First Year Work Experience Week Review

First Year Work Experience Week at Citi Belfast was very enjoyable. The balance between presentations and practical activities was good. These activities were interactive and provided an enjoyable way to learn about Citi, its operations in Belfast and business in general. I had fun with other participants during breaks and on tasks and staff were friendly too.

I felt quite valued as a potential future employee at Citi. I was free to ask any questions and find out more and staff were keen to talk to me, advise me and invest in me. I think it is great that Citi values first year undergraduates and wants to see them develop in putting on this programme. What is important also is that even if we were not considering a career at Citi we were not any less important. However, during work shadowing some staff did not know exactly that we were first years on an insight week.

Staff were on hand throughout each day leading us from activity to activity. We were well looked after. I was free to ask questions and receive advice on my own career aspirations and how I could fit in with my skills and academic background. It was very useful that we underwent a mock assessment centre and had workshop on CVs and cover letters.

It was brilliant to be able to see how what I study in my degree applies to real life. Now when I learn more I will be able to understand better due to the work shadowing experience. Insight into Citi will also help me in picking module options and extra-curricular activities. The CV and cover letter workshop assisted me greatly in developing how I present my employability.

The week was fairly well structured in that we were always busy and participating. It was also structured logically with overview presentations at the start before the work shadowing opportunities. However, we were not given a timetable so we didn't know what we were doing next or what to expect. Also, during work shadowing we often ran out of time and didn't get to visit all teams in a department.

There was a great atmosphere during the week. We all got on well with each other and we had fun. Presentations were interesting and interspersed with breaks and lighter activities. Staff were very friendly and enthusiastic. Citi was presented as workplace with a very pleasant and inviting atmosphere. It would be enjoyable to work there in the future.

I feel the work shadowing aspect of the insight was useful in understanding what it would be like to have a full time role with Citi. It was always explained how a typical day would run and the tasks performed. I also experienced what is like to do some of these tasks through the interactive activities. Networking events were great in finding out employee opinions on their roles at Citi.

I find that all aspects of the week were accurately reflective of the organisational culture at Citi, especially given Belfast's strategic role in the region. I would be delighted to work in a company that has the culture, vision and values of what I experienced at Citi during my week there.

Opportunities were provided to meet employees throughout Citi Belfast. Staff that gave presentations introduced themselves and were approachable for questions. Placement and graduate employees gave up their time to assist with some of the week's events. Aspects of the work shadowing were immersive in meeting employees as they carried out their roles.

The networking lunch with placement and graduate employees was fun and allowed us to ask questions about their career paths and their experience at Citi. It was also good to socialise with them. In terms of staff, some left us their contact details so were are free to get in touch with them for future advice and guidance.

During the presentations, one was focused on showing all the clubs and hobby groups that Belfast employees run. We were told the importance of them and how employees are in charge of them. We also learnt about office-wide events that take place every month, including the numerous charity events that Citi is involved with.

I would absolutely recommend this insight. It is a truly valuable and enjoyable experience. I am thankful to have taken part and would encourage first years next with an interest to apply. Compared to other insight events I have attended, this one has been great in having a wide range of activities.