Picture of Sophie Grooten standing in front of EY’s office location in Copenhagen.

Real Responsibility from Day One: My Journey into Corporate Finance

Related topics

Discover how Theodor transitioned from CBS to EY-Parthenon, gaining hands-on M&A experience and real responsibility from day one.

About me

My name is Theodor, and I recently joined EY-Parthenon's Corporate Finance team in Copenhagen as a full-time Associate. I hold a Cand.merc. in Finance and Accounting (FIR) from Copenhagen Business School (CBS), which I completed in the summer of 2026. I originally applied in autumn 2025 and joined the team  as an Analyst (student position) six months before graduating. This gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience before transitioning into a full-time role in August 2026.

In Corporate Finance, we advise companies and business owners on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), typically on the sell-side. We support clients throughout the entire transaction process, helping them identify the right buyer and navigate each stage from the initial pitch through to closing. The work involves a combination of financial analysis, valuation, market and buyer research, and developing the materials that help tell a company's story to potential investors.

The learning experience

The learning curve is steep, but that is also what makes the role so rewarding. From an early stage, you are trusted with real responsibility, and every transaction introduces a new industry, a new set of challenges and a new problem to solve. Having spent six months in the team as an Analyst before joining full-time certainly helped, but there is no substitute for learning through live transactions. My approach has been simple: don't expect to know everything from day one. Ask questions, stay curious and trust that the knowledge and confidence will come as you build a solid foundation.

Professional seated on wooden steps outside a modern office building with glass facades and urban surroundings.

The social experience

For me, the people and the culture were ultimately the deciding factors. We are a young and ambitious team with a genuinely supportive environment, where colleagues are willing to go the extra mile for one another. Working alongside people I enjoy spending time with makes a real difference, especially during busy periods. There is a strong sense of teamwork and shared commitment. We are working towards the same goals together, rather than simply working alongside each other.

It is also a bonus that we recently moved into our new headquarters at Marmormolen in Copenhagen. It is a fantastic workspace and, conveniently, just a short walk from where I live.

A piece of advice

If you are considering applying, invest time in preparing before the interview. Make sure you understand the fundamentals, are comfortable with the technical concepts you are likely to be tested on, and can explain your thinking clearly and confidently. Take the time to learn about the firm and the types of transactions we advise on, and come prepared to explain what attracts you to Corporate Finance. You do not need to know everything. What matters most is demonstrating that you have prepared thoroughly, are genuinely curious and have a strong willingness to learn. That mindset can take you a long way.


Summary 

What is it like to start a career in Corporate Finance? In this blog, Theodor shares his journey from CBS student to full-time Analyst at EY-Parthenon. He reflects on the steep learning curve, the responsibility that comes with working on live M&A transactions, and the supportive team culture that has helped him grow and build confidence in his role.

About this article