Why work at Nu?

If you’re wondering what makes top-quality professionals choose to work at Nu, the answer lies in a unique environment that combines customer-centric innovation, a deep respect for individuals, and a dedication to embracing diverse perspectives. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Nubank stand out by sharing the personal experiences of three Nubankers—Eduardo, João and Vanessa. Each of them found more than just a job here; they discovered a place where meaningful work converges with career growth, collaboration with world-class peers, and a relentless focus on driving positive change. 

Keep reading to learn how these testimonials illustrate the values and opportunities that define Nubank as a leading destination for those seeking both professional fulfillment and a lasting impact.

Eduardo’s leap of faith, with bold vision

When Eduardo Nince, Senior Product Ops Lead, first joined Nubank, he admits it was “a leap into the unknown.” Yet in his words, “I couldn’t have chosen a better place to work.” Drawn by “an audacious idea—that a small startup could disrupt the big banks in Brazil,” Eduardo quickly discovered that Nubank’s passion for innovation is more than a tagline; it’s a driving force that continues to reshape financial services and empower over 100 million customers.

Central to Eduardo’s experience is Nubank’s customer-obsessed culture. Quoting him, “The definition of goals is done with a focus on the customer,” whether that’s aiming to pay insurance claims in a single day or personally tracking real home-assistance visits. This top-down alignment ensures teams remain close to those they serve, turning bold ideas into products that truly make a difference.

Eduardo also emphasizes Nubank’s respect for its people. He contrasts it with past roles where weekend work was the default: “Nubank always tries to understand how the team is feeling, to change the scope if needed”. This empathy flows through daily support systems, from lightning-fast IT help to timely leadership responses. Together, these interactions form a culture where high expectations coexist with genuine care.

Rounding out Eduardo’s story is Nubank’s diverse, high-caliber talent. He highlights teammates from around the world, including industry veterans from tech giants like Google and Microsoft: “Only at Nubank would I be able to work with a guy like Fausto Ibarra, VP and General Manager, Insurance, at Nu”. Such exposure, combined with continuous feedback and development, makes Nubank not just an exceptional place to work, but also a powerful career reference that stands out—both in Brazil and abroad.

João’s path to the Purple Future

When João Augusto Lanjoni, Software Engineer, announced on LinkedIn that he was “very happy and proud to share the start of a new journey by joining Nubank,” he was stepping into what he calls “a unique opportunity and a privilege” to help transform the financial services. After presenting at one of Nubank’s Software Engineering Meetups—and experiencing firsthand the passion surrounding functional programming—he found himself drawn to a culture driven by innovation and relentless customer focus. Today, João channels that same energy into building solutions that empower millions of people to take control of their finances.

A key aspect of João’s day-to-day work lies in Nubank’s unwavering customer-centric mindset. Although some of his projects happen behind the scenes—like those on Platform and Payments teams—João sees how every line of code ultimately serves end-users. “The customer doesn’t directly see what these teams do, but… if Nu is expanding more and more, it’s thanks to the platform team that makes it all happen,” he explains. By constantly refining performance, usability, and accessibility, João and his colleagues ensure that even the most invisible parts of the system deliver a tangible impact for customers.

Beyond the technology, João highlights how respect for people shapes his experience at Nubank. Rather than pushing engineers to work weekends or ignore burnout risks, leadership provides freedom to discuss challenges openly. “Nu cares a lot about the quality of life of its engineers,” he shares, pointing to the company’s generous benefits, long-term career planning, and extended paternity leave policy as proof that employee well-being remains a top priority.

João also finds inspiration in Nubank’s world-class talent. A longtime Clojure enthusiast, he regularly collaborates with top minds—including key contributors to Clojure and Datomic—who are just “a Slack message away.” While it was daunting at first, working alongside such experts soon became a motivating force. He credits their mentorship for improving his skills and expanding his career horizons, reminding him that even at a high level, everyone is approachable and invested in each other’s growth.

In João’s view, Nubank’s rapid growth and technical complexity make it an unparalleled place for personal and career development. Handling the demands of more than 100 million customers exposes engineers to challenges that few other companies can offer. “Nu is a big tech reference”, he notes, underscoring the lasting impact of working here. For João, building the Purple Future means not only helping millions manage their finances more confidently—but also growing into a more skilled, more driven professional every step of the way.

Vanessa’s Talent Acquisition journey at Nu

When Vanessa Paladini, Head of Talent Acquisition, joined Nubank in 2020, an ambitious leap that she calls her “best decision ever”, many of the key moments in Nu’s history had not yet happened. Nearly five years later, she has witnessed hyper-growth, an IPO, the launch of multiple products, and mergers & acquisitions—all while helping to hire and develop countless Nubankers. Vanessa remains inspired by how this bold environment continually surpasses expectations and reshapes the future of financial services, proving that taking risks can lead to extraordinary rewards.

Central to Vanessa’s role is attracting and nurturing top talent—all in service of delivering exceptional products and experiences for Nubank customers. “We need to ensure that we have the best people to build complete products, with different visions” she says. Her team’s work is guided by the same customer-centric mindset driving every corner of the company. Whether scouting AI specialists abroad or advising different business units on team structures, Vanessa and her colleagues focus on aligning skilled professionals with Nubank’s mission to innovate for hundreds of millions of users.

Equally important is how Nubank empowers its people. For Vanessa, it’s a place that values those willing to “take risks and have the courage to take on big challenges”. She points to her own trajectory—hiring executives, pivoting to support various areas, and ultimately leading the Talent Acquisition team—as an example of how Nu encourages growth at every stage. “The more willing you are and the more flexible you are to change, the more you’ll be recognized” she adds, noting that the company’s fast pace comes with abundant opportunities to learn, evolve, and make a real impact.

Vanessa also highlights the density of world-class professionals at Nubank—many of whom she personally helped bring on board. “We have a very large intellectual capital of talent,” she explains, emphasizing that diverse viewpoints and constructive debate fuel innovation. Her team, in turn, constantly challenges hiring processes to seek out less obvious backgrounds and cultivate fresh thinking. “Innovation goes through this diversity”, she says, stressing that including people with unique experiences drives better decisions for the company and its customers alike.

Ultimately, Vanessa believes Nubank’s reputation for fostering top talent extends far beyond its offices. She sees it as an exceptional environment—one where professionals can shape the future of financial services while “making the extraordinary happen, literally”! Whether you’re an engineer, a designer, or part of her own Talent Acquistion team, Vanessa’s story demonstrates that coming to Nubank means embracing change, fueling personal growth, and taking part in a mission that resonates on a global scale.

Conclusion

As seen through the stories of João, Eduardo, and Vanessa, Nubank isn’t just a financial services company—it’s a thriving community built on customer focus, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional development. 

By fostering diverse teams and encouraging each individual to tap into a genuine sense of purpose, Nubank offers a launchpad for meaningful innovation and continuous self-improvement. 

For those wondering “Why should I choose to work at Nubank?”, these testimonials speak volumes: it’s a place where passion, possibility, and transformative ideas come together to shape both careers and the future of financial services.