Investment Banking Summer Associate Review

I have enjoyed my internship placement fully. I am currently and MBA student with no previous experience in Finance, but with a great interest to learn and develop as a banker. Citi has been a fantastic place for me to start my carreer in Finance and working in investment banking has been a tremendous opportunity to learn.

I have felt significantly valued by my colleagues and also understood. I know that three weeks into work I am nowhere close to the level that some of the analysts and associates have; however, I have been welcomed in the team. I have only words of gratitude towards those who take the time to teach me things and have the patience to help me learn.

My supervisors, due to the nature of the job, are not as present as I would like. However, I understand this to the fullest and have learned how to take advantage of when they are at the office. It is really helpful to talk to them as they are always willing to give a word of advise for success in the job.

I like working and I like learning. However, I have found that finding steady flow of work is very hard in my internship. Some days I am bored and trying to learn on my own and on some other ocassions I have too much on my plate. There never seems to be a balanced midpoint.

I have to say this is one of my favorite things so far. I believe that I have been made responsible for things at a rate that challenges me, but doesn't overwhealm me. The first week I was assigned simple tasks and was expected to learn them well and by the third week I am already producing some materials on my own. I am responsible for my work, however I also feel comfortable asking questions to ensure it is done right.

The work ethic and attention to detail required in IB and expected at Citi is unparalleled. The financial accumen acquired so far is extremely usefull. The job is fun, but mostly it has helped me improve as a professional and this will definitely transfer over to my MBA studies for my second year of school.

The atmoshpere was professional, respectful and also fun. I believe the team I have been working over the summer with is exceptional at knowing when it is appropiate to sit down and work and when it is acceptable to chat and have a laugh. The environment is very centered around helping others and that is invaluable.

I would not say seamless, because it is always very exciting/stressfull to start a new job. However, Citi does a great job at integrating you with you Summer internship class first and then making you feel wellcome with your team. Both steps have been very important as they have allowed me to further broaden my network within Citi.

We had a week of training for a 10 week internship. So from a percentage standpoint it is a huge investment. However, I am a firm believer that the best way to learn and develop is by doing things. The training was great, fun and usefull, but I have learned much more at the desk.

If I am offered the job at the end of my internship I will surely take it. The prospect of working at Citi is an unvaluable opportunity to develop at one of the world's leading financial institution in a fun and helpful environment. Investment Banking is also a very appealing carreer for me so all I would say is that it would be the perfect full-time job.

The social scene was one of my favorite things. Throughout my recruiting process I noticed that people at Citi, on average, where more down to earth and kinder that at other places. I have confirmed their simple "niceness" over my internship. I have developed great friendships amongst my colleagues and also with my Summer Associate class.

London is expensive and Canary Wharf is not precisley the most fun area of the Citi. While I recommend being close to the office during the internship, this does affect your socialising potential over the weekend. Its a matter of prioritizing your needs and goals. However, very fun areas are only 20-40 minutes away on a tube ride.