From working on real-life projects to exploring new products through team rotations, Isabel Valentin Pena, a Global Markets Department intern, shares what life as a Mizuho intern is really like and how the experience is shaping her future career.
My morning routine is…
My alarm goes off around 5am, giving me just enough time to grab a pre-made breakfast and head into the office. The first thing I do when I arrive is to head straight to the coffee machine for my mocha before preparing for our daily meeting with the team in Tokyo. It is a great way to start the day, and from there I am straight into the projects I am working on.
My role involves…
A key part of my internship is the opportunity to rotate across different teams within the department. This allows me to learn from a variety of desks, gain exposure to new areas of the business and build a broader understanding of how the trading floor operates.
Right now, I am on rotation in Credit Trading, where I am helping with the reporting that goes out to clients and learning as much as possible about the products we trade. Alongside this, I am working on several longer-term projects, including automating manual tasks, improving pricing models, and carrying out Excel modelling, coding and research.
The thing I am enjoying most about my internship...
I love learning about the products we trade. There is always something new to discover, which makes every day both interesting and rewarding. Rotating across different teams has given me the chance to explore new roles and broaden my understanding of a different product area. It has helped me see how the various desks work together, while allowing me to contribute to a wider range of projects and responsibilities.
Through the experience, I have gained valuable insights from colleagues across the trading floor and developed a clearer understanding of my strengths, interests, and potential career paths.
The hardest part of my internship…
At first, I would say catching up. There are a lot of concepts to grasp in a fast-paced environment, which can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. However, colleagues are incredibly approachable and always willing to answer questions, share their knowledge and provide opportunities to shadow them.
Whenever I came across something unfamiliar, graduates on the team were always happy to point me towards resources that had helped them when they were in my position, as well as offer practical advice.
Being part of an intern cohort has also made a huge difference. We can ask each other the “silly” questions, share insights, and learn together as we navigate the experience.
The culture at Mizuho is…
Before applying, I had the opportunity to speak with several employees from the Global Markets department through career events and university alumni networks, and their experiences were a big part of what inspired me to apply.
Since joining, I have found the culture to be both collaborative and motivating. The trading floor is full of hardworking, experienced people who encourage you to learn, challenge yourself, and grow. There are a vast number of role models and mentors who are inspiring to listen and learn from.
One thing that has particularly stood out to me is the level of responsibility given to junior team members. Analysts are trusted with meaningful work from an early stage, which creates a great learning environment and reflects the confidence the firm places in its people.
At university, I am studying…
I study Mathematics and Economics, which has proved invaluable throughout my internship. Many of the concepts discussed on the desk build on topics I have explored at university, and it has been rewarding to see how that academic knowledge is applied in a real-world environment.
I feel the internship has shaped my career goals because…
The experience has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in Global Markets, particularly on the sales side, while giving me the opportunity to build relationships with experienced colleagues and develop valuable skills.
For example, before joining Mizuho I had very limited experience with Excel, but I have since worked on several VBA projects that have significantly strengthened my technical abilities.
The internship has also shown me how important work culture is to me. Working in a supportive and collaborative environment has made me realise that strong relationships and a positive team dynamic are just as important as the work itself, particularly in a role with longer hours.
The skill I have developed the most is…
Probably becoming more analytical by questioning everything I see, spotting patterns, and identifying discrepancies. Beyond learning the technical concepts, I have developed a stronger ability to think critically and understand the ‘why’ behind them.
In my time at Mizuho, I have learnt that the financial industry is constantly evolving. There is always something new to learn, whether that is a new product, a shift in market behaviour, or a changing client need, which makes the industry both challenging and exciting.
One piece of advice to future interns…
Be open minded and ready to learn anything from everyone. Be proactive, ask for tasks, and keep up to date on macro events. If you are bored, you are doing something wrong!
Inspired by Isabel's experience? Visit our Mizuho Internship Programme page to find out more about the opportunities available and how you can kick-start your career at Mizuho EMEA.
