In 2020, campus recruiting changed faster than any class of students could adapt. Big banks like Citi were still actively visiting top schools to run info sessions, virtual events, and interviews — but the context (COVID-19, travel restrictions, remote interviewing) meant every session had two jobs: (1) communicate what the firm needed and (2) reassure students about process and next steps in an uncertain hiring season. This article summarizes what Citi’s info sessions at Princeton, Yale, and the University of Georgia likely covered in the 2020 recruitment cycle and — more importantly — gives practical, ready-to-use guidance for students who attended (or who find themselves in similar events going forward): what to listen for, how to follow up, how to prepare for interviews, and how to turn an info session into a real advantage.
Why these info sessions matter (even in a noisy year)
Info sessions are more than slide decks. They’re structured opportunities to:
- Understand hiring priorities (which divisions are adding headcount this cycle).
- Hear the real recruiting timeline and process (applications, assessment centers, interviews).
- Meet recruiters and alumni — crucial for getting interview invites or referrals.
- Gauge culture and the everyday reality of life at the bank.
- Get actionable interview prep tips (which banks often share in Q&A).
In 2020, with virtual events becoming the norm, an info session’s audience reach increased, but so did the noise — hundreds more students could join. That made standing out afterward (via smart follow-up and relevant connections) even more important.
What Citi likely covered at Princeton, Yale, and UGA (typical agenda)
While each campus session has its own flavor, Citi info sessions commonly include these elements:
- Opening remarks & firm overview
- Citi’s global footprint, business lines (IB, Markets, Treasury & Trade Solutions, Consumer Banking, Operations & Technology), and strategic priorities (e.g., digital, risk management, international trade).
- Division-specific highlights
- A short presentation or panel from alumni/current analysts about day-to-day responsibilities, career progression, and recent notable projects.
- Recruiting timeline & role types
- Internships (summer analyst/programs), full-time analyst roles, rotational programs, and whether the office is hiring for local or global roles.
- What Citi looks for
- Core traits (quantitative aptitude, communication, teamwork, cultural fit) plus role-specific skills (modeling for IB, coding/SQL for tech/quant roles).
- Case examples / day-in-the-life
- Anecdotal examples of projects or mini-case walkthroughs to show how problems are structured.
- Q&A panel
- Open questions from students, often the most revealing part (travel, relocation, mentorship, diversity initiatives).
- Networking & next steps
- How to connect with on-campus reps, application links, office-specific contacts, and tips on interview prep resources.
If the sessions were virtual (as many were in 2020), Citi likely emphasized process adaptations: remote assessment centers, virtual superdays, and digital onboarding plans.
Key signals to listen for during the session
When you’re in the audience, pay attention to signals that show where the firm’s priorities, constraints, and opportunities lie:
- Which business lines get the most airtime? More time = more hiring.
- Language about remote vs. in-office: indicates whether internships will be virtual or on-site.
- Specific technical skills referenced (e.g., Python, VBA, SQL) — these are priority skills to highlight on your resume.
- Mentorship and training promises: good signal of support for new hires.
- Diversity & inclusion programs mentioned: indicates resources and affinity networks you can join.
- Timing and application windows: take a screenshot or jot down exact dates.
Capture these details in a short note during the session — they’ll shape your follow-up and application.
How to follow up (do this within 24–48 hours)
Virtual or in-person, timing matters. A crisp follow-up makes you memorable.
Email follow-up template (to recruiter / campus rep)
Subject: Thanks — Citi info session at [Princeton/Yale/UGA] — [Your Name]
Hi [Name],
Thank you for hosting the Citi info session at [Princeton/Yale/UGA] today. I appreciated the insight on [specific thing they said — e.g., “how the Markets team works with cross-border clients” or “Citi’s virtual internship format”].
I’m a [year, major] at [School] with experience in [brief relevant line — e.g., “equity research internship; strong Excel/financial modeling background” or “software engineering internship; Python and SQL”]. I’m particularly interested in [specific division/role you heard about], and I’d welcome any advice on applying for the [summer internship / full-time analyst] or opportunities to speak with current analysts.
Thanks again for the session — I’d be grateful for any next steps or resources you recommend.
Best,
[Full name] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn URL]
Why it works: concise, referenced a specific moment (shows attention), and gives a clear ask (advice or next steps).
LinkedIn connection note (short)
Hi [Name], thanks for the Citi session at [School]. I’m [Your Name], interested in [division]. I’d love to connect and learn about any tips you have for applicants.
