Victor Popa

Starting a career in finance can feel like stepping into a vast and complex world. But what if you had the chance to explore it step by step, with real responsibilities and a strong support system? “This traineeship isn’t just about learning the ropes; it’s about growing as a future leader,” says Victor Popa. His journey through the Finance and Risk traineeship at NN Group shows how a well-structured program, combined with mentorship and personal growth opportunities, can turn that challenge into an exciting adventure. 

From London and Bucharest to Rotterdam’s vibrant campus 
Born in London and having grown up in Bucharest, Victor has already seen much of the world. When applying to universities, he ultimately chose Erasmus University in Rotterdam. “This university has a strong reputation in economics and business, which is why I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degree there.” Another reason why he chose a university in The Netherlands? “I heard The Netherlands had a vibrant student life. And that also didn’t disappoint!” 

Exploring career opportunities 
After completing his studies in Rotterdam, Victor had to take the next step. This was an important decision. “I didn’t want to jump straight into an entry-level job, because I wanted to learn about the world of finance, investment, and risk management by growing my experience with exposure to different fields within those subjects. I wanted to be involved in multiple topics to gain diverse experiences early on. A traineeship seemed fitting, and was definitely the right idea for me.” When applying for traineeships, NN’s recruitment process stood out immediately to Victor. “I received handwritten notes, and communication was clear and supportive. In a world full of generic rejection emails, that personal touch made a big difference.” 

In September 2024, Victor started the Finance and Risk traineeship at NN Group. “It’s a structured two-year program with three rotations. My first rotation lasted a full year, and the next two are six months each. “The different rotations give me the opportunity to experience the diversity of work being done in such a financial services institution. After two years as a Finance & Risk Trainee, even though you rotate through different teams, you tend to specialize in certain areas. Depending on your focus, this could be topics such as solvency, risk management, business controlling, or investment management. That’s exactly what I was looking for.” 

Focussing on professional development 
But there was another reason why Victor preferred NN’s traineeship over others. “I noticed that NN has a strong focus on personal development. And that really was the case. Through the Future Leaders Programme, we have six training weeks over two years, which really push you to reflect on leadership, communication, and how to make an impact as a junior in a senior-led environment.” 

Victor wanted to develop and grow in other ways as well. “I was also given the opportunity to pursue my CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) certification. I passed level 1, which is a big achievement requiring about 300 hours of study.”  

Diving into risk management 
Talking about his first rotation, Victor says, “I worked in Enterprise Risk Management, focusing on non-financial risks. This was new for me; assessing climate risks like flooding and wildfires on our real estate portfolio. It was exactly what I wanted: exposure beyond pure economics to real-world, impactful challenges.” He adds, “Even as a junior, I was given a lot of responsibility. I worked independently on projects and regularly met with senior stakeholders. My work was taken seriously and reviewed closely, which really motivated me.” 

A spot in the Investment Office 
About his second rotation, Victor explains, “When that rotation came to an end, I chose to join the Investment Office to align with my academic background. Now, during my second rotation, I’m part of the Private Markets team. I work with portfolio managers and external asset managers. I’ve been managing a private debt portfolio. It’s been intense, but I learned a lot.” 

Unlimited guidance, mentorship and support 
On the work environment, Victor says, “Despite NN’s size, it feels personal. There’s a great mentorship network—from senior managers to trainee managers and peers. My mentor has been with the company over 20 years and leads a department I hope to work in someday. That guidance has proven to be very valuable.”