Credit Suisse

Q: How did you first become interested in investment banking and Credit Suisse?

A: I was attracted to Wall Street from the start, which I identify as the heart of the financial services industry. Within that I quickly identified Credit Suisse as a viable employer, because its reputation and brand equity was known to all on the Street. In addition, the Robert Toigo Fellowship allowed me the opportunity to network with the right people and leverage the resources to support my career goals on Wall Street.

Q: Has the investment banking job met your expectations?

A: The job has unequivocally met my expectations. I have had the fortune of joining Wall Street during a very  robust time in the markets. The day to day demands of the job are challenging and rewarding. I think investment banking is one of the best jobs that you can have coming out of college. It opens up a wealth of opportunities. At Credit Suisse, we have a great track-record for providing financial services across all asset classes.

Q: What surprised you the most when you started?

A: The pace at which deals were done shocked me the most. We work very fast whether we’re doing pitch-related or deal-related   activities. That speed speaks to the ability of the senior bankers who lead the deal and the junior bankers who support it.

Q: What is your advice to students and young professionals interested in Credit Suisse?

A: Again, preparation is important. There’s a plethora of information about what a career in investment banking entails. I would encourage people to work with their university career service centers as well as utilize online resources such as Vault and Wet Feet guides. The human element is important at Credit Suisse – so if you have the chance to speak with the recruiters – take it. For the candidates, if you have a story – you’re passionate about what you want to accomplish – you will stand out. There is a lot of competition – you need a way to differentiate yourself.

Q: Based on your experience so far, is Credit Suisse a diverse  company?

A: Credit Suisse is diverse. You can look across the deal team members, and we have made a commitment to making it a more diverse bank. I personally have made a commitment to encourage more people of color to join the bank. When you have people from different walks of life, you have different ideas… you can’t predict the valuable insights they will bring to work. That’s why we pride ourselves on diversity and that’s one of our calling cards going forward. We have won business based on the depth our diversity initiatives, we can demonstrate that we’re able to recruit, retain and develop diverse employees.

As one of the world’s leading banks, Credit Suisse provides its clients with investment banking, private banking and asset management services worldwide. Credit Suisse offers advisory services, comprehensive solutions and innovative products to companies, institutional clients and high-net-worth private clients globally, as well as retail clients in Switzerland. Credit Suisse is active in over 50 countries and employs approximately 45,000 people. Credit Suisse’s parent company, Credit Suisse Group, is a leading global financial services company headquartered in Zurich. www.credit-suisse.com/careers.