Frequently Asked Questions

Academic Questions

I'm concerned about my academic record. How important is it?
While your academic achievement is important, we are also interested in your extra-curricular activities and your enthusiasm to work in the financial services industry and at our company.

My degree is not business or finance related. Does this matter?
We encourage applications from all degree disciplines. Our recruits have diverse academic backgrounds - ranging from business degrees to the arts.

What is your stance on deferred applications?
We would not encourage you to apply if you think you will take time out after finishing school. However, each business area will decide on a case-by-case basis.

Another company has issued me an "exploding offer." Can you let me know the status of my application with Citi?
"Exploding offer" - an offer that requires a quick decision otherwise it will be withdrawn are often used in our industry. At Citi, we try to be flexible if you are finding it difficult to make a decision. If you do receive an "exploding offer" from another company, please let us know and we will endeavor to speed up your recruitment process.

Recruiting Program Questions

Does Citi visit Universities/Colleges or Business Schools?
Yes, we do. Please visit our online Campus Calendar to find out where you can meet us. Go to the "Calendar" menu in the upper navigation on this page and choose your region from the drop-down menu.

Where can I find details of Citi's recruitment events for 2007-2008?
Please visit our online Campus Calendar. Go to the "Calendar" menu in the upper navigation on this page and choose your region from the drop-down menu.

How do I decide which area of Citi to apply to?
There are a number of ways to decide: Click on the business descriptions on each of the Analyst and Associate region pages and read about the individual areas and the people who work in them, or please come and meet us at events at your college/university. To find out when we will be at your campus please look at our online Campus Calendar. You may also find it useful to speak to Citi employees who are alumni from your college/university.

Do you have a Summer Internship Program? If so, how can I apply?
Yes, we do run a very successful summer internship program at the Analyst and Associate level. These programs run for 10-12 weeks during the summer vacation period. Opportunities are available across Citi. Please visit the different business areas for further details.

On completion of the Summer Internship Program, will I be guaranteed a full-time position?
Since Citi does look upon the summer program as the primary source for recruiting full time employees, those interested in working here full time are strongly encouraged to apply to the Summer Internship Program. Depending on your performance throughout the program, and possibly after an assessed presentation at the end of the summer, there may be the opportunity for you to join the appropriate full time program. There are no guarantees, but traditionally our conversion rates from summer interns to full time is high.

Where will I be based?
EMEA - London and across Europe, Middle East and Africa
North America - A vast majority of our hiring needs are based in New York, but there are also opportunities to work in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Toronto.

Must I have relevant work experience to be considered for a position?
If you are applying for our full time opportunities, then relevant work experience would certainly be an advantage. For our summer internship program, we do not expect applicants to have relevant work experience.

Do you have an Associate Program, and is there a Summer Associate Program?
Yes, we do have an Associate program in most business areas. We also run a Summer Associate Program. Check the individual business descriptions for further details.

Can I apply if I need a work permit?
EMEA - Yes. If you are selected and are an overseas candidate who requires a work permit, we will seek a permit on your behalf and any offer will be subject to this permit being issued.

North America - Depends on the program you are applying for. Please see the individual descriptions for further details.

Does my application need to be in a particular format?
All applications must be made online, via our online application system. If you are asked to upload a CV/Resume, then this must be a PDF or Word document.

Is it possible to transfer across business areas within the Company?
In your first couple of years with Citi, we encourage you, and it is common practice, to remain in your original business area. However, if opportunities do arise in a related business area after this time, then it may be possible for you to transfer depending on business needs.

What will my starting salary and benefits package be?
In addition to very competitive market-related salaries that are reviewed annually and on promotion, benefits for new Analysts/Associates can include:
EMEA - Private health care, our Employee Assistance Program (a free information, support and counseling service provided to help you and your immediate family members deal with issues that may be affecting your health, family life or job performance), pension, life assurance, permanent health insurance and access to further education.
North America - Health care, our Employee Assistance Program (a free information, support and counseling service provided to help you and your immediate family members deal with issues that may be affecting your health, family life or job performance), pension, life insurance, long- and short-term disability and access to further education.
Please note: the above benefit details are for reference purposes only and do not constitute a contractual undertaking.

Would I get the chance to travel?
Possibly. This depends on the business area you join.

Are internal transfers/temporary assignments to other offices possible?
Due to the global nature of our business, postings are possible although not guaranteed. As opportunities arise, you can be considered.

EMEA ONLY: You have invited me to take part in an assessment day. Will my travel expenses be covered?
Citi will reimburse reasonable travel expenditure incurred while attending first and second round assessment days. Once you are invited to an assessment day, you will be able to access our Virtual Interview Centre, which has full details of our expense policy.