How to turn the session into interview momentum
- Tailor your resume immediately — add one line that mirrors language used in the session (e.g., “cross-border trade experience,” “fixed-income analytics”).
- Apply before or as soon as the application window opens — recruiter panels sometimes hint at rolling reviews.
- Ask for an alum intro — if a presenter is an alum from your school, ask (in your follow-up) for a short chat or informational interview. A 15-minute call can translate into an internal referral.
- Prepare a two-minute elevator pitch that references something from the session: “After hearing about Citi’s work in X, I’m interested because of Y; here’s one way I’ve already contributed…”
- Use campus career services to run your interview prep and mock superday, using the firm’s cues about case styles or technical assessments.
Interview and assessment tips (2020-era realities & beyond)
1. Prepare for virtual formats
- Test your setup (camera, mic, internet) and keep a neutral, uncluttered background.
- Practice speaking slightly slower for clarity over video and explicitly narrate your structure in case the interviewer can’t see notes.
2. Behavioral + technical balance
- Behavioral: Use STAR stories focused on impact, teamwork, and problem-solving. Pull stories that match what presenters emphasized.
- Technical: For IB roles — refresh accounting, DCF basics, LBO intuition, and modeling (if asked). For Markets/Trading — focus on mental math, market awareness, and probability-based questions. For tech/ops — be ready to discuss systems, SQL, or coding problems.
3. Case / market questions
- Citi’s markets / trading interviews may include market-moving event discussions. Practice structuring macro/market questions and be ready to talk about recent news events intelligently. In 2020, topics like COVID-19 impacts, liquidity, and stimulus were common contexts.
4. Assessment center tips
- If Citi runs group exercises, listen actively, drive structure, and summarize group decisions. Speak early but allow others to contribute — assessors evaluate both leadership and teamwork.
Networking scripts for alumni and analysts
Short request for a 15-minute informational chat:
Hi [Alum Name], my name is [Your Name], and I’m a [year/major] at [School]. I enjoyed your point about [specific detail from the session]. I’m preparing to apply to Citi for [division/role] and would hugely value 15 minutes to ask about your experience and any interview tips you’d recommend. Are you available for a quick call next week?
If they accept, prepare 3 focused questions: (1) What does success look like in your first six months? (2) What’s one thing they wish they knew before starting? (3) Any interview topics to prioritize?
What to do if the firm shifts plans (common in 2020)
2020 showed that hiring plans can change. If a recruiter signals pauses, pivots to virtual internships, or delayed timelines:
- Ask about timelines and contingencies — get dates or approximate windows.
- Ask whether candidate evaluations will differ (e.g., more weight on behavioral vs. in-person tests).
- Ask about remote onboarding — this will inform whether you’ll accept a virtual internship.
- Keep applying broadly — don’t put your recruiting eggs in one basket until an offer is signed.
Being flexible but proactive is the right posture in a fluid cycle.
Practical checklist for students who attended Citi’s sessions
- Send a tailored follow-up email within 24–48 hours.
- Connect with presenters/alumni on LinkedIn with a short note.
- Update resume to reflect skills emphasized in the session.
- Apply to the posted roles immediately when the portal opens.
- Schedule mock interviews (behavioral + technical) with career services.
- Prepare one “why Citi” story that references something specific from the campus talk.
- Keep a one-page “talking sheet” with 3 STAR stories and 2 technical talking points for interviews.
Lessons learned from the 2020 recruiting environment
- Visibility still matters — even in virtual cycles, those who followed up effectively and built brief alum relationships were more likely to get interview invites.
- Communication beats perfect credentials — clear, specific responses and demonstrable curiosity were highly valued.
- Flexibility is a competitive advantage — candidates who demonstrated readiness to work virtually or relocate were more marketable.
- Preparation for current events is essential — expect questions that tie your role to macroeconomic or sector trends, especially in tumultuous years.
Closing: make the session work for you
Whether Citi’s 2020 visits were in-person or virtual, the arc from attendance to offer follows the same logic: listen actively, capture signals, follow up precisely, and translate what you learned into targeted application materials and interview prep. Use every conversation after the session — with the recruiter, with an alum, and within career services — to convert interest into advantage. If you want, I can draft a tailored follow-up email for your specific division of interest (Investment Banking, Markets, Tech/Operations, or Treasury & Trade Solutions) or create a mock interview script based on the team you plan to apply to. Which would you like next?
