At CIT, we’ve structured our Financial Analyst Program so that participants experience more on a day-to-day basis than most other programs. This means you’ll play an integral role in multiple aspects of each deal as you collaborate closely with senior managers. This proximity to high profile work isn’t something you’ll find elsewhere in the industry. By offering an up-close look at daily workings, our analysts get a better view of the big picture — resulting in a rich and relevant experience.
Share in the experiences of a CIT Financial Analyst:
Financial Analyst: Peter Wolczynski
New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business
How did it feel when you realized that you were going to be more than photocopying at CIT?
The analysts are undoubtedly an integral part of CIT; we were given considerable responsibilities from day one and they have been increasing ever since. People come to us looking for answers and analysis that will influence how they carry on with their assignments and deals. You really do get a feeling of accomplishment seeing your work truly make an impact within your group and the firm.
In what ways has CIT helped you build your intellectual capital?
CIT as a whole provides tremendous access to senior members of the numerous groups within the company. By working directly with Vice Presidents, Directors and Managing Directors, I have been able to obtain knowledge and learn directly from them on a daily basis. In addition to the analyst training program, senior members of my group have held supplementary classes that focused on the analytical and industry needs of our group.
In what ways has CIT helped build your relationship capital?
I have been able to build my relationship capital at CIT through a constant interaction with clients and management of portfolio companies. Even at the analyst level, you are given many opportunities to interact, talk and work alongside numerous management teams, developers and financial institutions. By doing so, you quickly expand and develop your relationship skills.
In what ways have you grown professionally and personally at CIT?
I have learned that it’s not only your industry and product knowledge that matters, but also your existing relationships and your ability to develop new ones. I have really gotten to know my peers and seniors more personally. Since many of my colleagues and clients are from different parts of the U.S. and even the world, I get exposed to different cultures, customs and ideas.
What has been the most exciting and challenging assignment for you so far at CIT and why?
I was part of an internal CIT team whose objective was to figure out what a company needed in terms of additional capital, how that would affect its business operations and what the value-add was. This assignment proved to be challenging and different because it not only dealt with providing capital but it also required a larger, more encompassing solution to the operational and market issues as well.
What has been the most defining moment in the program?
The most defining moment came during my first few days while working on my first assignment at CIT. I quickly realized that my work and my analysis were really making an impact on the deal team and how it was going to carry on with the assignment. I saw that we were being given an opportunity and a chance to do something significant and that it would be given to us if we stood up, asked for it and delivered.
Financial Analyst: Jennifer Mitchell
Villanova University
In what ways have you grown professionally at CIT?
In my first year as an analyst, I have had the opportunity to work on all aspects of the deal process. By seeing deals from the origination process through underwriting and the portfolio management stage, I have had a great jump point to start to a well rounded career. This process has given me the opportunity to develop relationships and knowledge throughout my first year at CIT that I will be able to leverage for the rest of my life.
In what ways have you grown personally from working at CIT?
Working at CIT has given me the opportunity to realize the benefit of having a balance between my personal and professional life. My time here has helped me learn that a personal success is just as important as a team success.
What has been the most exciting and challenging assignment for you so far at CIT and why?
So far, the most challenging and exciting assignment that I completed was my first financial model. It was difficult for me to produce a company’s model from an empty excel sheet and the company’s basic historical statements. The pieces slowly came together over a few weeks and when it was finally finished, it was one of the most gratifying feelings to have completed such a complex document on my own.
What has been your proudest moment in the program?
36 hours. Six client meetings. The first time I’ve been to LA and, to top it all off, I went to the movie premier for one of Joel Silver’s films, The Reaping. My proudest moment in the analyst program was my first business trip.
In what ways has CIT helped build your relationship capital?
From the first day of the analyst program when I met the Analyst class that I would begin my career with to business meetings where I have had conversations with CEO’s of large companies, CIT has provided me with the opportunity to build lasting relationships and has taught me that these relationships are the key to the success of both my career and of CIT.