Citi, FINEX Foundation mentor next generation of banking leaders

MANILA, Philippines - In partnership with the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (FINEX Foundation), Citi Philippines recently launched the 10th Citi Junior Bankers Mentorship Program at the Citibank Smart Branch in Makati City.

At least 50 high potential students from local state colleges and universities participated in the whole day affair, eager to work with member companies of FINEX, the foundation’s affiliate, which represents the largest organization of finance executives in the country.  Citi is a member company, and volunteers readily signed up to serve as mentors for these deserving students.

Funded by Citi Foundation, the Citi Junior Bankers Program (CJB) seeks to train and link high potential students who are studying in local state colleges and universities to employment with FINEX member companies. The students are in the top 25% of their class and have shown the potential to succeed if given the proper training and advice. 

Ned Goseco, FINEX chairman of the professional development committee and Ayala Corp. managing director commented on this unique Citi program: ”We told our students that they should cherish this rare opportunity to be learning directly from very senior and successful Citi executives. It is truly a privilege for them to have these personal conversations.”

CEO Batara Sianturi is leading 10 mentors from Citi Philippines that will work with CJB participants based in Metro Manila.  Sixteen graduating students from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and University of Rizal were paired up with Citi executives. During the launch of the mentorship program, the students also toured the Citibank Smart Branch and learned about the latest developments and technological innovations in consumer banking.  The event ended with the participants meeting their assigned mentors for their first one-on-one sessions.

Addressing the students, Sianturi said: “I am honored to be serving as a mentor for this program together with my other colleagues from Citi to help you find the right path to a successful career.  We are here to guide you, not to give you all the answers, but help you find them, as you start down the path of exciting professional journey.”

“A good mentorship largely depends on how much you, the mentee, puts into the engagement.  You must put in the work in creating/crafting short term goals for whatever it is you would like to achieve by the time you graduate from school, and this must follow-through with action and execution,” advised Batara.

Prior to meeting Batara, the participants were given a briefing and orientation by Citi Philippines head of learning and development Agnes Mondonedo.  During that workshop, she described the expectations of a mentee and gave the participants tips on how to make the most out of their engagement with their executive mentors.  In the next 3 months, the students are expected to work with their mentors in crafting short term goals that will help them achieve their career goals/ambitions. The engagement also calls for at least three sessions where the students are expected to define their goals and come up with action plans with their mentors. 

“You are very fortunate to have the opportunity to be mentored by senior executives not only from Citi, but also from other FINEX member companies who have made the time to invest in your success.  We hope that you put in the same effort and investment into this program.  Be confident, be proactive, come to your meetings prepared, and most importantly, work in developing a good relationship with your mentor because they will be able to help you down the road,” advised Mondonedo.