Kiitorata has been an excellent start to employment! I have been working as a banking trainee in OP Helsinki, with a focus on further developing daily banking services and the related processes. It has been a positive surprise that my job has been much more independent and it has involved a lot more responsibility than what I expected. I have been able to get a lot out of the programme, especially by being active and taking initiative. I have been able to contribute to development measures conducted in OP Helsinki and taken on projects that interest me. I have been supported by my supervisor, co-workers and mentor. I have always come to work in good spirits.

In addition to the actual work, there have been many other Kiitorata activities too, such as meetings with management and easy-going social evenings with the trainees. Approximately 40 trainees have participated in the programme and we all have had very different duties in different parts of the organisation. At our meetings and through networking, I have got acquainted with different units’ operations and great people. In addition, I think being mentored by an experienced expert at OP has been especially valuable. We decided to continue with our meetings after the programme has ended.

Kiitorata has especially given me more confidence in project management and, on the other hand, it has made me more independent and increased my presentation skills as well. I believe that my experiences will be very useful for me in the future. I want to orientate towards developing products and services. I feel like I grew from a trainee to an expert in six months.

I recommend Kiitorata to all students on the brink of graduation who are interested in working in the financial industry. OP Financial Group is a large organisation, with an endless number of internal career paths and opportunities on offer. OP is investing in and encouraging its employees to participate in internal job rotation, thanks to which you can further develop your career based on your interests.

Katja, Banking Trainee