Meet Ria, an intern in the Product Control team at Mizuho EMEA. We asked her to describe her typical day, from her morning routine to after work plans. She also shared with us memorable moments from her internship and advice for future interns.
I wake up…
I say I wake up at 5:45, but let’s be real – my bed always wins the negotiation, and I roll out closer to 6. Those extra 15 minutes? Absolutely non-negotiable. I keep my mornings simple: quick shower, get dressed, grab a bite, and I am out the door chasing the tube. On the way to the office, I catch up on overnight market updates – it is my way of staying sharp and starting the day informed.
The first thing I do when I get into the office...
After greeting the team and logging in, I make a quick pit stop for a mocha. Floor 3 has hands down the best coffee machine. I dive into my inbox and check my calendar to get a clear view of the day ahead.
My role involves…
In my role within the Product Control team, I collaborate closely with teams across the bank, including both front office and support functions. Our primary focus is on reviewing and validating the daily P&L reports generated by each trading desk, ensuring they align with expected figures and accurately reflect performance. The position is highly dynamic, involving regular interaction with various desks to deepen my understanding of the diverse products and services Mizuho offers.
Right now I am working on...
I have been actively involved in reviewing the Equities and Structured Finance P&Ls, working closely with the team to understand the underlying figures and deal structures. This collaboration enables me to identify discrepancies more effectively and contribute to timely, accurate resolutions. Additionally, I participate in weekly report analysis meetings, where I break down key figures and provide clear justifications for any variances observed. Over the past 10 weeks, I have also led several personal projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.
For Lunch…
I often take the opportunity to catch up with fellow interns from various divisions, which has been a great way to exchange experiences and build connections across the bank. With the weather being particularly pleasant, we've frequently enjoyed lunch outdoors, exploring new restaurants or relaxing in nearby parks with views of St Paul's. On busier days, I opt to have lunch at my desk to stay on top of my workload.
The thing I am enjoying the most about my internship…
The opportunity to learn. Over the course of just 10 weeks, I have been given remarkable exposure to a wide range of financial instruments and the freedom to engage with multiple desks across the bank. This level of access has been both intellectually stimulating and professionally enriching. Beyond the technical learning, what has truly stood out is the culture at Mizuho. From day one, the team has been incredibly welcoming, supportive, and patient. Their openness has empowered me to grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel genuinely valued. It is this environment that has made my internship not only impactful, but thoroughly enjoyable.
A memorable moment during my time here is…
To wrap up our first week at Mizuho, all the interns were divided into teams for a lively scavenger hunt around St Paul’s. It was certainly an unexpected experience, but one filled with laughter, teamwork, and memorable moments. It was a unique way to bond with fellow interns, and a highlight I will look back on fondly.
The hardest part of my Internship…
I have been doing my best not to ask for yet another notebook but with the sheer volume of information I am absorbing, it has been a challenge! I am an avid note-taker, and staying organised helps me keep on top of everything. At this point, I have already filled up four notebooks, each packed with insights and learnings from my time here.
At university I am studying…
An integrated Masters in MORSE – not morse code by the way! It stands for Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics).
I chose Mizuho because…
It is a bank that is not only growing impressively but doing so with purpose. As the first Japanese bank to break into the global top 10 investment banking league table in over a decade, with over $1.8 trillion in assets and offices in nearly 40 countries, it is scaling with purpose. Mizuho’s commitment to integrity, innovation, and client-first thinking aligns with how I want to grow professionally. Joining Mizuho meant I was able to gain global exposure while being part of a culture that values passion, agility, and meaningful impact
After work...
Many of us interns often unwind together over drinks or dinner. I also make the most of being in London by reconnecting with friends interning at other banks or living nearby, exploring the city’s vibrant food scene and trying out as many restaurants and hidden gems as we can.
One piece of advice to future interns...
Do not doubt yourself. You have earned your place through hard work, and every opportunity you are given is a reflection of that. So ask the questions, say yes to new challenges, and trust that you belong. Growth happens when you step into the unfamiliar so lean into those uncomfortable moments. They will push you and ultimately shape you into a more confident, capable version of yourself. Let your achievements so far be the motivation to keep improving and reaching higher.
Looking for more than just an internship? At Mizuho, top-performing interns secure a place on our graduate programme. Start your journey with us and build the foundation for a career that’s global, dynamic, and purpose-driven.
The application for the 2026 Internship Programme is now open – learn more about it here.