Training and Development Questions

What sort of training does Citi offer new hires?
Our training is the envy of the industry. As it is designed to cater to the specific needs of each business, its precise nature varies between these different business areas. However, our approach to training across the company share some general characteristics - people are our most valuable asset. As such, we see training not as a cost, but as an investment and we do everything we can to help every individual fulfill his or her potential.

People who join us benefit from a rigorous and structured development program, which is reinforced through on-the-job training and further development opportunities. Many business areas have developed mentor programs to smooth the transition period for new employees and help them manage their careers. Throughout the company, training is a formal part of the appraisal process at every level.

What are the career development opportunities?
In addition to the training you will receive as part of the full time program, there are plenty of development opportunities available to you. Citi is committed to the continuous professional development of all its employees. Wherever possible Citi will provide you with opportunities for career development to enable you to continue to enhance your skills and knowledge. These opportunities will help you make the most effective contribution in your present position and will enable you to qualify for consideration for appropriate promotion opportunities. Training is available in the form of formal tutor-led courses, coaching, team offsites and multimedia products. A full curriculum in banking/technical skills, management development and personal business skills are offered.

What is the typical career path at Citi?
There are no prescribed career paths at Citi - your career depends on you. Once you're settled, you will quickly gain real responsibility and decision-making will be swiftly transferred to you. That means you'll contribute to the business from the start. So we encourage you to take full advantage of all the training and development opportunities available and take responsibility for your future.

What professional qualifications will I study for?
Qualifications you may attain will depend on your business area and region, but may include:
EMEA
· Financial Services Authority recognized qualifications
· CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
· CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)
· IAQ (Investment Administration Qualification)
North America
· Series 7 & Series 63 (Basic sales, trading and investment banking activities)
· Series 3 (Futures)
· Series 52 (Municipal securities)
· Series 55 (Non-listed equities trader)

Citi General Questions

Why should I consider a career with Citi?
The combination of Citi's financial strength, broad product scope, geographic breadth, as well as its volunteer program and corporate citizenship record on environmental and community development issues, provides vast opportunities for outstanding professionals to fully realize their potential. To read some compelling reasons why people join us, click on Meet Our People from the navigation on the right hand side on almost any page.

Where can I find more information about Citi?
To find out more, please visit our corporate website at www.citigroup.com

What are some key financial performance statistics for Citi?
Please visit the Corporate Governance section on our corporate website at www.citigroup.com and review our Annual Report.

What sort of appraisal system does Citi have?
You and your manager should regularly review your key job responsibilities, and your goals/targets for the year ahead. Your manager is expected to carry out objective setting, development planning and an individual formal appraisal with you at least once a year. This is designed to ensure that you have an opportunity to discuss your past and future performance and put in place suitable plans for your development. It will also assist Citi in making accurate and objective assessments of you, particularly with regard to compensation reviews and your future development. Depending on the region in which you work, you may also receive a mid-year assessment. This will give you a chance to review performance and goals within a shorter time frame, which may be helpful to make sure you are on track. In addition to this formal appraisal process, you can expect to receive informal feedback from your manager on a regular basis. You should feel free to talk to your manager at any time about your performance or any other aspect of your job.

What is the dress code?
Whether you should wear business casual dress or formal business attire depends on which particular business you work in. However, when attending business meetings with visitors or clients, your attire should reflect that of the individuals with whom you are meeting.

What are the typical hours?
In our industry, there are no typical business hours. If there is a tight deadline, then the hours can be long. However, Citi is committed to the Work/Life Balance of all its employees and we have developed a range of policies that support this:
EMEA - Family-Friendly Policies, Emergency Childcare, Flexible Working, Time Off/Leave, Citi Clubs, Volunteering.
North America - Flexible Working (flextime, job sharing, etc.), Backup Childcare, Maternity Leave, Community Involvement, Employee Discounts.

What is the work environment like at Citi?
We're a big company with an intimate culture. You'll have contact with people at all levels, and we maintain an "open door" policy - if you need to talk something through with someone, you can. Teamwork is valued very highly because the nature of the work often requires the input of a broad range of skills, but you'll also be required to use your initiative and show leadership. Before long, others will be relying on you.

What is Citi's commitment to diversity?
Citi is committed to maintaining a workforce of the highest quality through recruitment and advancement of the most qualified applicants without regard to personal characteristics other than integrity, ability and commitment to success. We have an extensive and supportive network of diversity groups. For more information, please see the Diversity section from the upper navigation on this site.

What is Citi's commitment to the community?
Citi aspires to make each community a better place simply because we are there. As one of the largest financial services providers in the world, we are in a unique position to fulfill this mission day in and day out. For more information, please see the Corporate Citizenship section at www.citigroup.com