This file contains a description of a current Citi employee and description of the employee experience through a set of questions and answers. The people I sit next to every day are intelligent, motivated and diverse. It is exciting that in this industry success does not come from one particular image, but from a variety of personalities and backgrounds. Some people I work with are outgoing while others are more quiet and reserved. Everyone has the ability to develop a style that works for him or her and not be pressured into fitting a predetermined mold. At the same time, there is a strong culture of mentorship at Citi and everyone I work with embraces it. Being junior in a large firm can seem daunting, but I always feel that I can approach just about anyone with a question or a concern.

]]> The sales and trading summer internship is a very unique program that offers the chance to experience the trading floor environment first hand through a ten week rotational program. Since I had a liberal arts background, I looked for a program that offered an overview of the sales and trading lifestyle as well as introduced me to the many different product areas. I found that by the end of my internship I had received arguably the best education possible because I was not only taught by the most experienced people on the floor, but I had also been exposed to product areas across both fixed income and equities. Seeing the emphasis this bank placed on training and mentorship helped reinforce my aspiration to pursue a career at Citi.

]]> I love the fact that I have a career where I am encouraged to broaden my horizons and learn something new everyd ay. Each day in sales and trading offers a new and exciting environment, which is something that many jobs cannot provide. Knowing that the only thing consistent in this business is change and knowing that you never know when your next opportunity will arise, provides the motivation to come in every day, work hard and face the challenges offered by this competitive industry.

]]> I would say Citi gains its edge by placing a premium on education and training. As a firm, Citi continues to recruit the top prospects and stresses the importance of hiring qualified people. Also, with the rotational style training programs, Citi recognizes the importance of sacrificing immediate productivity for longer-term growth and knowledge.

]]> While at school I earned a degree in history, which is admittedly unrelated to my current field; however, I have found that the skills I acquired through my education have been surprisingly helpful. A background in history, above all, taught me how to formulate an opinion on the given facts and construct a logical and persuasive argument. An important aspect of a salesman's job, and to some extent a trader's, is precisely to take the information available, develop a view, and argue/trade/sell it. Salesmen do not just relay traders' levels and traders do not simply make markets when asked. Being able to have your own view or opinion on the market is essential to the job description and necessary to distinguish yourself from your many competitors.

]]> I think one of my greatest assets, and one of the assets I see in many successful people around the floor, is the ability to put events in perspective and adapt quickly in a changing environment. Some people can find it unduly strenuous to work in a business that is so unpredictable. Those who not only handle the change but also thrive on it are the ones who find the greatest success.

]]> I really enjoy trying to take advantage of everything the city has to offer. I love going to concerts in small venues, finding new restaurants, and attending shows or plays like Shakespeare in the Park. I have also been a golfer for most of my life, so if given the opportunity, you will find me on the course.

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Name: Meredith Chiampa

Title: Sales and Trading Associate

Education: Harvard University; Degree: A.B.

Program: Sales & Trading

Level: associate

Region: North America

How would you describe your team and the people you work with?: The people I sit next to every day are intelligent, motivated and diverse. It is exciting that in this industry success does not come from one particular image, but from a variety of personalities and backgrounds. Some people I work with are outgoing while others are more quiet and reserved. Everyone has the ability to develop a style that works for him or her and not be pressured into fitting a predetermined mold. At the same time, there is a strong culture of mentorship at Citi and everyone I work with embraces it. Being junior in a large firm can seem daunting, but I always feel that I can approach just about anyone with a question or a concern.
How did your summer internship help you make the decision to pursue a career at Citi?: The sales and trading summer internship is a very unique program that offers the chance to experience the trading floor environment first hand through a ten week rotational program. Since I had a liberal arts background, I looked for a program that offered an overview of the sales and trading lifestyle as well as introduced me to the many different product areas. I found that by the end of my internship I had received arguably the best education possible because I was not only taught by the most experienced people on the floor, but I had also been exposed to product areas across both fixed income and equities. Seeing the emphasis this bank placed on training and mentorship helped reinforce my aspiration to pursue a career at Citi.
What about your career excites you the most - gets you out of bed in the morning?: I love the fact that I have a career where I am encouraged to broaden my horizons and learn something new everyd ay. Each day in sales and trading offers a new and exciting environment, which is something that many jobs cannot provide. Knowing that the only thing consistent in this business is change and knowing that you never know when your next opportunity will arise, provides the motivation to come in every day, work hard and face the challenges offered by this competitive industry.
What do you consider Citi's competitive edge?: I would say Citi gains its edge by placing a premium on education and training. As a firm, Citi continues to recruit the top prospects and stresses the importance of hiring qualified people. Also, with the rotational style training programs, Citi recognizes the importance of sacrificing immediate productivity for longer-term growth and knowledge.
How do you apply your degree to what you're doing now?: While at school I earned a degree in history, which is admittedly unrelated to my current field; however, I have found that the skills I acquired through my education have been surprisingly helpful. A background in history, above all, taught me how to formulate an opinion on the given facts and construct a logical and persuasive argument. An important aspect of a salesman's job, and to some extent a trader's, is precisely to take the information available, develop a view, and argue/trade/sell it. Salesmen do not just relay traders' levels and traders do not simply make markets when asked. Being able to have your own view or opinion on the market is essential to the job description and necessary to distinguish yourself from your many competitors.
What skills have you found to be the most useful in your position?: I think one of my greatest assets, and one of the assets I see in many successful people around the floor, is the ability to put events in perspective and adapt quickly in a changing environment. Some people can find it unduly strenuous to work in a business that is so unpredictable. Those who not only handle the change but also thrive on it are the ones who find the greatest success.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?: I really enjoy trying to take advantage of everything the city has to offer. I love going to concerts in small venues, finding new restaurants, and attending shows or plays like Shakespeare in the Park. I have also been a golfer for most of my life, so if given the opportunity, you will find me on the course.

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