Citi - Thanks to a sponsorship scheme that Citi ran at my university, I was made aware of their Investment Banking internships. My experience as an intern gave me a great opportunity to learn more about the company and meet the teams I could be working with. On finishing, I made the decision to try for their Investment Banking graduate scheme.

Course - I’d chosen my course carefully as my main interests were in Economics and Business. Arriving at university, I then tailored my modules to include finance, corporate finance and accounting. It was soon clear that a career within Investment Banking would be a good fit with my skill-sets.

Accounting has been the most useful module, as it taught me the more concrete skills I needed for my position. Otherwise, it was the additional, softer skills I learnt alongside my degree - motivational, organisational, time management - which have proved most useful.

My internship was the best preparation I could have had for my future role. Although I had an idea of what that role would involve at the time, I didn’t expect the level of responsibility I was given. I was also surprised at how easily I’ve been able to integrate with my team and learn the hard technical skills. I thought both of these things would be a big challenge for me, but I found they came naturally while working ‘on-the-job’.

The training - including a nine-week course just to begin with - has been impressive. There was a lot
of detail on accounting and corporate finance, but I also worked on computers with a trainer, getting used to the software which I now use. Of course, we also learnt all of the soft skills you need, such as presenting and communicating across a global business. This level of preparation is essential, considering the level of responsibility you’re given as a graduate.

I really enjoy mastering the hard technical models. I also like working with the people around me: they are funny, personable and come from many different backgrounds. I think that it’s really important to be able to work well within a team, as you’ll be with one another for hours at a time.

I see myself staying in this role for a long time, but I want to take advantage of the opportunities to
develop myself while I’m here. I think it’s great that you get the chance to do both a Masters in Finance and an international rotation – the latter is especially inviting if, like me, you have only ever studied and lived in the UK.

My degree in Information Technology & Computer Science definitely helped lay the foundations for my career. It gave me a good overview of how technology can improve business and taught me valuable skills like strategic thinking and problem solving. After graduating, Citi was my first choice of employer because I knew their size and reputation would give me opportunities I couldn’t find elsewhere.

When I started on the Citi I.T. scheme, I wasn’t expecting to have such a high level of responsibility so early on. The autonomy you’re given can be daunting at times, but it’s a vital part of the learning curve. Within a few short months, I was already seeing the impact of my work on the organisation. You’re always recognised for your achievements too. If you show that you want to learn and progress fast, you’re given the chance to. Thanks to the training and support I’ve been given I’ve had two promotions since I started and I’m now a Senior Business Analyst.

There’s not really an average day for me. As well as overseeing the projects we’ve got going on, I’m always talking to developers about new technologies and for our clients. Completing a project and solving a complicated problem is one of the aspects I enjoy most. That’s the great thing about working here: you don’t just learn about technology, you get to see how it makes Citi work as an organisation, and how it helps us, and our client in the outside world.