Student job led to graduate trainee programme
My interest in the financial sector started gradually, while I was still a student. For my overall course structure I chose a number of financial subjects and in 2002 I got a student job at Danske Bank. This was one of the reasons why I decided to apply for a graduate traineeship in 2004. Also, it was hardly a drawback that the Group was the market leader in Denmark – it counts to have Danske Bank on your CV.
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Anders Hartlev, 29 years |
Qualifications: MA (PPE)
Title: Senior Analyst
Department: Group Finance, Analysis & Concepts
Experience: Joined Group in 2002 – interrupted by stay in Chicago. Completed traineeship 2005. |
Experiences abroad and an invaluable network
During the programme, some of the departments that I worked in included Group Audit, Investor Relations and Business Analysis. I also spent time in both Oslo and London. In other words I had the chance to check out many different areas and also built up an invaluable network. At the end of the programme I went for an interview with my line manager, which resulted in my being offered a job as an analyst. Today, I am a senior analyst.
Strategic forecasts, performance concepts and analyses
I work in a department called Analysis & Concepts, where I can really draw on the knowledge of the Group which I built up during my year as a graduate trainee. In my department we prepare strategic forecasts looking three years ahead, develop new analytical concepts, as well as delivering a whole range of analyses to different areas in the Group. When an interesting acquisition subject comes up in the market, we normally participate in the research work. One of our recent projects was to provide value assessments of Sampo Bank under due diligence.
A successful experience
As a graduate trainee I was responsible for putting together the presentation of the quarterly accounts made by senior management in the Danske Bank Group. It was simply my best experience of the whole programme. I performed all the tasks on my own and this gave me a fair amount of professional satisfaction and the confidence needed to be able to operate completely independently in relation to a less complex task.
Remember to be outgoing
As a graduate trainee, it is important that you are outgoing and socially intelligent – for example, you should be able to communicate with academics and bankers. You must also be proactive. By taking the initiative you will end up getting the projects that you want. Conversely, if you sit at your desk waiting for something to happen you probably won’t get noticed.