I would like to pursue a career in investment banking and have a preference for the field of mergers and acquisitions. For my bachelor’s degree work/study program, I sought a company in this area in order to learn about the world of finance. Calyon is a youth-oriented bank that regularly proposes internships and work/study programs.
I had not thought of commercial banking but this activity seemed to me to provide a good entry point for an initial experience in the finance sector.

My main responsibility is to assist three Account Managers in their work and with all transactions involving billings and client account movements: account openings, payment flows, mutual fund orders and cash pooling. I also answer clients’ questions and send them literature. I work in the branch specialised in the Luxury Goods, Real Estate and Transportation sectors, and our clients are primarily large French companies with international operations.

This is my first experience with a bank. My integration took place quite simply and naturally. I was very well received by the staff and the branch manager has always been available to answer my questions and explain the workings of the commercial bank and its products. The Account Managers have also presented me their day-to-day tasks in detail. Thanks to all these explanations I quickly understood the point of view of the commercial banking business lines and the implications of each of my actions. This is the first time I have worked in an open plan environment. The atmosphere is different but one becomes quickly immersed in the highly motivating group dynamic.

I am in direct contact with clients and must be responsive to their expectations: their questions require clear and rapid responses. Self-discipline is essential in this sector of activity and I am increasingly self-reliant in my work. As time goes by, my colleagues entrust me with increasingly important tasks. I have also come to understand the importance of the manager who coordinates all of those involved in a given project. I am fortunate to have been introduced to corporate and investment banking through the prism of commercial banking.