Vantaggi
* If you can get in here at the beginning of your career, then you will learn a lot as they have some of the best product, marketing, and operational processes along with financial discipline that I have experienced in my career to date. * As things happen at light-speed at Citi, sideward promotions are done quickly so you can move around the different teams within a business unit quite quickly. Upward promotions are another story (see cons).
Svantaggi
* Unlike other organisations, Citi is extremely tight with expenses. Everything is analysed to death before a decision (normally a "no") is made. I noticed a big pull back around the GFC, and it didn't let up many years thereafter. I believe this stifles innovation and risk taking, and unfortunately I see that Citi has gone from an innovator to a follower. * Middle management is too focused on protecting their own nests and fighting for the top promotions when they come up from time-to-time. * The overall culture in the bank is dog-eat-dog -- people are generally so overworked and competitive that they aren't willing nor have the time to help you...and why would they help a competitor for a future promotion that they're going after?! * The pay is really average compared to the big 2/4 - like I said, really great place to learn but terrible if you want to get financially recognised for your experience. * Overall, there seems to be a lack of cohesiveness with the strategy of the consumer bank -- do we just focus on the Credit Cards business which is a cash cow, or should we actually become a proper bank and accept deposits and write mortgages? The branch network is orientated towards Asian investors, and sends a mixed message.