Insight week Review

I took part in Citi’s Insight Program, a four-day spring week focused on the Investment Banking division and broader areas within the bank. Each day began with a breakfast buffet featuring pastries, fruit, granola, and a range of beverages — a relaxed and welcoming setting that encouraged networking and relationship-building among the spring interns from day one.
The program was filled with a variety of workshops and panels. Sessions such as the International Community Program, Lifestyle Management, and Global Insight offered a meaningful look at Citi’s operations, its commitment to core values, and the firm's inclusive and collaborative work culture. We also took part in career panels featuring former spring and summer interns as well as senior professionals. These sessions provided valuable insight into potential career paths and allowed us to ask candid questions about their journeys and experiences at Citi.
We received a comprehensive overview of Citi’s core banking divisions — Investment Banking, Capital Markets, and Corporate Banking — which helped clarify the distinct functions and day-to-day responsibilities within each. A key highlight was the shadowing experience, where I spent two days following Investment Banking Analysts to get a firsthand look at their daily tasks and workflow.
We also participated in practical workshops designed to prepare us for the assessment centre process. This included a deep dive into each stage of the process, tips from recruiters, and a mock Investment Banking case study group exercise, judged by senior bankers (VPs and MDs), who gave us constructive feedback afterwards — a valuable preparation for future applications.
Each day also included a catered lunch, another great opportunity for horizontal networking with peers from across the UK. In addition, we had structured networking sessions with both junior and senior members of staff, helping to demystify the bank’s internal culture and build meaningful connections across levels.

I now have a much clearer and more comprehensive understanding of what investment banking is, thanks to this Insight Program. What I particularly appreciated was that, although the program was focused on the Investment Banking division, we were also given presentations on other areas of the bank. This provided a well-rounded and holistic view of Citi’s operations across its various divisions, helping me better understand how the different parts of the firm work together.

I have deepened my understanding of what investment banking involves, including the day-to-day responsibilities of an investment banker and the skillset required to succeed in the industry. I also now have a much clearer understanding of what the assessment centre process entails, along with practical insight into how best to prepare for it.

The company culture at Citi was incredibly welcoming and really put us at ease from day one. Everyone was open and approachable, answering our questions without any judgment, no matter how basic. One initiative I especially appreciated was being assigned a buddy — a current employee who took the time out of their day to chat with us, answer our questions, and give us insight into their role and what working at the bank is really like on a day-to-day basis.
I’ll admit I was a bit nervous before the program, given the high-pressure reputation that banking sometimes has. But everyone I met — from fellow interns to senior staff and the HR team — was genuine, friendly, and down to earth. The environment felt supportive and collaborative, and it really made me want to come back and be part of it in the future.

I came into the Insight Week with a lot of preconceived notions and felt quite stressed about what to expect. However, the experience turned out to be incredibly positive, and I’m really glad I took the opportunity. It not only eased my worries but also gave me valuable insight and confidence moving forward.

Yes