Anna Maria Nygaard Nielsen

Danmarks Nationalbank

“I am relatively young. However, given my relatively short career span, my advice to young female students would be not to hesitate in seizing opportunities, even if they seem impossible. If others believe in you, you should take the challenge. Often, it is the challenges that seem most daunting that lead to the most significant learning and opportunities. Do not allow the fear of failure to hinder your progress.”

Name: Anna Maria Nygaard Nielsen
Title: Business Analyst
Company: Danmarks Nationalbank
Degree: MSC in Economics (Cand.Polit)

  1. Introduce yourself, and share a fun fact that makes you unique!

My name is Anna, and I am 28 years old. I hold a master’s degree in economics from the University of Copenhagen (Cand.Polit). 

  1. What does a day in your life look like at Danmarks Nationalbank?

I work at Danmarks Nationalbank, where I am involved in managing, developing and implementing existing and new critical payment infrastructure in Denmark. Since joining, I have been engaged in both operational and developmental projects within this domain. Recently, I have assumed a new role as test and migration coordinator for the implementation of a new European payment system in Denmark.

  1. What motivates and excites you the most about your career path and the leadership position you hold?

It motivates me to cultivate and be in a trusting work environment. Trust among supervisors and colleagues that fosters an atmosphere of collaboration, openness, and great communication is very important for decision-making processes and project deliverables. Having a high level of mutual trust is a motivating factor, as it also encourages personal growth and improvement. Furthermore, I am driven by challenges. Challenges offer opportunities for both personal and professional development. Challenges also provide a chance to solve problems, take responsibility and exhibit leadership in challenging situations. Lastly, I am motivated by making an impact. The ability to influence the direction and contribute to successful outcomes motivates me.

  1. Share with us the biggest lessons you learned on your journey to where you are today.

It is crucial to embrace challenges, assuming responsibilities to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. This can lead to substantial personal and professional growth. Embracing failures as opportunities for improvement is important during new challenges. Another lesson I have learned is that relationships play a central role in fostering collaboration and learning but it also gives you other perspectives and opportunities.

  1. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, or to other young female students today, what would it be?

I am relatively young. However, given my relatively short career span, my advice to young female students would be not to hesitate in seizing opportunities, even if they seem impossible. If others believe in you, you should take the challenge. Often, it is the challenges that seem most daunting that lead to the most significant learning and opportunities. Do not allow the fear of failure hinder your progress. 

  1. How do you see STEM education shaping the future?

STEM plays a very essential role in shaping the future in numerous ways. As technology continues to advance and impact all aspects of our live and work STEM education becomes increasingly essential. STEM educations foster critical thinking, problem solving and creativity, which is essential for innovation and make improvements. 

  1. Why is it important for you to promote diversity and inclusion within STEM?

Encouraging more students, including underrepresented groups, to engage in STEM education will promote diversity, which leads to a wider range of perspectives and ideas.   

  1. What steps has your company taken to promote a more diverse and inclusive workplace, and which one has been the most effective?

Last year, Danmarks Nationalbank introduced a policy on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. The organisation wants to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace that provides equal opportunities for all employees, which for me can contribute to workplace development, innovation and creativity.