The Female Network is part of the Gothenburg Investment Banking Society (GIBS), an independent student organization based in Gothenburg, Sweden. Members of the group are normally enrolled at Gothenburg School of Business, Economics & Law or Chalmers University of Technology.
In an interview, we caught up with Eleni Katsarelia, head of the 2025-2026 GIBS Female Network committee, to chat about her ambitions for this year’s banking tours (the most popular activities organized by the society), as well as her thoughts on the finance industry and how to get more women to consider a career in finance.
Eleni, can you start with giving us a short introduction to the Gothenburg Investment Banking Society? What does the group do and why?
Gothenburg Investment Banking Society was established in 2006 as an independent, student-driven finance club aiming to connect students with professionals, primarily in London. Over time, it has evolved into a broader finance society, with its two flagship events being the London Investment Banking Week and the Stockholm Investment Banking Week.
Gothenburg unfortunately offers limited opportunities for students specifically interested in finance. Therefore, GIBS was founded, and continues to operate with the goal of inspiring students and connecting them with professionals and companies that can provide valuable career opportunities.
GIBS organizes annual banking weeks in London and Stockholm as one of the group’s most popular activities. Can you tell us more about this type of activity? What experiences do participants come away with when they participate?
These trips are indeed our most popular and largest events. They include visits to investment banks, private equity firms, and other financial institutions, where a carefully selected group of approximately 20 students get the opportunity to engage directly with professionals.
It’s a unique chance for students to network, learn about different firms, and gain insight into potential career paths. At the same time, companies benefit from meeting ambitious students from Gothenburg and presenting internship or job opportunities.
Participants gain a deeper understanding of the financial sectors in London and Stockholm, build strong connections with peers, and often leave with a competitive edge when applying for internships.
The ABG Sundal Collier Women in Finance Foundation will support the GIBS Female Network’s female-only banking trips in 2026; how will the Foundation’s donation contribute to your student group’s ambitions and goals?
The Foundation’s support is crucial for the continued development of the Female Network within GIBS. Over the past three years, this partnership has enabled us to organize and fund the Female Mentorship Programme, an initiative specifically designed for female students in Gothenburg.
The programme matches 8 – 10 students with mentors and includes a series of events focused on CV development, application strategies, and networking. This year, we’ve expanded the programme to include a visit to London, allowing participants to build connections beyond the Swedish market.
Our ambition is to continue growing the Female Network by organizing more events in Stockholm and London, and potentially expanding to other countries. There are still challenges to overcome, as many female students at Chalmers University of Technology and the School of Business, Economics and Law tend to hesitate when considering careers in finance. Through these initiatives, we aim to inspire more women to explore and pursue opportunities in the field.
I assume that from time to time you encounter young female students who are a bit hesitant about potentially pursuing a career in finance. What would you say to such students to encourage them to join your group/apply for the banking weeks/other activities to discover more about the range of career opportunities available within the finance industry?
Many female students hesitate because of the preconception that finance is a male-dominated industry. My response is that this shouldn’t discourage them, more women are entering the field every year, and strong employers actively promote inclusive and supportive work environments.
There is also a general lack of accessible information about careers in finance, which GIBS aims to address through targeted events, especially those designed for women. By reducing this information gap, we hope to empower more students to apply for internships, connect with professionals, and confidently pursue careers in finance.
Finally, on a more personal note: What made you choose to work with GIBS alongside your studies? And can you tell us what you find most attractive about a potential career in finance?
I participated in the first Female Mentorship Programme three years ago, which inspired me to apply and join GIBS later that same year. It was a very impactful experience that gave me both confidence and clarity regarding career opportunities in finance. Working with GIBS allows me to contribute to creating similar opportunities for other students, which I find highly rewarding.
What attracts me most to a career in finance is the combination of intellectual challenge, fast-paced environments, and the opportunity to work on complex, high-impact projects. I am also drawn to the international aspect of the industry and the continuous learning it offers.
Eleni is in her third year of a BSc in Business and Economics degree at the School of Business, Economics & Law at the University of Gothenburg.
