This file contains a description of a current Citi employee and description of the employee experience through a set of questions and answers. Negotiating the inflexion on transitioning from school to workplace is a challenge indeed. The exhilaration of grabbing the best job on campus is but soon taken over by the frustration caused by inflated expectations. But whereas the lead-time to prove one’s worth as a student was only the time between two quizzes; in a job, to show results takes time. The whiz- kid on campus would burn the midnight oil to top every examination, but as an employee his/her performance is dependant on the dedication and commitment of his/her team. Pacifying this disconnect requires patience, conformity and motivation driven by the urge to learn than an urge to perform right away.

]]> Every morning as I put on my tie, I speculate whether the CFO I’m meeting that day would prefer a red tie to a grey one. I conjecture whether in speaking to him I should use the local dialect or otherwise. Given this ambiguity and vagueness, to gain the confidence of the person I’m meeting just within thirty minutes of meeting him/ her, excites me. To learn about business as varied as a forging company to an e-greetings company enthuse me. To go to a meeting prepared to sell CMS, and having learnt more about the business, sell derivatives instead, motivates me. I love the dynamism, the uncertainty, and the challenge.

]]> Citi is a one-stop shop for all the financial requirement of companies, big or small, anywhere across the globe. The biggest competitive edge of Citi is its potential to introduce meaningful financial inventions. Its innovativeness coupled with robust internal systems/ processes and strict compliance adherence makes it one of most nimble giants and a righteous market leader.

]]> Negotiation skills and the power to reason have been critical to my position.

]]> There exist over 200 commercial banks in India. In the years ahead, consolidation and convergence shall rule the banking landscape in India. Financial inclusion shall remain the underlying theme with micro financing gaining greater prominence. Product innovation and customized offerings shall cause banks to focus more on fee-based incomes. Technology shall remain a key driver in not only enhancing service levels, but in creating multiple channels of delivery, aiding penetration.

]]> In 5 years, I visualize myself to evolve as a dependant, accountable and professionally responsible person. I should be viewed as someone who can easily garner the trust of people and live up to their expectations of me. I intend to acquire a more hands on knowledge of the financial markets, and amalgamate my theoretical knowledge with the practical exposure across various verticals. And, I intend to have traveled at least half of the world.

]]> I hold a very catholic taste in music. From hard rock to the blues, I enjoy every genre of music depending on my present frame of mind. However, I do hold a biased predilection for Indian composers like Kishore Kumar and A.R Rehman. I am also trained in playing the Tabla and am presently endeavoring to play the harmonica. Besides, I enjoy traveling.

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Name: Kaustav Bhattacharjee

Title: Associate - Business Developer

Education: PGDM, IIM, Ahmedabad

Program: Management Associate Program

Level: associate

Region: India

What advice would you offer prospective candidates on transitioning from school to the workplace?: Negotiating the inflexion on transitioning from school to workplace is a challenge indeed. The exhilaration of grabbing the best job on campus is but soon taken over by the frustration caused by inflated expectations. But whereas the lead-time to prove one’s worth as a student was only the time between two quizzes; in a job, to show results takes time. The whiz- kid on campus would burn the midnight oil to top every examination, but as an employee his/her performance is dependant on the dedication and commitment of his/her team. Pacifying this disconnect requires patience, conformity and motivation driven by the urge to learn than an urge to perform right away.
What about your career excites you the most - gets you out of bed in the morning?: Every morning as I put on my tie, I speculate whether the CFO I’m meeting that day would prefer a red tie to a grey one. I conjecture whether in speaking to him I should use the local dialect or otherwise. Given this ambiguity and vagueness, to gain the confidence of the person I’m meeting just within thirty minutes of meeting him/ her, excites me. To learn about business as varied as a forging company to an e-greetings company enthuse me. To go to a meeting prepared to sell CMS, and having learnt more about the business, sell derivatives instead, motivates me. I love the dynamism, the uncertainty, and the challenge.
What do you consider Citi's competitive edge?: Citi is a one-stop shop for all the financial requirement of companies, big or small, anywhere across the globe. The biggest competitive edge of Citi is its potential to introduce meaningful financial inventions. Its innovativeness coupled with robust internal systems/ processes and strict compliance adherence makes it one of most nimble giants and a righteous market leader.
What skills have you found to be the most useful in your position?: Negotiation skills and the power to reason have been critical to my position.
How do you see the your business group/the Firm/the industry changing in the future?: There exist over 200 commercial banks in India. In the years ahead, consolidation and convergence shall rule the banking landscape in India. Financial inclusion shall remain the underlying theme with micro financing gaining greater prominence. Product innovation and customized offerings shall cause banks to focus more on fee-based incomes. Technology shall remain a key driver in not only enhancing service levels, but in creating multiple channels of delivery, aiding penetration.
Where do you see yourself in five years?: In 5 years, I visualize myself to evolve as a dependant, accountable and professionally responsible person. I should be viewed as someone who can easily garner the trust of people and live up to their expectations of me. I intend to acquire a more hands on knowledge of the financial markets, and amalgamate my theoretical knowledge with the practical exposure across various verticals. And, I intend to have traveled at least half of the world.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?: I hold a very catholic taste in music. From hard rock to the blues, I enjoy every genre of music depending on my present frame of mind. However, I do hold a biased predilection for Indian composers like Kishore Kumar and A.R Rehman. I am also trained in playing the Tabla and am presently endeavoring to play the harmonica. Besides, I enjoy traveling.

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