This file contains a description of a current Citi employee and description of the employee experience through a set of questions and answers. Every day is something different. When you work with High Net Worth (HNW) individuals you realize the only thing the clients have in common is the fact that they are multi-millionaires. Some are highly financially sophisticated and some are not. Some are entrepreneurs and earned their fortunes via their inventions or enterprises and some inherited their wealth. In dealing with the different types of clients and personalities you can learn a lot from them. At the same time you can share your expertise and add value for them as well.

]]> Working on a trading floor means that you are literally elbow-to-elbow with your colleagues. This environment allows you to get to know your colleagues fairly well. I work with a great group of men and women who know how to work hard and have fun doing it. The trading floor can be stressful at times so everyone has to find ways to let off some steam and it can create some funny situations. Every member of my team is focused on adding value to his or her clients and providing exceptional service.

]]> The institutional trading desks as well as the Investment Bank. The fact that I work with HNW individuals affords me the ability to trade in dollar sizes that can match that of the institutional desk at times and still maintain the individual client relationship. At the Private Bank we use the institutional traders to execute for our clients. By using this group, we can ensure that our clients receive a higher level of execution than normal retail. Sometimes our clients also need to utilize the financial markets through the Investment Bank and I act as the conduit for our clients into that world.

]]> I am dealing with interest rate derivatives, so any news regarding most countries effect by underlying asset class. If a catastrophic event occurs in London, not only does it affect UK interest rates but also has a ripple effect on other countries as well, especially U.S.

]]> Attention to detail, multitasking and the ability to focus when surrounded by chaos. The market is extremely volatile at times and always moving and my clients demand and expect good execution regardless of the situation. It is very important to stay calm and focus on the details of the trade and block out other distracting things going on around you.

]]> When I first started at my position I felt that school prepared me with the necessary theoretical knowledge to do my job. I soon realized that the real world is quite different. Early in your career you want to take advantage of all the knowledge and expertise that your colleagues have to offer. Also, try to find a mentor that will take an interest in your career. Your mentor should be someone who is fairly successful and is viewed positively among his or her peers and superiors. It is always easier to learn from other people’s mistakes then creating your own.

]]> Muhammad Ali. He was an amazing athlete but more importantly he is an amazing person. The fact that he gave up his heavyweight title, money, fame and personal freedom because he did not want to fight in a war he did not believe in is a sacrifice that very few people would make. I would like to hear him tell his stories about his epic battles inside the ring and his even more heroic battles outside the ring.

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Name: Joseph M. Cothron

Title: Director

Education: BA from North Carolina State University and MBA from University of Texas at Austin

Program: Citi Private Bank

Level: analyst

Region: North America

What about your career excites you the most - gets you out of bed in the morning?: Every day is something different. When you work with High Net Worth (HNW) individuals you realize the only thing the clients have in common is the fact that they are multi-millionaires. Some are highly financially sophisticated and some are not. Some are entrepreneurs and earned their fortunes via their inventions or enterprises and some inherited their wealth. In dealing with the different types of clients and personalities you can learn a lot from them. At the same time you can share your expertise and add value for them as well.
How would you describe your team and the people you work with?: Working on a trading floor means that you are literally elbow-to-elbow with your colleagues. This environment allows you to get to know your colleagues fairly well. I work with a great group of men and women who know how to work hard and have fun doing it. The trading floor can be stressful at times so everyone has to find ways to let off some steam and it can create some funny situations. Every member of my team is focused on adding value to his or her clients and providing exceptional service.
What other groups do you liaise with regularly within the Firm?: The institutional trading desks as well as the Investment Bank. The fact that I work with HNW individuals affords me the ability to trade in dollar sizes that can match that of the institutional desk at times and still maintain the individual client relationship. At the Private Bank we use the institutional traders to execute for our clients. By using this group, we can ensure that our clients receive a higher level of execution than normal retail. Sometimes our clients also need to utilize the financial markets through the Investment Bank and I act as the conduit for our clients into that world.
What outside influences have the most bearing on what you do day to day, and how do they affect you? (e.g., economic news, world markets, company data, etc.)?: I am dealing with interest rate derivatives, so any news regarding most countries effect by underlying asset class. If a catastrophic event occurs in London, not only does it affect UK interest rates but also has a ripple effect on other countries as well, especially U.S.
What skills have you found to be the most useful in your position?: Attention to detail, multitasking and the ability to focus when surrounded by chaos. The market is extremely volatile at times and always moving and my clients demand and expect good execution regardless of the situation. It is very important to stay calm and focus on the details of the trade and block out other distracting things going on around you.
What advice would you offer prospective candidates on transitioning from school to the workplace?: When I first started at my position I felt that school prepared me with the necessary theoretical knowledge to do my job. I soon realized that the real world is quite different. Early in your career you want to take advantage of all the knowledge and expertise that your colleagues have to offer. Also, try to find a mentor that will take an interest in your career. Your mentor should be someone who is fairly successful and is viewed positively among his or her peers and superiors. It is always easier to learn from other people’s mistakes then creating your own.
If you could have dinner with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?: Muhammad Ali. He was an amazing athlete but more importantly he is an amazing person. The fact that he gave up his heavyweight title, money, fame and personal freedom because he did not want to fight in a war he did not believe in is a sacrifice that very few people would make. I would like to hear him tell his stories about his epic battles inside the ring and his even more heroic battles outside the ring.

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