Markets and Securities Services Spring Intern Review

I enjoyed my insight very much. After I had done other Spring Weeks already, this one was by far the most valuable, especially also on the long term. Not only did we actually work in the teams and therefore had real exposure to (in my case) Markets, but also did the recruiters do an amazing job in structuring the week.

I definitely felt valued. This was especially due to the fact that we did not only do typical work-shadowing (i.e. sitting on other peoples desks, watching what they are doing) but were also assigned to our own projects on which we were working on during the week, therefore having more technical exposure.

Everyone - the people on the Floor and especially on the desk, but also the Recruiters - were extremely supportive and you could ask everyone for help when needed. This was an amazing experience, as you could see that people did not only support the spring interns but also each other on the floor.

I felt extremely lucky with my desks and received a lot of information and definitely learned a lot during the week about the products and the influencing factors, but also about the way the floor and desks are structured in general. Especially for the people who decide after the Spring Week on staying in finance, that information was very valuable.

During the week it was a very good balance between having information sessions, networking events and work shadowing / working on the desks. I was especially surprised (in a positive way) by the large amount of time designated to work-shadowing, as that time gave us the most exposure to the division.

The general atmosphere was very positive - between the Spring Interns but also at networking events or at the meetings with the recruiters.

I found the insight extremely helpful in understanding what it would be like having a full time role with Citi. That was especially due to the large percentage of work-shadowing we did as well as due to the numerous networking opportunities (with juniors as well as with seniors) we had. As we could walk up to any desk at any time and ask them about their daily work, tasks and skill sets, you really got a broader picture of what it is like pursuing a full time role there.

The insight definitely helped a lot in understanding the company culture. I was extremely surprised (positively), by the strength of many bonds/ friendships between the employees but also by the loyalty towards the firm and how supportive people acted towards each other on the trading floor. Of cause, there are busy times as well, but people always showed respect for each other.

The content and structure of the week was extremely helpful for me in deciding whether pursuing a role in Markets (or in an Investment Bank in general) is something for myself or not. It was therefore great that a large amount of the time was dedicated to being on the desk/ in the specific division and getting to know the people, the firm culture, the tasks and so one. Moreover you experienced, whether or not your skill set fits the requirements in that area and compare it to what skill set and backgrounds other employees have, but also determining whether or not the work environment fits you (e.g. working in a rather noisy environment on the floor vs. sitting in silence in front of your computers etc.)

There were several opportunities for networking and meeting other employees during the week. As we were working on the desks, you could approach most people at any time, ask them about their background and role, as well as about what they are doing on a day-to-day basis. In addition, we had time slots in the evening designated to networking with Juniors and Seniors, which was great, as you could have both perspectives on the firm and the culture that way.

We even had a whole presentation designated to covering that topic.

I would definitely recommend the Citi Spring Week to a friend at any time! Of the Spring Weeks I did, this one was by far the most valuable but was also very enjoyable looking at the atmosphere. I learned a lot during the week, both, in technical terms, but also regarding the work environment, the people and the company culture. Citi is definitely a great place to work at.