Spring Insight Programme - Private Bank Review

Th Spring Insight Programme in the Private Banking business at Citi was a great experience. The work shadowing was very interesting, challenging and useful, in that it allowed me to understand about how all parts of the Private Bank work. The induction, networking and advice sessions provided were also excellent. It was great to be able to network with both junior and senior staff across Citi.

Despite only being in first year at university, I was made to feel very welcome during the Programme. I felt valued inside my team in the Private Bank, especially since I was able to perform research which I hope will be useful to my team. The culture was very respectful, collaborative and flat, which made working in a team in the Private Bank a very good experience.

The Graduate Recruitment Staff were excellent in supporting me through the Programme. The induction activities on the first day, such as advising us on how to approach the Programme, were very useful, and helped me to feel welcome and settle into Citi. The advice session for the Assessment Centre was also very useful. It reassured me and gave me confidence for when I did it. Also, my team in the Private Bank were very supportive, always asking if I needed anything or any help.

The knowledge I have gained about the Private Bank is invaluable to me. Not only do I now know much more about what the Private Bank does, but also I understand more about investments and the relationships the bankers have with clients. The skills I have developed will also certainly help me in the future. For example, I have developed my research and analytical skills, which are useful not just for my Economics degree but also for a career in Finance in the future.

The Insight was well-structured. It was a busy week, which was good for me, as it allowed me as much time as possible to learn about Citi and the Private Bank, to talk to employees and to develop my skills. Networking events in the evenings were also well planned and organised. Overall, the insight was well structured, with the right mix of 'desk time' and other activities.

The Programme was very enjoyable. I felt well looked after during the week and enjoyed both my tasks set by my team and 'buddy' and the activities organised by the Graduate Recruitment Team. The atmosphere was not pressurised and was conducive to my learning and team-working. The atmosphere was Citi was collaborative and friendly.

I think that Citi went a long way to ensure that I developed over the course of the Programme. From having my own desk, to other team members selflessly dedicating their time to help me with my tasks, I felt that Citi wanted me to gain knowledge and improve my skills over the course of the Programme.

The Programme only lasted for one week, but in that time I learned a huge amount about what working in the Citi Private Bank is like. Work shadowing a team allowed me to understand the particular roles team members do, whilst being able to talk and network with staff from across the Private Bank and Citi as a whole broadened my understanding further.

I have really learned a lot about Citi's core values and culture during the Programme. Working as part of a team, I could appreciate the collaborative and supportive environment in the Private Bank. Through talking with many people in the Bank, I heard first-hand their experiences of working for Citi. They all emphasised how much they enjoyed working at Citi.

Since I experienced first-hand how the Private Bank works, and what the role of a Private Banker at Citi involves, I have gained a good understanding of what is required for the role. The experience has helped my to decide which career path I should follow. I would like to pursue a career in Private Banking for sure now, as I feel I would fit into the environment there.

My accommodation expenses were paid in their entirety, whilst travel and food expenses were also reimbursed by Citi, which I really appreciate.

Certainly. Through two networking sessions (one with senior staff and one with junior staff) I gained a better understanding of a wide range of roles within not just the Private Bank but also Citi as a whole. I was also encouraged to talk to as many people as possible within the Private Bank. Seeing how all the different roles fit together was very interesting, and has given me a good perspective of the different roles available.

I now understand some of the activities employees can engage with outside of work. For example, this may be volunteering with Citi, getting involved with charity events, or joining a 'society' or sports club with other employees. However, I am not really sure of the full range of activities available to employees.

I would certainly recommend this Insight to a friend. The experiences I have had will stay with me for a very long time, as will the knowledge and skills I have gained. The Insight was well run, and I felt well supported and valued within my team. I also had a lot of fun during the week.