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Q&A

Sayaka Sato

Job Description : Fixed Income
Business : Sales & Trading Middle Office
Year of Entry : 2003

Describe a typical day.
I arrive at the office at around 8:30am and start working on trades done the previous day. The telephone never stops ringing because Fixed Income deals with trades all over the world and a major market is always open somewhere. In the morning, I am in constant contact with Operations as I execute trades, open accounts, and take care of trades done the previous day. Before the London market opens the office is a little quieter, so I use the afternoon to sort out tickets and up-date customer information. Once the London market opens, the number of trades increases rapidly and the office gets really lively. I take as many calls as possible and handle trades with the utmost accuracy, according to stock, country, and customer. After the volume of trades subsides I leave the office, usually at around 19:00pm to 20:00pm
How important is teamwork at Citigroup Global Markets Japan?
In the middle office of Fixed Income it is very important to have good relationships with other divisions’ middle offices, Sales, and Operations. If it wasn’t for this close teamwork mistakes might happen which could lead to a loss of credibility, both inside and outside the company. It is teamwork that enables us to perform our tasks with precision and accuracy, no matter what the circumstances. As I used to work in Operations I have a good relationship with staff there, which enables me to perform my tasks accurately and efficiently. Our colleagues in Sales also understand our work and support us to the utmost.
What do you count as your greatest success at Citigroup Global Markets Japan?
I feel most fulfilled when I am handling a large volume of trades in pressure situations. In my job there are always new challenges and opportunities, these give me the opportunity to test myself, increase my experience, and grow as a person. I approach everyday and each new challenge in a positive way.
How has the global nature of the business affected your work?
I feel it everyday as I constantly contact Citi colleagues in New York, London, Mumbai, Seoul, Hong Kong, Sidney, Singapore, and many other areas.
Do you have words of advice for incoming candidates?
Even though job hunting can sometimes be tough, you should also use it as an opportunity to examine yourself and your personal goals.　If you do this, I’m sure you will be able to find the job that is right for you. In the beginning, the finance industry was a challenge for me but now I really enjoy it. I like working here at Citigroup Global Markets Japan because I get the opportunity to learn and increase my knowledge and skills every single day. Believe in yourself and do your best.

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