This file contains a description of a current Citi employee and description of the employee experience through a set of questions and answers. I currently work in the National Corporate Bank, which was launched in 2005 as a new unit under the Corporate Bank as part of its target market expansion initiative. In a nutshell, I'm responsible for originating business across the various sectors I cover, which include Financial Institutions, Industrials, Healthcare and Telecommunications. This entails working with several product partners across the Firm including among others, Capital Markets, Investment Banking, Global Transaction Services and Asset Back Securitization.

]]> In my three years at Citi, I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most driven and talented people in the industry. They have such diverse backgrounds and have a wealth of experience in the business. Several people I have worked with have been at Citi for a number of years, in various positions all over the world. They are then able and willing to mentor and pass on their knowledge to junior staff members. This makes your experience at Citi that much more fulfilling.

]]> I have an undergraduate degree in Accounting and an MBA in Finance and International Business. My academic training has definitely prepared me for a career at Citi. It has provided me with the analytical and technical skills needed to succeed in my job, which has been strengthened further by my experience with financially distressed companies. It helps to have a strong foundation in accounting/finance before starting but even if you do not, through its training programs, Citi ensures that they provide you with the necessary skills to be successful.

]]> In my first year at Citi, I participated in the Global Portfolio Management mentoring program as a mentee. In my following year, I was then asked to be on the program committee. This program pairs analysts and associates with senior staff. It allows you to form a strong relationship with senior managers. Being on both sides of this program has made me appreciate the people here at Citi even more: their willingness to give of their time and experience to those who are new to the company, as well as provide guidance in their career choices. It's truly a phenomenal program, which enables you to form lifelong bonds with people who look out for your best interest. I now participate in the mentoring program for Citi's summer analysts and associates and I'm on the recruiting team for Columbia University.

]]> The Corporate Banking training program is typically three months long. At first I thought, this feels like an additional semester of school. It was an intensive program that was very challenging and a bit stressful at times. However, it provides you with the necessary tools to succeed in your job. It also encourages teamwork and you develop a certain level of camaraderie with your classmates. Once you complete the program, these classmates become part of your growing network of people at Citi who you can turn to at any point in time.

]]> Having had the pleasure of observing Jessica Palmer in meetings and presentations, she would be my first and easiest choice to dine with. Though Ms. Palmer retired from her position as Head of Risk Management for Global Markets and Banking at Citi, she still remains, in my eyes, a role model for anyone in the financial services industry. Not only is she a perennial professional but incredibly likeable and respected by colleagues and clients alike.

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Name: Anna Fairclough

Title: Associate

Education: University of the West Indies- BS Accounting (1996); MBA Columbia

Program: Corporate Banking

Level: associate

Region: North America

If asked about your career at a dinner party, how would you describe it?: I currently work in the National Corporate Bank, which was launched in 2005 as a new unit under the Corporate Bank as part of its target market expansion initiative. In a nutshell, I'm responsible for originating business across the various sectors I cover, which include Financial Institutions, Industrials, Healthcare and Telecommunications. This entails working with several product partners across the Firm including among others, Capital Markets, Investment Banking, Global Transaction Services and Asset Back Securitization.
How would you describe your team and the people you work with?: In my three years at Citi, I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most driven and talented people in the industry. They have such diverse backgrounds and have a wealth of experience in the business. Several people I have worked with have been at Citi for a number of years, in various positions all over the world. They are then able and willing to mentor and pass on their knowledge to junior staff members. This makes your experience at Citi that much more fulfilling.
How do you apply your degree to what you're doing now?: I have an undergraduate degree in Accounting and an MBA in Finance and International Business. My academic training has definitely prepared me for a career at Citi. It has provided me with the analytical and technical skills needed to succeed in my job, which has been strengthened further by my experience with financially distressed companies. It helps to have a strong foundation in accounting/finance before starting but even if you do not, through its training programs, Citi ensures that they provide you with the necessary skills to be successful.
What non-work related activities do you get involved in through Citi (community, mentoring, charity)?: In my first year at Citi, I participated in the Global Portfolio Management mentoring program as a mentee. In my following year, I was then asked to be on the program committee. This program pairs analysts and associates with senior staff. It allows you to form a strong relationship with senior managers. Being on both sides of this program has made me appreciate the people here at Citi even more: their willingness to give of their time and experience to those who are new to the company, as well as provide guidance in their career choices. It's truly a phenomenal program, which enables you to form lifelong bonds with people who look out for your best interest. I now participate in the mentoring program for Citi's summer analysts and associates and I'm on the recruiting team for Columbia University.
Describe your experience in your specific training program.: The Corporate Banking training program is typically three months long. At first I thought, this feels like an additional semester of school. It was an intensive program that was very challenging and a bit stressful at times. However, it provides you with the necessary tools to succeed in your job. It also encourages teamwork and you develop a certain level of camaraderie with your classmates. Once you complete the program, these classmates become part of your growing network of people at Citi who you can turn to at any point in time.
If you could have dinner with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?: Having had the pleasure of observing Jessica Palmer in meetings and presentations, she would be my first and easiest choice to dine with. Though Ms. Palmer retired from her position as Head of Risk Management for Global Markets and Banking at Citi, she still remains, in my eyes, a role model for anyone in the financial services industry. Not only is she a perennial professional but incredibly likeable and respected by colleagues and clients alike.

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