EMEA Consumer Poland > Undergraduate

Business Description

What is the Consumer Bank in Poland?

Citi has been present in Poland since 1991, at the beginning through Citibank Poland until 2001, when Citibank merged with Bank Handlowy w Warszawie S.A.

The group has been dynamically growing, over 20% in 2007, in four major fronts:
Core Retail Banking (revenue $ 190 MM); Cards ($ 110 MM); CitiFinancial ($ 82 MM); Citibusiness ($ 21 MM).

Today Citi Handlowy is one of the largest financial institutions in Poland, it serves 900.000 retail customers through cutting edge distribution channels and a network of over 200 branches throughout the country.

What service do we provide to our clients?

Citi’s Global Consumer Group in Poland offers products to all consumer segments from low income (CitiFinancial) to more medium income (Retail Banking) and high income (Wealth Management).

We provide the full product offer with all liability, assets, investments, insurance, cards products and mortgage products through our branch network, Citiphone as well as Citibank on-line platform.

How we're structured?

In addition to our 220 branches, the Headquarters in Warsaw include further departments such as Credit Risk, Operations & Technology, Treasury, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Compliance, Marketing and Communications.

Roles of an MA

Joanna Olszewska
During the 2-year program I worked on numerous various projects. My first project – in Distribution - was focused on implementation of a new credit verification process aimed at decentralization of credit decisions. During my second rotation in Marketing I worked on launching new product features, I improved mortgage sales process, launched retention process for asset products. During the third rotation in CitiBusiness Risk I was responsible for establishing proper reporting processes, enabling efficient monitoring at different stages of the credit process. On my fourth rotation – working as a part of the Regional Investments Team in London – I cooperated with fund houses with regard to mutual funds offered across EMEA and I coordinated the launch of new Wealth Management offer for the UK business.

I think that in order to make the most of the Program, graduates should not hesitate to look for new /different rotations. The more areas of the bank they see during the program, the better view of the organization they get and better understanding of all interdependencies. And the more challenging the projects, the better the experience for the participants.

Luiza Laszczynska
The Program gave me the opportunity to gather experience on exciting projects in different areas of consumer business. The first rotation took place in Distribution where I was responsible for both – managing a small credit pre-verification team as well as design and implementation of new verification process, which significantly shortened the credit cycle time. During the second rotation in the Consumer Business Financial Department, I had the opportunity to understand the mechanisms of management reporting and worked on projects regarding products profitability and expenses allocation.
The third rotation was a fantastic managerial challenge because I had the chance to run one of Warsaw Citibank branches and manage a team of 13 people. This successful experience allowed me to prove my skills and discover banking business from customer’s perspective. During my fourth rotation within the Investments and Insurance Products Team I launched new insurance product and cooperated with fund houses on new investments funds offer.

Intensive cooperation with seniors is a natural consequence of working on important projects. I was astonished how much trust and support I received from managers.
It was also not uncommon to discuss new proposals and solutions with seniors; furthermore, it was a great possibility to learn from their experience. This kind of cooperation gave me strong sense of meaningful contribution to business.

Our Programs

Full-time Program

The full time Analyst Program targets last year students and graduates. Recruitment for the program runs twice a year: during autumn and spring for assignments starting in January and September.

The program lasts two years consisting of four six-month rotations, in different areas of business each. Graduates will get exposure to Product, Risk Management, Sales and Operations & Technology. Within these areas, participants have the freedom of choice of their individual projects (e.g. within product management area – asset, liability, investment etc.). At the end of each assignment, graduates are evaluated, receive feedback, and discuss their development with the Program Manager. At the end of the program participants present their achievements to the CEO and management team.

During the first rotation each graduate has a “Citi Buddy” to facilitate the integration in Citi. After the first rotation, graduates can choose their Mentor (one of the senior managers), who will act as coach and a role model by supporting them in their critical decision-making and facilitating their learning and networking in many areas of business.

At the beginning of the program employees receive professional training, which covers wide range of topics (products and risk management, banking systems, project management as well as soft skills such as presentation skills, negotiation etc.). After one year graduates participate in development centre, a useful tool in supporting the process of future career development.

Also in order to build their network and be exposed to our Management team, graduates take part in quarterly meetings with Senior Managers, where they have the opportunity to discuss their plans, initiatives and challenges. Additionally, incentive trips are organized.

After the program participants can receive job offers in Poland or abroad. Popular areas for off-program placements include Product, Risk Management and Sales.

Who we are looking for

Who are we looking for?

• Last year students and graduates
• One-year work experience maximum – e.g. Internship Program in Poland and/or abroad
• Interest in banking however no financial background is obligatory
• Active and creative personality features
• Leadership skills
• Analytical and logical thinking skills
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Team player
• Easily adjustable to changes and new environment

Recruitment Process

Recruitment process includes analytical tests, assessment centre and a series of interviews with HR and relative business managers.

Candidates may apply through our Career website at www.citihandlowy.pl

Where

Rotations will take place in Poland and might include an assignment abroad.