Meet James, an intern in the IT Risk team at Mizuho EMEA. We asked him to describe a typical day on his internship, his memorable experiences and how the internship has shaped his skillset and career goals.
I wake up…
Around 7 (sometimes a bit later) and must force myself out of bed before I drift back to sleep. I leave the house around 8 to get on the tube at 8:15, using the commute time to listen to music.
The first thing I do when I get into the office...
I head to my locker to grab my keyboard, mouse, and headset. Working in IT, we use a hot desk system, which means I sit in a different spot each day. This has been great for meeting new people and expanding my network. I then check my emails and calendar and write a daily plan in my notebook to stay organised.
My role involves…
I work in IT Risk, specifically in Information Systems Management. My project for the summer involves me researching 5 of the company’s most critical systems and mapping their risks and dependencies.
The thing I am enjoying most about my internship…
Meeting so many people and learning about the broader functions of the bank. Although my role is in IT as a Business Analyst, I’ve had opportunities to collaborate with teams across departments and even attend trading demos. It’s been a great way to gain diverse experience and insight into the industry.
A memorable moment during my time here is…
Volunteering along side my colleagues at Little Village’s warehouse in Wandsworth. We spent the day sorting through baby clothes and building baby beds and cots. This was a very rewarding experience and a great chance to give back to the community. It’s good to know Mizuho have such a close-knit partnership with this charity.
At university I’m studying…
Financial Computing, the course is ideal for this role, as it covers modules in Computer Science, Accounting & Finance, and Economics. My understanding of IT systems and financial markets has been especially useful during the internship.
I chose Mizuho because…
The role aligns perfectly with my academic background and interest in fintech. Mizuho is in an exciting phase of growth, and I had a great first impression during the assessment centre, which has only been reinforced since joining.
How has your internship shaped your career goals?
The internship has broadened my understanding of the IT landscape and shown me how diverse the field can be. From internal audit to asset management to DevOps, each area operates differently and offers its own unique challenges and opportunities. This exposure has helped me identify where my strengths and interests lie. As a result, I now feel confident that I want to pursue a career in IT.
What skills have you developed the most?
During my internship, I’ve developed my public speaking, research, and stakeholder management skills the most. One standout moment was delivering an ESG-focused presentation to colleagues, which helped me build confidence in presenting complex topics clearly and professionally. I’ve also strengthened my research skills through analysing critical systems and gathering insights from senior IT stakeholders. These experiences have taught me how to communicate effectively, manage relationships, and present findings in a structured and impactful way.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about the financial industry?
One thing I’ve learned is how deeply interconnected technology is with every part of the financial industry. From trading platforms and risk management systems to compliance tools and customer-facing applications, IT plays a critical role in enabling operations and driving innovation. This experience has shown me that working in finance involves not only understanding markets, but also the systems that support them.
One piece of advice to future interns…
Make the most of your time here and don’t be afraid to take on tasks that seem challenging or ask ‘silly’ questions. Approach each day with confidence and a willingness to learn.
How would you describe the culture at Mizuho?
Everyone is friendly and approachable. There’s a strong sense of collaboration between teams, and you can genuinely reach out to anyone for support or guidance. It’s a professional environment, but also one where people take the time to connect and make you feel part of the team.
With hands-on projects, exposure to global teams, and a pathway to graduate roles, Mizuho’s internship programme is designed to launch your career in finance with confidence and clarity.
The application for the 2026 Internship Programme is now open – learn more about it here.