a group of talented trainees who bring fresh ideas, energy and curiosity into our daily work. This year’s group – Agnese, Robin, Sabina, Victor, and Wilma – spent the summer analysing deals, crunching numbers, visiting client sites and learning how sustainable finance works from the inside. Here’s a look at their journey.

Growth through challenges

From navigating complex processes to completing their first full company analyses, the summer pushed the trainees out of their comfort zones in the best possible way.

“I thought a company analysis wouldn’t require so much time,” admits Agnese Stikane, Lending trainee. “But it turned out to be more complicated, and there’s always a time limit to get the job done. Luckily, there’s always a helping hand nearby.” She also recalls the buzz of her first client visit: “It feels like we’re a crucial part of the team as trainees. Seeing the conversations in the room connect to the numbers on my screen was eye-opening.”

Sabina Åberg, also a Lending trainee, remembers her highlight: “Standing inside the building we were about to finance and meeting the company’s people in person was especially cool.”

For Robin von Koskull, Lending trainee, the summer was a mix of nerves and excitement: “My first independent credit analysis of a Swedish real estate company was slightly terrifying but incredibly rewarding. I really appreciated being trusted with such responsibility.”

Why NIB?

The trainees were drawn to NIB by its mission, values and the promise of real responsibility.

“I liked the idea of combining environmental sustainability with banking,” says Victor Sundström, Loan administration trainee. “Seeing how loans are structured, the fine print in contracts and even working with AI tools like Copilot has been fascinating.”

Sabina highlights NIB’s flexibility: “The traineeship is easy to combine with studies thanks to the flexible working hours.” Wilma Back, Accounting trainee, agrees: “I’d heard great things about NIB, and when I saw the Accounting Trainee position on LinkedIn, it felt like a perfect match.”

A culture of support

They describe NIB’s atmosphere as international, open and refreshingly human.

“One of the best things here is the people,” says Agnese. “Someone is always up for a quick chat – sometimes about a case, sometimes about where to find the best cinnamon bun in Helsinki.”

Wilma adds: “From day one, I’ve felt both valued and supported in my role. I especially appreciate the strong collaboration across different units – it creates a sense of shared purpose and makes daily work more engaging.”

And Victor jokes: “NIB is a place where trainees don’t just make the coffee – unless it’s for themselves.”

Advice for future trainees

All five trainees share the same message: Apply!

“I recommend applying to NIB if you want to learn about the finance industry in the Nordic and Baltic region,” says Robin. “It’s a great opportunity to both learn and apply what you’ve studied at university.”

Their collective advice:

• Be curious – the best learning often comes from informal conversations.
• Ask questions early and often.
• Apply if you value meaningful work in a friendly international environment.

More than just a summer

As summer comes to an end, the trainees continue their journeys with more than just professional skills – they bring along new stories, lasting friendships, and a deeper understanding of how sustainable finance can drive real impact across the Nordic-Baltic region.