The CUPID program engages and embeds students and early career professionals from leading universities in innovation efforts across Citi.
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Highlights
- The CUPID program has engaged over 3,500 students and early-career professionals since its launch in 2017
- The program has worked with a diverse range of students from over 80 higher-ed institutions, including 38 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- The program has engaged over 800 HBCU students through corporate sponsorships, innovation challenges, and the annual HBCU Innovation & Leadership Symposium
- Over 200 CUPID participants have been hired for Citi jobs and internships
The program
CUPID partners with leading universities, external organizations, and teams across Citi on a variety of initiatives that seek to empower innovation and discovery within our firm while helping individuals of all backgrounds develop the skills they will need to thrive in the modern workplace.
Engagement Model
ARROW (Attract, Retrain, Retain, & Optimize Workforce)
The CUPID ARROW Program is a five-week, accelerated cohort hiring model designed to support recruitment efforts targeting early-career positions across Citi. Using an agile approach, CUPID ARROW curates skills training, mentorship, project work, and networking in order to source and upskill high-potential, diverse talent and transition them into open lateral roles through a test-to-buy model.
University Partnerships
In partnership with Citi Human Resources, CUPID seeks out strategic partnerships with universities and colleges across the globe. Through strategic projects and development workshops, the program aims to engage diverse and high-potential talent from various types of institutions (e.g., HBCUs and STEM universities) and provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities.
Innovation Competitions
CUPID identifies and engages diverse, top talent through curated innovation challenges such as hackathons and case competitions. Winning candidates have an opportunity to network and interview with partnering businesses.
Specialized Programming
CUPID curates customized engagements that allow students and early-career professionals to learn more about Citi’s various businesses and functions as well as the broader financial services industry. Special programs include the HBCU Innovation & Leadership Symposium, senior speaker series, networking sessions, innovation workshops, and co-sponsored company engagements.
Focus Areas
Innovation
Supporting the initiatives and talent strategies across the broader Venture Innovation team and Citi’s Global Innovation Labs
Strategy
Developing new product and service concepts and market entry strategies for Citi's Institutional Clients Group and Global Consumer Banking client needs.
Design
Co-creating innovative solutions with a focus on creating unique and compelling customer experiences.
Public Policy
Ideating on policy-based solutions for emerging challenges such as smart cities and economic mobility.
Technical / Engineering
Building proof-of-concepts and prototypes leveraging emerging technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.
