David
Corporate Banking Analyst
3 Months at Citi
"Learn as much as possible while you are still in school and continue to question and learn more about the area of business you want to go into. Take a few hours out of your week to explore new skills and meet with people in the industry."
My Background:
I grew up in Bogota, Colombia but always wanted to study abroad. I attended Hampden-Sydney College where I obtained a BA in Economics and Business. During one semester, I had the opportunity to study emerging market economies at University College, London. During my freshman year I developed an interest in finance. This led me to find opportunities such as the student-run investment fund, which I led my senior year. After I graduated college, I returned to Colombia and began my career at Citi.
My role:
My team manages the relationships with our institutional clients. As we work with them, we identify their needs and the best products to suit them. We are Citi’s frontline when dealing with clients, and aim to maintain stable and strong relationships.
How I got started:
During my undergrad, I took time to approach professionals in the sector and tried to get an understanding of what their roles entailed. This helped me to develop my professional goals and articulate them when I had the opportunity to interview for a role.
A day in the life:
I support the Relationship Managers on whatever they need to satisfy the client’s needs. It might be writing a credit memo and submitting it for approval, or building a company profile that other department can use to pitch a client. I like the dynamic, given that one day or week can be completely different from the previous one depending on the deal or transaction I am helping with.
What I enjoy mosts:
I enjoy the exposure to different clients and industries. In my case, I support all three clusters for Colombia, and that challenges me to navigate various companies with completely different needs and business-models.
Skills check:
It’s a very broad skill-set, because it demands hard skills, such as confidence using Microsoft Office and other programs, but also soft skills such as the ability to communicate well and forethought to anticipate client needs.
Advice for others:
Learn as much as possible while you are still in school and continue to question and learn more about the area of business you want to go into. Take a few hours out of your week to explore new skills and meet with people in the industry. When an opportunity arises, make sure you are prepared and ready for your interview.
Where Citi can take you:
Citi can take you wherever you are willing to go. You can work your way up to senior positions or experience the same role in different work locations around the world. If you’re willing to do the work and be flexible, opportunities will arise.
Why Citi?
Citi provides opportunities for growth that may not be available at other companies. There are no limits on where you can go if you bring a strong work ethic and dedication.
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