This file contains a description of a current Citi employee and description of the employee experience through a set of questions and answers. The transition from school to the workplace can be a difficult adjustment to make, and entering a rotational program like the FMA program presents its unique set of challenges as you move to a different rotation every six months. As such, it is important to remain flexible and make the most of opportunities as they present themselves. Six months can go by very quickly, so be sure to speak with your manager up front to outline what your goals for the rotation are. My experience has been that managers are very willing to try to tailor your projects, within reason, to meet your goals. Also be active in seeking opportunities to get involved in new projects and to meet new people. And do not be afraid to ask for help when needed. Keep these points in mind, and I think that you can make the most of your experience in the program.

]]> One of the great things about the FMA program is the opportunity to complete a six-month international rotation. After weighing the number of different alternatives, I decided to do my rotation in Japan. While I was there, Citi’s Japan banking operations converted from a branch to a locally incorporated bank subsidiary, the first time this has ever been done in Japan by a foreign company. Also, Citi completed the acquisition of 69% of Nikko Cordial in one of the largest foreign acquisitions of a domestic company in Japan’s history. Being involved in initiatives like these has provided me with experiences that would be hard to get elsewhere. In addition, having the opportunity to work and live in a new and different culture has provided me with memories that I will not soon forget.

]]> In my time at Citi, I have worked with a number of different teams and people on various projects, and all have been very positive experiences. The quality of the finance professionals within the company is very high. People are always willing to help out and to take the time to explain projects and new concepts. This is particularly important to people who are within developmental programs like the FMA program. My co-workers have always understood the importance of the program and do what they can to make sure I am broadly exposed to different members of management and a variety of projects, so that I can get the most out of all my experiences.

]]> I think that I use some aspect of my degree on a daily basis in my work. At business school, you are given the basic tools in finance and business in general, such as how to analyze financial statements and evaluate a business. You learn the theory about finance, accounting, statistics and economics. In addition, you gain valuable experience in working in different team situations, and learn how to most effectively work with a variety of people. This has all been applicable on the job, as I build on this foundation to form a practical well-rounded skill set. I have performed statistical regressions to analyze credit sensitivities to various macroeconomic variables, completed pro forma analyses given the impact of potential acquisitions, and determined the required level of capital to hold on the balance sheet of a newly created subsidiary. My MBA degree provided me with the base skills to effectively and efficiently complete these tasks.

]]> The FMA program has been a great experience so far. What attracted me to the program in the first place was the opportunity it provided to broaden my skill set and gain experience in different areas of finance before beginning a full-time career at Citi. In addition, at the same time I could build a valuable network with colleagues in different functions, businesses and geographies. In this regard, the FMA program has lived up to my expectations and more. To date I have worked in two very different areas – Corporate Strategy and M&A in New York and Financial Control in Japan – which I feel have given me experiences that will benefit me in whichever career path that I eventually choose. Along the way, I have had the support of all of my co-workers and I have expanded my professional network. This is possible due to the solid reputation of the program throughout the company and commitment to the program by senior management.

]]> I was lucky to have the opportunity to complete my summer internship in the Consumer Risk Capital Group as part of the Financial Management Summer Associate program. As an intern, I was able to network with a number of people in the finance community, including the other interns, which gave me insight into the broad range of career opportunities that were available within the finance function at Citi. After seeing first hand the quality of the people and hearing about the great experiences that others were having as well, it was an easy decision for me to join Citi after graduation.

]]> Outside of work I enjoy staying active and exploring my surroundings. Living in New York provides an abundance of possibilities in this regard, with its many museums, restaurants and Broadway shows, among many others, and I try to take advantage of most of what the city offers. I also have a bit of a travel bug, and love to explore the culture and history of other countries. Doing one of my rotations in Japan has allowed me the opportunity to see as much of that country as possible and to immerse myself in some of its unique traditions.

