This file contains a description of a current Citi employee and description of the employee experience through a set of questions and answers. I love what I do -- I think being an Equity Research analyst is one of the best and most challenging jobs on Wall Street. Every day I go home feeling that I have learned something new and I can never say that I am bored. I feel that Equity Research forces me to be on my toes -- I have to have a thorough understanding of my industry, stocks, as well as the macroeconomy and how it affects the consumer. I have previously worked in Investment Banking and Management Consulting, but Equity Research is hands-down where I want to be long-term. The people I work with are among the most intelligent on the Street and they provide constant stimulation and food for thought. I love the ability to take a blank piece of paper and use original thought to build in-depth models and analyses, as well as weave in the overall business strategy of the companies in order to have a point of view on a stock. I enjoy the quick pace and the unpredictable nature of the business -- I never know what a day is going to be like -- Will there be news? Is there a merger? Will a company miss earnings?

]]> I was promoted from Associate to Analyst in 2004. The following year, I was promoted to Vice President. Equity Research has a program for associates with several years of experience who are interested in becoming analysts. As I look back at my experience, my senior analyst served as an excellent mentor for me, by developing my skills and confidence to become an analyst. In addition, the Director of Research, has also been supportive of my development and has taken an active interest in making sure I have the building blocks to be successful as an analyst.

]]> Set lofty goals, work hard, and develop solid relationships with mentors. The benefit of being at Citi is that there are so many people to reach out to. Having a mentor doesn't need to be a formal process -- I have several people I consider my mentors and role models and I keep in touch with them. They often provide wisdom, based on their own experiences, as well as invaluable advice.

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Name: Charmaine Tang

Title: Analyst

Education: Bachelor of Science, New York University - Stern School of Business, 1996

Program: Investment Research

Level: associate

Region: North America

If asked about your career at a dinner party, how would you describe it?: I love what I do -- I think being an Equity Research analyst is one of the best and most challenging jobs on Wall Street. Every day I go home feeling that I have learned something new and I can never say that I am bored. I feel that Equity Research forces me to be on my toes -- I have to have a thorough understanding of my industry, stocks, as well as the macroeconomy and how it affects the consumer. I have previously worked in Investment Banking and Management Consulting, but Equity Research is hands-down where I want to be long-term. The people I work with are among the most intelligent on the Street and they provide constant stimulation and food for thought. I love the ability to take a blank piece of paper and use original thought to build in-depth models and analyses, as well as weave in the overall business strategy of the companies in order to have a point of view on a stock. I enjoy the quick pace and the unpredictable nature of the business -- I never know what a day is going to be like -- Will there be news? Is there a merger? Will a company miss earnings?
How has Citi supported your career development?: I was promoted from Associate to Analyst in 2004. The following year, I was promoted to Vice President. Equity Research has a program for associates with several years of experience who are interested in becoming analysts. As I look back at my experience, my senior analyst served as an excellent mentor for me, by developing my skills and confidence to become an analyst. In addition, the Director of Research, has also been supportive of my development and has taken an active interest in making sure I have the building blocks to be successful as an analyst.
What advice would you offer prospective candidates on transitioning from school to the workplace?: Set lofty goals, work hard, and develop solid relationships with mentors. The benefit of being at Citi is that there are so many people to reach out to. Having a mentor doesn't need to be a formal process -- I have several people I consider my mentors and role models and I keep in touch with them. They often provide wisdom, based on their own experiences, as well as invaluable advice.

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