This file contains a description of a current Citi employee and description of the employee experience through a set of questions and answers. There are several aspects characterizing the job of an Investment Banker. On the capital side, we help companies raise debt or equity from public or private markets. On the financial advisory side, we support companies undertaking certain corporate transactions, including buying other companies, being bought themselves, as a whole or just on divisional levels, setting up joint-ventures, etc. In these functions, we often perform industry analyses and undertake valuations of companies, etc. We often work together with other advisors including accountants, lawyers and management consultants.

]]> Investment banking is an extremely inspiring environment with highly self-motivated professionals who constantly try to excel in whatever they do. Everybody is very smart and keen to deliver the best possible product for a client. Despite the high pressure which can arise, everyone is very team-oriented and always there for others if needed. The wide-ranging educational and professional backgrounds, which range from philosophy to nuclear physics, makes the environment very creative and forces oneself to analyse situations from all possible angles-you never feel that you reach a standstill but that you're on a continuous learning curve. On top of that, we are an incredibly international group of people from all over the world.

]]> The most appealing aspect of the training programme is that you have the opportunity to get to know many people you will encounter later on during your career. In addition, it's an excellent platform to learn about all of Citi's products and activities in the various geographic markets. The last few weeks give you a good introduction to specific issues in Investment Banking, which makes your life easier once you start working in your group.

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In your typical career development as a banker you go through various phases of development needs driven by evolving professional and personal challenges - the organisation has always tried to support me during this process. At the beginning, I participated in training which was very valuable given that I didn't have a background in finance, thereafter I was able to go to New York for a longer rotation which was important for my professional and personal development, and in 2002 I was made cluster staffer where I had to assign, together with a partner, approx 50 analysts and associates onto projects – which was a great experience in terms of people management skills and interaction with senior bankers. However, the most important aspect for your personal career development is the continuous increase in responsibilities you are able to take on during transactions. On that aspect I received the strong backing of various bankers I was working with which helped me progress successfully.

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Our client base is becoming more and more global and expects to receive advice on whatever they undertake, wherever in the world. As a truly global firm, we are able to tap into resources everywhere in the world and are therefore able to add value to our clients. No other financial institution can match Citi's global presence—this provides us with an incredible competitive edge. On a personal basis, the global nature of our business means that even though I am working out of London in an industry group, I do a lot of travelling, especially into Continental Europe.

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Name: Michael Longoni

Title: Director

Education: MBA London Business School; Technische Universitat Munchen (Diplom-Ingenieur)

Program: Investment Banking

Level: associate

Region: Western Europe

If asked about your career at a dinner party, how would you describe it?

There are several aspects characterizing the job of an Investment Banker. On the capital side, we help companies raise debt or equity from public or private markets. On the financial advisory side, we support companies undertaking certain corporate transactions, including buying other companies, being bought themselves, as a whole or just on divisional levels, setting up joint-ventures, etc. In these functions, we often perform industry analyses and undertake valuations of companies, etc. We often work together with other advisors including accountants, lawyers and management consultants.

How would you describe your team and the people you work with?

Investment banking is an extremely inspiring environment with highly self-motivated professionals who constantly try to excel in whatever they do. Everybody is very smart and keen to deliver the best possible product for a client. Despite the high pressure which can arise, everyone is very team-oriented and always there for others if needed. The wide-ranging educational and professional backgrounds, which range from philosophy to nuclear physics, makes the environment very creative and forces oneself to analyse situations from all possible angles-you never feel that you reach a standstill but that you're on a continuous learning curve. On top of that, we are an incredibly international group of people from all over the world.

Describe your experience in your specific training program.

The most appealing aspect of the training programme is that you have the opportunity to get to know many people you will encounter later on during your career. In addition, it's an excellent platform to learn about all of Citi's products and activities in the various geographic markets. The last few weeks give you a good introduction to specific issues in Investment Banking, which makes your life easier once you start working in your group.

How has Citi supported your career development?

In your typical career development as a banker you go through various phases of development needs driven by evolving professional and personal challenges - the organisation has always tried to support me during this process. At the beginning, I participated in training which was very valuable given that I didn't have a background in finance, thereafter I was able to go to New York for a longer rotation which was important for my professional and personal development, and in 2002 I was made cluster staffer where I had to assign, together with a partner, approx 50 analysts and associates onto projects – which was a great experience in terms of people management skills and interaction with senior bankers. However, the most important aspect for your personal career development is the continuous increase in responsibilities you are able to take on during transactions. On that aspect I received the strong backing of various bankers I was working with which helped me progress successfully.

What do you consider Citi's competitive edge?

Our client base is becoming more and more global and expects to receive advice on whatever they undertake, wherever in the world. As a truly global firm, we are able to tap into resources everywhere in the world and are therefore able to add value to our clients. No other financial institution can match Citi's global presence—this provides us with an incredible competitive edge. On a personal basis, the global nature of our business means that even though I am working out of London in an industry group, I do a lot of travelling, especially into Continental Europe.

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