“I was drawn to investment banking because of the diverse range of experiences it offers”: Interview with Investment Banking analyst Nanna Kjekstad

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up on a farm in Røyken with three older siblings. I studied in Bergen at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), where I completed a Master’s degree in Finance. In my spare time I like to spend time with friends and family, travel, try new restaurants and be active in different sports and activities.
 
What do you do at ABGSC?
I work as an analyst in the Investment Banking division. My tasks consist of everything from financial modelling and valuation, to creating marketing materials and having control over client dialogues and the different workstreams in a transaction process. It’s a very dynamic role that allows me to work closely with companies across various industries, supporting them in key strategic decisions.
 
What’s your favourite thing about coming into work each day?
Since our work is project-based, one of the things I enjoy most about coming into the office is the opportunity to collaborate and interact with my colleagues.
 
What does a typical day consist of for you?
My typical day at ABGSC is varied and fast-paced. I usually arrive at the office between 08:30 and 09:00 and grab a coffee or some breakfast, before settling into my workday. During the day I often have several meetings with clients and work on financial models or presentations. We normally eat lunch at around 11:00, and then there’s another work session before dinner. I might take a coffee break (or during summer an ice cream break) in the afternoon. I also try to squeeze in a workout during the day.
 
What made you seek out a career in investment banking?
I was drawn to investment banking because of the diverse range of experiences it offers. Working within investment banking allows me to gain hands-on experience with companies across various industries and interact with top management teams. The steep learning curve and the opportunity to contribute to strategic decision-making processes were also appealing factors.
 
What do you think defines ABGSC’s culture?
ABGSC has a dynamic and collaborative culture that values excellence and continuous learning. It’s a fast-paced environment, but also one that offers tremendous growth opportunities for those willing to work hard and embrace challenges.
 
Any advice for students considering finance as a career path? What about general advice for people considering a role with ABGSC?
I think it’s important to highlight that working in finance requires more than just technical skills; strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal abilities are equally crucial. For those considering a role at ABGSC, be prepared for a steep learning curve, and be ready to work hard while contributing to meaningful projects that make a real impact.