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Name: Beth Suvak

Title: Financial Management Associate

Education: MBA NYU Stern, Major: Finance and Management

Program: Finance

Level: graduate

Region: Global

What advice would you offer prospective candidates on transitioning from school to the workplace?: The transition from school to the workplace can be a difficult adjustment to make, and entering a rotational program like the FMA program presents its unique set of challenges as you move to a different rotation every six months. As such, it is important to remain flexible and make the most of opportunities as they present themselves. Six months can go by very quickly, so be sure to speak with your manager up front to outline what your goals for the rotation are. My experience has been that managers are very willing to try to tailor your projects, within reason, to meet your goals. Also be active in seeking opportunities to get involved in new projects and to meet new people. And do not be afraid to ask for help when needed. Keep these points in mind, and I think that you can make the most of your experience in the program.
Describe the most memorable experience you've ever had at Citi.: One of the great things about the FMA program is the opportunity to complete a six-month international rotation. After weighing the number of different alternatives, I decided to do my rotation in Japan. While I was there, Citi’s Japan banking operations converted from a branch to a locally incorporated bank subsidiary, the first time this has ever been done in Japan by a foreign company. Also, Citi completed the acquisition of 69% of Nikko Cordial in one of the largest foreign acquisitions of a domestic company in Japan’s history. Being involved in initiatives like these has provided me with experiences that would be hard to get elsewhere. In addition, having the opportunity to work and live in a new and different culture has provided me with memories that I will not soon forget.
How would you describe your team and the people you work with?: In my time at Citi, I have worked with a number of different teams and people on various projects, and all have been very positive experiences. The quality of the finance professionals within the company is very high. People are always willing to help out and to take the time to explain projects and new concepts. This is particularly important to people who are within developmental programs like the FMA program. My co-workers have always understood the importance of the program and do what they can to make sure I am broadly exposed to different members of management and a variety of projects, so that I can get the most out of all my experiences.
How do you apply your degree to what you're doing now?: I think that I use some aspect of my degree on a daily basis in my work. At business school, you are given the basic tools in finance and business in general, such as how to analyze financial statements and evaluate a business. You learn the theory about finance, accounting, statistics and economics. In addition, you gain valuable experience in working in different team situations, and learn how to most effectively work with a variety of people. This has all been applicable on the job, as I build on this foundation to form a practical well-rounded skill set. I have performed statistical regressions to analyze credit sensitivities to various macroeconomic variables, completed pro forma analyses given the impact of potential acquisitions, and determined the required level of capital to hold on the balance sheet of a newly created subsidiary. My MBA degree provided me with the base skills to effectively and efficiently complete these tasks.
Describe your experience in your specific training program.: The FMA program has been a great experience so far. What attracted me to the program in the first place was the opportunity it provided to broaden my skill set and gain experience in different areas of finance before beginning a full-time career at Citi. In addition, at the same time I could build a valuable network with colleagues in different functions, businesses and geographies. In this regard, the FMA program has lived up to my expectations and more. To date I have worked in two very different areas – Corporate Strategy and M&A in New York and Financial Control in Japan – which I feel have given me experiences that will benefit me in whichever career path that I eventually choose. Along the way, I have had the support of all of my co-workers and I have expanded my professional network. This is possible due to the solid reputation of the program throughout the company and commitment to the program by senior management.
How did your summer internship help you make the decision to pursue a career at Citi?: I was lucky to have the opportunity to complete my summer internship in the Consumer Risk Capital Group as part of the Financial Management Summer Associate program. As an intern, I was able to network with a number of people in the finance community, including the other interns, which gave me insight into the broad range of career opportunities that were available within the finance function at Citi. After seeing first hand the quality of the people and hearing about the great experiences that others were having as well, it was an easy decision for me to join Citi after graduation.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?: Outside of work I enjoy staying active and exploring my surroundings. Living in New York provides an abundance of possibilities in this regard, with its many museums, restaurants and Broadway shows, among many others, and I try to take advantage of most of what the city offers. I also have a bit of a travel bug, and love to explore the culture and history of other countries. Doing one of my rotations in Japan has allowed me the opportunity to see as much of that country as possible and to immerse myself in some of its unique traditions.

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