Home > Careers > Experiences > Q&A > Junko Wakamori

[ The text begins. ]

Q&A

Junko Wakamori

Job Description : Foreign Security Customer Service
Business : Operations
Year of Entry : 2000

What were your strongest initial impressions of Citigroup Global Markets Japan?
The sense of freedom that I felt at the firm made a lasting impression. When I was interviewing, I first noticed that there were many easy-going people working at the firm. Even now, everybody seems to keep their own individuality while working hard, and to respect those around them. This definitely keeps the firm "fresh".
How important is teamwork to you?
The importance of teamwork is high in any working environment. However, it plays a vital role in my area of responsibility, which is part of the Global Operations of Citigroup Global Markets Inc./Ltd., an overseas affiliate. In my line of work, teamwork and close communication between salespeople in Tokyo, local traders and account settlement managers is not only important, but no transaction would be finalized without it. Cooperation between my many colleagues that work on each step of the process from finalizing the trade to settlements is the key ingredient to providing a service that our clients will feel satisfied with.
What's the single greatest benefit that you derived from our Training?
In terms of the new employee training that goes on for one month before you are officially posted to your job, the benefit was that the program was filled with various topics such as general financial and economic studies, strategies for taking the JSDA exam, and internal operations lectures. One thing that I remember is the lecture that was done by each division of the firm. The explanation of operations made by people that actually worked in the field allowed me to learn about the entire firm in a short period of time. After being posted to my current job, the people I deal with are limited to those that are related to our operations. Looking back now, I think that the training was a valuable opportunity where I was able to get in direct contact with people from various divisions.
What do you count as your greatest success at Citigroup Global Markets Japan?
It is definitely difficult to pinpoint one situation where I felt the most satisfaction, but in my line of work I feel fulfilled when we complete our daily settlements. This is because as the bond amount gets larger, the risk of the transaction failing in the overseas DVP settlement becomes greater. In these situations we are asked to constantly make accurate decisions on the basis of the local conditions so that risks can be eliminated at an early stage or that problems can be solved quickly.
How has the global nature of the business affected your work?
I act as a link between overseas affiliates and Japanese clients; therefore, I cannot go without talking to local staff in Asia Pacific, Europe and the US regions on a daily basis. Specifically, the events that occur in those local areas as well as the difference in time or holidays between regions has a decisive impact on the daily settlements and I must always be aware of these conditions while I perform my duties.
Do you have words of advice for incoming candidates?
When you are doing your career search, you should consider it a good opportunity to find out where your future lies and also to reflect upon and analyze yourself. Being able to understand yourself as a human being and to accurately express your views are the keys to success. Industry knowledge will come in due time. If you have even a small level of interest in securities or finance, dive into the deep end and join our firm. I assure you will not be bored in our world.

Employee Profiles