Pieter Paul Wittgen

Graduated with a LLM in Financial Law, Erasmus University, Rotterdam and an MSc in Business Administration, VU University, Amsterdam, 2008
Currently: Associate, Investment Banking (Corporate Finance), Hong Kong

Investment banking was always my first career choice. I wanted responsibility at an early stage and the chance to work on globally significant projects. Having exposure to innovative products that shape future company strategy also really interested me. I started an internship with Lehman Brothers in Europe and was offered a permanent role in Hong Kong after graduating.

The great thing about working in Asia is that the teams are smaller. This means you get wide exposure to all areas of the business, and to clients, from day one. I'm always working on deals with live deadlines and that's the most exciting part for me - getting a deal over the finish line. There's so much to prepare and get straight before you can close, it really makes my day when we do. I can't imagine that any other bank gives you the opportunity to be such a big part of deals so early on. If a senior manager here believes you can do it, you're given the chance to prove yourself.

Nomura is the only investment bank that originates from Asia. It's this Asian spirit that gives the firm a strong entrepreneurial atmosphere, and drives their ambitions to build a global platform. Before joining Nomura, I knew them as a market leader in Japan. But it wasn't until I started here that I saw just how well poised they are to become global leaders too.

Anyone looking for fast-paced progression will find it here. Nomura can give you the unique opportunity to be part of a business that's paving the way for the future of global investment banking. It's a real chance to shape your own future too. It's a steep learning curve but, if you're proactive and have the ability to take on projects and responsibility, you're guaranteed to go far.